San Francisco State University: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses
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SFSUWhat’s new?
- The application deadline for the Fall semester 2025 at San Francisco State University for international students is May 1, 2025.
Students can read about San Francisco State University admissions here.
- About San Francisco State University
- SFSU Programs
- San Francisco State University Scholarships 2024
- SFSU Admissions 2025
- San Francisco State University Tuition Fees, Duration & Eligibility 2024
- San Francisco State University Placements
- San Francisco State University Rankings 2024
- SFSU College comparison
- San Francisco State University Studying in USA
- San Francisco State University Notable Alumni
- SFSU Campus Life
- SFSU Vs San Jose Vs Arizona State University
- SFSU FAQs
SFSU Programs
San Francisco State University offers 94 master's degrees, 118 bachelor's degrees, 26 teaching credentials, and 5 doctoral degrees. Some of the popular courses at the university are Business and Management; Marketing; Health Professions; Social Services and Visual Performing Arts. The MBA Flagship Program at the university has a duration between 12 to 18 Months. Some of the specializations of the MBA course are given as follows:
- Business Analytics
- Business Administration
- Quantitative Economics
- Accountancy
The School of Engineering at the university offers the S-Smart Summer Research Internship Program along with a compensation of USD 4,000.
Also read: Study in USA - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships
The pie chart given below offers information about the various programs offered by San Francisco State University
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to popular courses such as Organizational leadership, Economics, International Business, Political Science and Government, etc
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Does SFSU require GRE for MS in CS?
Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.0 or above
TOEFL/IELTS scores for (potential) non-US Bachelor's degree holders
Bachelor's Degree (four years)
Currently available generic GRE (taken within the last three years, electronically submitted directly from ETS, and uploaded as a PDF to your Cal State Apply application)
2 LORs
SOP
Q: What are the popular courses at San Fransico University?
The university provides various courses for international students.Some of the popular courses at the university are Business and Management; Marketing; Health Professions; Social Services and Visual Performing Arts. The university is know for MBA Flagship Program at the university has a duration between 12 to 18 Months. Some of the specializations of the MBA course are given as follows:
- Business Analytics
- Business Administration
- Quantitative Economics
- Accountancy
Q: What is a popular major at San Francisco State University?
The most popular majors at San Francisco State University are Management, Business, Marketing, Health Professions, Social Services, and Visual and Performing Arts. Overall, San Francisco State University offers 94 master's degrees, 118 bachelor's degrees, 26 teaching credentials, and 5 doctoral degrees.
Q: Is MS in CS good at SFSU?
Master of Science in Computer Science is one of the greatest courses to pursue for in-depth knowledge of computer engineering. San Francisco State University's Master of Science in Computer Science programme provides foreign students with a top-notch education, cutting-edge practical training, and professional prospects. The full-time Master of Science in Computer Science programme at San Francisco State University lasts 18 months. One of San Francisco State University's premier programmes is the Master of Science in Computer Science. To get admitted, candidates must pass the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and TOEFL/IELTS language proficiency exams.
Q: What are the best programs at San Francisco State University?
San Francisco State University offers 120 UG, 106 PG, 3 Doctoral, and 23 teaching credential programs in diverse specializations. Some of the best programs offered by the university are Business Analytics; Accountancy; Quantitative Economics; Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; Computer Science; Physics; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Industrial Design, Biomedical Science, and more. The SFSU tuition for these programs ranges between INR 12.5L and INR 17L for undergraduates and INR 10L and INR 20L for postgraduate students.
San Francisco State University Scholarships 2024
The Office of Student Financial Aid at SFSU recognizes the limited number of scholarships that are specifically for international students attending San Francisco State University. You need to search for the list of scholarships available for international students at SFSU's official website and apply for the ones that do not specifically state that you must be a United States citizen or permanent resident. Some of the scholarships offered to international students are given as follows:
- David Goldstein Memorial Scholarship in Paralegal Studies
- Amy Love Memorial Scholarship
- Alexandra Laboutin Bannon Scholarship
- Early Childhood Special Education Scholarship
Students can check the Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Does San Francisco State University give scholarships for international students?
San Francisco State University provides financial aid to international students who demonstrate the need for financial assistance. Several scholarships are available to international students based on need and merit. Some of these are:
Diana T.Y. Chung and Henry W.S. Chung Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa. The applicant must prove the need and merit for consideration to acquire this scholarship. A minimum GPA of 3.25 in the undergraduate programme and a GPA of 3.5 in a graduate programme are required to be considered for this scholarship.
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program
The scholarship for postgraduate study seeks to enable deserving candidates to undertake postgraduate studies at prominent universities in India and overseas. Every year, a scholarship of up to 20 lakhs is given to a handful of Indian students who demonstrate good scholastic performance consistently.
Gates Millennium Scholarship
This Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded scholarship is awarded to 20,000 excellent learners of color to encourage excellence in education, offer opportunities, and lower monetary obstacles. The scholarship is primarily for admission to undergraduate courses.
Note: Scholarship deadlines and amounts may vary. For more details on the scholarship application process and deadlines, please visit the university’s scholarship webpage.
SFSU Admissions 2025
San Francisco State University accepts admissions during the Fall and Spring intakes every year.
Application Deadline 2025
The application deadline for international students at San Francisco State University for the Fall semester 2025 is May 1, 2025.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Students can apply online and be sure to check the important dates and deadlines
International students should have a minimum GPA of 3.00 or greater
Submit the English Language Proficiency test scores
Provide transcripts or academic records
Students will be required to submit their proof of finance and passport copy
Students can check their application status online after submitting the application form and receiving an email from SFSU
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for international students at San Francisco State University is around 91%, making admissions to the university easy
Application Fee
The application fee for students applying to SFSU is USD 70 (INR 5,877) non-refundable
Eligibility
The minimum English Language Proficiency test scores are mentioned below
English Language Proficiency Tests | Minimum Test Scores |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL | 61 |
PTE Academic Score | 45 |
Students can read about the Admission intakes in the USA for International Students
- Application fees :USD 70
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Type of documents | Applicable for |
---|---|
SOP | Needed for few courses |
LOR | Needed for few courses |
Essays | Not required |
CV | Needed for few courses |
Additional documents | Required |
Intake season | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | 1ˢᵗ Feb - 30ᵗʰ May 2025 |
Spring | 1ˢᵗ Feb - 1ˢᵗ Nov 2025 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Is San Francisco state hard to get into?
The San Francisco State University acceptance rate is 91% which shows the university follows easy selection criteria during admission. However, the university will not compromise with low academic performance and required test scores. International students must showcase their excellent academic performance along with high GPAs, standardized scores, and English language proficiency. In addition, students with relevant experience and who take part in extracurricular activities get preference during SFSU admission.
Q: How long does it take to hear back from SFSU State?
On submitting your application form, the university will send you an email with a San Francisco State University Identification Number. You can check the status of your application online by visiting the application portal.
Undergraduate Decisions
After receiving the complete application and all supporting documents, the university takes the admission decision in a couple of months.
Graduate Decisions
For graduate programs, the application is first screened by the Graduate admissions department and then sent to the relevant department for the final decision. This process takes 4-6 weeks. Applicants may check the admission decision on the SF State Gateway online portal.
Besides, it is recommended to register with an active email ID and check it frequently for the latest updates on admission-related information. Also, students must remain active on the official website of the university to stay updated with any admission-related announcements.
Q: When do the admissions start at SFSU?
San Francisco State University offers admissions in four intakes:
Fall Intake
Winter Intake
Spring Intake
Summer Intake
The tentative deadlines for international application submission for graduate and undergraduate applicants are given below:
Intakes | Deadlines* |
---|---|
Undergraduate Applications | |
Fall | Mid - December |
Winter | Late - June |
Spring | Late - August |
Summer | Late – September |
Graduate Applications | |
Fall | Between February and March |
Spring | Between October and November |
*Deadlines vary depending on the course and can change frequently. We encourage students to check the school/department’s website for the exact deadlines.
Q: How to apply to SFSU as an international student?
The applicant must have a strong academic record from an accredited or recognised institution and be eligible to enrol in a university in their home country. A $70.00 application fee is required of each and every candidate for admission to the university.
For consideration for admission to SF State and the Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies, candidates must complete all components of the online application. From the application deadline, it takes between four to six weeks to complete the admissions process.
Q: How to apply at SFSU?
To get admitted to San Francisco State University, international applicants must adhere to the procedures listed below:
Step 1: Select a program: International students can select from more than 120 undergraduate, 106 graduate, or three doctorate programs, and can verify which programs meet their requirements for admission.
Step 2: Complete the application form: Before the SFSU deadline, international students may apply online through the University application portal and submit the necessary paperwork, which includes essays, certificates of relevant experience, academic transcripts, test results from standardized assessments, and English language proficiency.
Step 3: Pay the application fee: International students must pay SFSU's application fee, which is USD 70 (INR 5.8K). (USD 1= INR 83.78 on August 20, 2024)
Step 4: Await a response: After reviewing the student's application, SFSU sends an offer letter to enroll in the UG or PG programme within a few weeks.
Step 5: Pay tuition: The amount that international students must pay will depend on the course that they have selected. For undergraduate students, the tuition fees range from INR 12.5L to INR 17L, while for postgraduate students, they are between INR 10L and INR 20L.
San Francisco State University Placements
San Francisco State University focuses on Career and Leadership Development to help students and alumni in achieving their career goals. Some of the services offered to the students are as follows:
- Resume and Cover Letter writing
- Leadership Development
- Interview Preparation
- Building Connections
- Events, Workshops and Fairs
- On and Off-Campus Internships
According to official data, San Francisco State University has a six-year graduation rate of 55%.
Some of the organizations in which the graduates of San Francisco University are employed are TikTok, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Adobe, Meta, and others. The sectors in which graduates of SF State University are employed are Business Development, Operations, Education, Marketing, Human Resources, and many more.
The pie chart given below provides information on the various sectors in which the graduates of SF State University are employed
Note: The 'Others' in the pie chart refers to some other placement opportunities such as Consulting, Research, Finance, etc
Students can check the Internships and Jobs in USA 2024
Popular Job Sectors in the USA for International Students 2024
San Francisco State University Rankings 2024
San Francisco State University ranking for 2024 according to the top-ranking publishers is #178. Shiksha Study Abroad grading system has given SFSU an overall grade of B. San Francisco State University also ranked #49 in Best Undergraduate Engineering programs. Some of the courses offered by San Francisco State University have been graded by the Shikhs study abroad grading system. The grades are mentioned below-
Course Offered | Shiksha Study Abroad Grading |
---|---|
BBA | B+ |
Masters of Science in Business Analytics | B+ |
Masters of Science in Quantitative Economics | B+ |
Students can check the Top Universities in the USA
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: Is the University of San Francisco better than San Francisco State University?
The comparison between the University of San Francisco (USF) and San Francisco State University (SFSU) depends on your specific academic and career goals. Both universities have their own strengths and areas of focus, so the "better" option depends on what you are looking for in a university. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating these institutions:
Academic Focus and Programs:
- USF: USF is a private university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, arts and sciences, education, nursing, and more. It is known for its smaller class sizes and personalized attention.
- SFSU: SFSU is a public university with a diverse range of academic programs and a focus on providing access to higher education for a broad and diverse student population. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across different fields.
Size and Campus:
- USF: USF has a smaller student population, which can lead to a more intimate and close-knit academic community. Its campus is located in a residential area of San Francisco.
- SFSU: SFSU is a larger university with a more extensive campus and a more diverse student body. The campus is located near the southwestern part of the city.
Cost and Financial Aid:
- USF: Being a private university, USF's tuition tends to be higher than that of public universities like SFSU. However, USF may offer various scholarships and financial aid options.
- SFSU: Public universities like SFSU typically have lower in-state tuition rates for California residents, and they may also offer financial aid opportunities.
Reputation and Rankings:
- Both universities have their own strengths and are respected institutions, but USF often ranks higher in national and international university rankings due to its smaller class sizes and resources.
Research Opportunities:
- If you are interested in research, SFSU may offer more extensive research opportunities in certain fields due to its public university status and larger faculty.
Location:
- Consider the location of each university and how it aligns with your preferences. USF is located near the city center, while SFSU is situated in a more suburban part of San Francisco.
Career Services and Alumni Network:
- Research the career services and alumni networks of both universities to see which one may better support your career goals and job placement after graduation.
Q: What are the Business course rankings at San Francisco State University?
Some of the Business and Management course rankings at San Francisco State University based on the US News and World Report are given as follows:
Year | US News and World Report- UG Business |
---|---|
2019 | 172 |
2020 | 167 |
2021 | 180 |
2022 | 166 |
2023 | 190 |
San Francisco State University Studying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
Q: What are some of the popular job roles in USA?
A few of the top job roles along with their average salaries for international students in the USA are given in the table below:
Top Paying Job Roles in USA | Average Starting Salaries |
---|---|
Lawyer | USD 126,930 |
Finance Manager | USD 120,644 |
Product Manager | USD 117,713 |
Management Consultant | USD 110,980 |
Data Scientist | USD 107,801 |
Q: What are some of the important highlights for studying in USA?
USA has been one of the top choices for education of international students. Some of the highlights to note while studying in USA are given as follows:
Category | Data |
---|---|
Universities in USA | More than 3,000 |
Average Living Expense | INR 10.5 Lakhs (per annum) |
Popular Courses in USA | |
Part-time Work Allowance | 20 hours/week |
Work permit in USA post-study | 12 months |
USA Study Visa cost | INR 15,430 |
Q: Can Shiksha free counseling assist me in USA visa interview/process?
Yes, Shiksha Counselling can guide students on document preparation and visa interview. Basically, while accessing the Shiksha counselling services, students are guided from initial college selection all the way up to get a successful student visa. Students will be assigned a dedicated counsellor who will remain in touch throughout the entire admission process.
SFSU FAQs
Q: What is the English proficiency requirement for San Francisco State University?
English Requirements for International Students
The minimum language requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate courses are mentioned below:
Type of Examination | Minimum Score Requirement |
---|---|
Undergraduate Applicants | |
TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) | An overall score of 500 |
TOEFL Computer-based Test (CBT) | An overall score of 173 |
TOEFL iBT | An overall score of 61 |
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition | An overall score of 61 |
Overall 6.0 bands | |
IELTS Indicator | Overall 6.0 bands |
An academic score of 45 | |
An evidence-based reading and writing score of 550 | |
English score of 22 | |
Postgraduate Applicants | |
TOEFL PBT | 550 or higher |
TOEFL iBT | 80 or higher |
IELTS | An average score of 6.5 from all bands |
PTE Academic | An overall score of 59 |
Duolingo (DET) | 120 or higher |
Note: Some of the courses may have higher score requirements or different academic and language requirements. Please refer to the intended course page on the university website to check the exact limit on each course.
Q: Is SFSU expensive for international students?
The first-year tuition fees for international students at San Francisco State University are given as follows:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
---|---|
MBA/PGDM (6 courses) | INR 13 L - INR 19 L |
BE/BTech (7 courses) | INR 13 L - INR 16 L |
MS (12 courses) | INR 11 L - INR 14 L |
MS4 (23 courses) | INR 10 L - INR 18 L |
MIM (5 courses) | INR 13 L - INR 19 L |
Q: What is the application process for San Francisco State University?
As a part of the California State University, SFSU accepts international applications through the CSU Common Portal. For admission to graduate or undergraduate programs at SFSU, international applicants must visit this portal, create an account, provide the supporting documents, and pay the application fee of USD 70.
International students may refer to steps given below for better understanding of the application process:
Step 1: Visit the Cal State Apply portal at calstate.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login and create an account.
Step 2: Add the programme of your choice and add details of the extended profile, including goal and visa.
Step 3: Add personal information, contact information, citizenship, ethnicity, and biographic information.
Step 4: Add academic history and supporting documents.
Step 5: Complete all four steps, pay the application fee, and submit the application form.
Next, wait for the results.
SFSU
Student Forum
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, you can qualify to take the CPA exam if you have an accounting degree from San Francisco State University (SFSU):
Undergraduate program
The accounting programme at SFSU offers courses that prepare students for professional certifications like the CPA. Students should consult an accounting adviso
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 months ago
San Francisco State University provides one of the best MBA programs in specializations, such as Business Analytics; Accountancy; Quantitative Economics; and more. The tuition cost for these programs is between INR 13L and INR 19L. The basic eligibility includes a bachelorette degree from a recognis
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
San Francisco State University can be considered to complete graduation in Civil Engineering. The university provides a four-year degree to students in Civil Engineering.
The planning, designing, and construction of public and private works, including buildings, bridges, highways, water and wastewate
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
San Francisco State University is one of the best universities in the USA. As per the unofficial data, the university ranked #178 among National Universities, #96 in Top Public Schools, and #49 for providing Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. Along with the high rankings, the university is acc
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Most of the SFSU graduation programs are the best. But it would be unfair to say that all programs provide the best opportunities to the students. It completely depends on the major or specialisation chosen by the students.
San Francisco State University provides various master's programs in diverse
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Contributor-Level 10
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if I have an accounting degree from san francisco state university. do I qualify to take CPA exam?