San Francisco State University Courses 2026: Popular UG, PG, & Certificate Courses

The SFSU is famous for unique courses such as journalism, creative writing and film to technology, science, business, government and education, Health Professions and Related Programs, Social Sciences, Psychology, Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

San Francisco State University and Arizona State University are one of the top-ranked public universities of USA. San Francisco State University ranked #178 in 2024 among the National Univeristies according to the top-ranking publishers whereas, Arizona University ranked #105 hence securing a higher ranking than SFSU. Shiksha Study Abroad grading system has graded SFSU an overall grade of B and Arizona State University was graded an overall A. To determine which university is better there are multiple factors that need to be taken into consideration such as the tuition fee, programs offered, location, housing facilities, campus life, overall expenses, scholarships, and placements offered and many more.

SF State University offers on campus housing facilities to students to offer them with supportive environement and enhance the overall experience at university. The on campus housing offers students with facilities such as access to Wi Fi furniture and classes library bookstore and main campus are just few minutes away. Some housing options offered by university include halls such as West Grove Commons, Mary Park Hall & Mary Ward Hall, along with suite options such as Tower Junior Suites, and apartments such as Village at Centennial Square, Manzanita Square, University Park North, and others. 

To know more about the housing facilities and different resident options, visit the University official website

Students must have an idea of the expenses they have to bear, especially while planning to study overseas. Except tuition fees, students must also have funds to cover daily expenses. The following table lists the estimated cost of living at San Francisco State University:

The San Francisco State University provides its students with various scholarship options, mostly on the basis of merit. Some of the scholarships are valid just for international students, and some can be valid for both domestic and international students. The minimum GPA requirements for these scholarships are generally 2.5-3.0 out of 4.0 or higher. The following are the most popular scholarships given by the university:

• International Student / Associated Students Scholarship
• Scholarships via Academic works (General Campus Scholarships)
• Departmental or College-Based Scholarships
• Systemwide or Nationally Competitive Scholarships via Fellowships Office)

SFSU offers various courses to students according to their interests and career goals. Some of the most chosen programs by Indians are given below

Film and Media Studies
Communication/Speech and Rhetoric
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
Ethnic Studies
Early Childhood Education

An unofficial source says, SFSU acceptance rate is 90%. This shows the university is easy during admission. Students should meet the basic qualification of their program, submit all the documents, and complete the application. In case students fail to submit all documents, the application will be considered incomplete and may get delayed.

Check the general documents required for the SFSU admission process mentioned below

Academic records
Letters of recommendation
Statements of purpose
Updated CV/resume
Standardized tests cores like GMAT or GRE 
English Language proficiency test scores
Documented work experience
A valid passport

As per unofficial sources acceptance rate of San Francisco State University stands around 90% which shows that admission process is easy and university is lenient while admitting students. Applicants must make sure to meet academic requirements and English requirements as per basic eligibility criteria and submit the documents necessary for admission process. Applicants must refer to the official programme page for program-specific requirements if any.

San Francisco State University does not mandate the submission of ACT and SAT scores for their UG programs. However, students are recommended to submit the scores for the relevant subject areas regardless to maximise their chances of admission to SFSU.

San Francisco State University expects a minimum GPA of 2 out of 4 from UG international students.
. Whereas the minimum GPA needed for postgraduate programs is around 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher, with a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The university also considers other factors such as proof of English language proficiency and submission of other documents such as academic records, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, updated CV,  and other additional requirements as per the programme chosen.

SFSU offers an MS in Computer Science programme where students are taught about the different aspects of System theory and Software Development, which includes both research and project components for more practical learning in technical and communication skills. Graduates from this programme are well prepared for Software Engineering, Software Development, and research-driven roles. The average salaries of these graduates range from USD 47,700 to USD 108,100. The programme goes on for 18 months, and the tuition fees are around INR 13 L.

SFSU offers an MS in Data Science and AI program designed to teach students the fundamentals of computer science, statistics, machine learning, and AI theory and its application. Graduates of this course are well prepared for roles like Data Scientists, AI Engineers, or Machine Learning Specialists. Their average starting salary typically ranges from USD 116,000 to USD 160,000. The program generally goes on for 18 months, and the tuition fees are around INR 14 L.

SFSU offers an MS in Accountancy program, which prepares students for careers across the public accounting, industry, government, and non-profit sectors. Graduates are well prepared for roles like Public Accountant, Financial Controller, Auditor, or Accounting Manager. The average salaries of these graduates are around USD 78,065. The programme goes on for 18 months, and the tuition fees are about INR 18 L.

SFSU offers an MS in Business Analytics program which trains students in techniques and systems that support data informed businessrelated decisions across various sectors like business government and semi government. The graduates of the program are well prepared for roles like Business Analysts Data Scientists and Marketing Analysts. The average starting salary of the graduates is around USD 80000 and USD 120000 depending on the industry they go in. The program goes on for about 12 months and tuition fees are about INR 25 L

International students from several countries and backgrounds take San Francisco State University admissions every year. As per the enrollment data (fall 2023), over 31,000 undergraduate applications were received by San Francisco State University, out of which over 28,000 were admitted and over 2,900 students were enrolled. Students from all around the globe are compelled to take the university due to its excellent programs and reputation.

At San Francisco State University, international students are expected to score a minimum GPA of 3 on a scale of 4. Along with GPA, standardized scores, English language requirements, and academic performance are equally crucial for SFSU admissions. International students must score an SAT score of a minimum of 1230 and an ACT score of 27. In addition, if a student has any prior experience relevant to the chosen programme can make a huge impact in the selection.