San Francisco State University

What are the graduation rates for students at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University reports an overall graduation rate of 50%, which is considered average and places the institution in the bottom 40% compared to other universities. Male students graduate at a slightly lower rate of 46%, while female students graduate at a marginally higher rate of 52%, though both rates remain within the bottom 40% and 35%, respectively. The retention rate, indicating the percentage of first-year students who continue at the university for a second year, stands at a strong 84%, ranking in the top 30% nationally.

The four-year graduation rate for undergraduates is notably low at 27%, placing San Francisco State University in the bottom 25% of institutions, which suggests that many students take longer than four years to complete their degrees. The six-year graduation rate improves to 50%, consistent with the overall graduation figure and in the bottom 40% percentile.

While specific graduation rates by major or degree type are not detailed, these figures provide a general overview of student completion at the university. Prospective students should consider that, despite solid retention, the pace of graduation typically extends beyond four years for many attendees.

What is the earning potential for graduates at San Francisco State University?

Graduates from San Francisco State University experience a broad range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study. Those with degrees in engineering disciplines tend to report some of the highest incomes. For instance, graduates with a degree in Mechanical Engineering earn approximately $65,759, while Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering alumni earn $65,046 and $59,604 respectively. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering also offers strong returns with an average income of $58,942.

Computer Science graduates stand out with an average income of $55,088, closely followed by General Computer and Information Sciences at $46,126. Business-related fields present competitive earnings as well. Accounting graduates earn about $52,626, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods yield approximately $50,942, and International Business graduates report earnings around $47,226. Finance, Hospitality Administration, and Marketing degrees offer solid median incomes ranging between $44,964 and $45,983.

Within health-related fields, Registered Nursing graduates achieve notably high earnings, with an average salary of $99,655, significantly surpassing other disciplines. Health Services and Allied Health fields also offer respectable earnings, averaging $41,041.

Majors in the social sciences and humanities generally produce moderate earnings. Degrees in Communication and Media Studies provide $42,620, Economics graduates earn roughly $43,709, and Urban Studies alumni make about $41,994. Political Science, Sociology, and Criminal Justice report average salaries between $37,329 and $37,633. Meanwhile, the field of Teacher Education in specific levels and methods offers average earnings near $38,565.

Biological sciences and related disciplines offer diverse salary ranges. Microbiological Sciences and Immunology lead with $47,260, followed by Biology at $38,903 and Biochemistry at $36,024. Other areas such as Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences and Physiology report incomes near $36,000, while Zoology averages $33,776.

Degrees in the arts and humanities tend to have lower earnings. English Language and Literature graduates earn about $31,355 and Rhetoric and Composition graduates near $30,994. Disciplines such as Design and Applied Arts and Anthropology yield roughly $37,384 and $34,390, respectively.

Fields related to psychology and behavioral sciences see moderate returns, with Psychology graduates earning approximately $29,678. Nutrition Sciences stand out with comparatively lower earnings, averaging $24,267.