San Francisco State University Overview: Programs, Campus Life & Rankings

San Francisco State University (SF State), a public research university established in 1899 in San Francisco, California, is part of the California State University system and renowned for its commitment to social justice, diversity, and experiential learning. Evolving from a teacher-training school to a comprehensive institution, it offers over 200 academic programs across seven colleges, including pioneering efforts like the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies.

The university spans multiple campuses, including its main 144-acre site near Lake Merced, and boasts robust facilities and vibrant student life with over 200 organizations. Home to a diverse student body of over 21,000, SF State is known for its inclusive culture, athletics, and notable alumni in arts, activism, and science. With significant rankings in social mobility and diversity, and a strong focus on student support and global engagement, SF State offers an affordable, enriching education in one of the world’s most dynamic urban centers.

San Francisco State University: A Comprehensive Overview

San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public research university located in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. Established in 1899, SF State has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a diverse and comprehensive university, known for its commitment to social justice, equity, and experiential learning. It is a key member of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system.

History and Evolution

SF State’s roots trace back to 1857 with the establishment of the San Francisco Weekly Normal School, later becoming the California State Normal School in 1862. The institution was officially founded as the San Francisco State Normal School in 1899 by an act of the California legislature, primarily to address the city’s demand for skilled teachers.

Key milestones in its history include:

• 1901: First graduating class (36 women).
• 1921: Renamed San Francisco State Teachers College and began offering Bachelor’s degrees.
• 1935: Renamed San Francisco State College and expanded to offer liberal arts programs.
• 1949: Master’s degrees first offered.
• 1954: Moved to its current campus near Lake Merced.
• 1961: Joined the California State College system (now CSU).
• 1974: Officially became San Francisco State University.

SF State also holds the distinction of being the first U.S. university to establish a College of Ethnic Studies and an international relations department.

Campus and Facilities

SF State’s main campus spans 144.1 acres in southwest San Francisco. In addition to the main campus, it boasts several specialized locations:

• Downtown Campus: Primarily managed by the Lam Family College of Business and the College of Professional & Global Education. Located at 160 Spear St., it’s approximately 15,850 sq. ft.
• Romberg Tiburon Campus: A 52.7-acre campus home to the only marine and environmental science lab on San Francisco Bay.
• Sierra Nevada Campus: Offers short-term courses and workshops.

The university’s facilities are designed to support a robust learning and living environment. These include:

• Mashouf Wellness Center: A modern facility for recreation and wellness, featuring gym facilities, studio spaces, and small rooms for meetings or study.
• Gymnasium and Olympic-sized Swimming Pool: Primarily for SF State Athletics but also reservable for other events.
• Outdoor Spaces: Courtyards, lawns, and parks available for various activities.
• Cahill Learning Resources and Media Lab: Offers study spaces, computer labs with media editing capabilities, and printing services.
• J. Paul Leonard Library: The central library resource for students and faculty.
• On-Campus Accommodation: Provides various options including Residence Halls (Mary Ward Hall, Mary Park Hall) and Apartments (studio, 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom). The average rent ranges from $1000 to $1500 USD/month.

Facilities Services ensures the maintenance of the university’s 14 major academic and administrative buildings, auxiliary buildings, and grounds, adhering to high safety, aesthetic, and sustainability standards.

Academics and Colleges

SF State offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across its seven colleges:

• Lam Family College of Business
• College of Ethnic Studies
• College of Health and Social Sciences
• College of Liberal & Creative Arts
• College of Professional & Global Education
• College of Science and Engineering
• Graduate College of Education

The university awards:

• Bachelor’s degrees: 76 academic areas with an additional 47 areas of concentration.
• Master’s degrees: 64 academic areas with an additional 31 areas of concentration.
• Doctoral degrees: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership (with 2 concentrations), Ph.D. in Education (with a concentration in special education), and Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) in conjunction with UC San Francisco.
• Credential programs: 15 programs.
• Certificate programs: 50 programs.

Popular courses include Computer Science, Education, Biology, Industrial and Product Design, Nursing, Psychology, Business, and Arts. The Lam Family College of Business, for example, offers undergraduate degrees in Business Administration (including online completion), Hospitality & Tourism Management, Economics, and Labor & Employment Studies, alongside graduate programs like MBA, MS in Accountancy, and MS in Business Analytics.

Student Life and Demographics

SF State is known for its diverse student body, with over 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 1,000 faculty members (based on recent available data). It ranks highly among institutions hosting international students and for students studying abroad.

Student life is vibrant, with over 200 student organizations encompassing academic, arts, cultural, Greek life, honor societies, media/publication, philosophical, political, pre-professional, religious, service, social, social justice, university housing, and wellness groups.

Associated Students (AS) is the official student body government, offering various community-oriented resources, events, services, scholarships, internships, and student jobs.

Gator Athletics participates in NCAA Division II, California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) (for wrestling). The university offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs for over 300 students, including:

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling.
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball. The mascot, “The Gator,” was selected by students in 1931.

The Division of Student Life (DSL) provides extensive support services, including:

• Basic Needs Initiative: “Food + Shelter + Success” offers food, housing, and financial crisis support.
• Health and Wellness: Health Promotion & Wellness, Psychological Services, and Student Health Services.
• Campus Safety: Emergency Services and University Police Department.

Rankings and Reputation

San Francisco State University consistently garners recognition in various national and international rankings:

• QS World University Rankings 2026: Ranked 1401+ globally.
• U.S. News & World Report:
  • Ranked 8th in the nation for social mobility in its 2024 Best Colleges list.
  • National University Ranking: 178 (2024), 204 (2025).
  • UG Business Program: 176 (2025), 191 (2024), 190 (2023).
• Money’s Best Colleges in America 2024: Awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars.
• Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine: Ranked among the Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics.
• Niche: Earned an “A” for Diversity and an “A-” for Value.
• The Wrap: Recognized as one of the top 50 film schools in the country.
• Excelencia in Education: Earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for accelerating Latinx student success.

SF State is classified among the R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.

Notable Alumni

San Francisco State University boasts an impressive list of alumni who have achieved significant success in various fields, including 22 Pulitzer Prizes, 16 Oscars, 54 Emmys, 10 Grammys, and 12 Tonys among its graduates. Some prominent alumni include:

Arts & Entertainment: Annette Bening (actress), Danny Glover (actor and activist), Dana Carvey (comedian), Jeffrey Tambor (actor), Alex Borstein (actress, comedian, writer), BD Wong (actor), Kari Byron (television host), Kirk Hammett (Metallica guitarist), Johnny Mathis (singer), Delroy Lindo (actor), Anne Rice (author), George Duke (musician), Vince Guaraldi (jazz pianist).

Journalism & Literature: Ernest J. Gaines (author), Melba Beals (journalist, Little Rock Nine member), Jose Antonio Vargas (journalist).

Activists & Public Service: Cleve Jones (AIDS activist), Mario Savio (free speech movement leader), Ron Dellums (politician).

Science & Technology: Jayshree Ullal (engineer and CEO), Debra Fischer (physicist).

Filmmaking: Steven Zaillian (screenwriter/director), Lisa Cholodenko (screenwriter/director), Christopher Boyes (sound editor).

Cost of Attendance

The estimated total annual cost for students at SF State (as of recent data) is approximately:

• Undergraduates (On-Campus): USD 29,123 (including tuition fee, books/supplies, food/housing, personal expenses, and transportation).
• Graduates (Off-Campus): USD 33,257 (including tuition fee, books/supplies, food/housing, personal expenses, and transportation).

A significant portion of students (68%) receive some form of scholarships or financial aid, with the average need-based grant award being around $9,004.

San Francisco State University continues to be a pivotal institution in the Bay Area, offering a high-quality, diverse, and engaging educational experience within one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

FAQs about San Francisco State University

What is San Francisco State University known for?
SF State is known for its commitment to social justice, diversity, experiential learning, and being the first U.S. university to establish a College of Ethnic Studies.

Where is San Francisco State University located?
The main campus is located in southwest San Francisco, California, near Lake Merced.

When was San Francisco State University founded?
SF State was officially established in 1899 as San Francisco State Normal School.

What type of university is SF State?
It is a public research university and a member of the California State University (CSU) system.

How many students attend SF State?
Approximately 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled.

What academic programs does SF State offer?
SF State offers 76 bachelor’s, 64 master’s, and 3 doctoral programs, along with 15 credential and 50 certificate programs.

What are the most popular majors at SF State?
Popular majors include Computer Science, Business, Nursing, Psychology, Education, and Biology.

Does SF State offer graduate programs?
Yes, SF State offers numerous graduate programs including MBA, MS in Accountancy, Educational Leadership, and Physical Therapy (DPT).

What colleges are part of SF State?
There are seven colleges: Business, Ethnic Studies, Health & Social Sciences, Liberal & Creative Arts, Professional & Global Education, Science & Engineering, and Graduate Education.

Is SF State a good university for international students?
Yes, SF State is ranked among the top U.S. institutions hosting international students and offers strong global engagement programs.

What is the campus size of SF State?
The main campus covers 144.1 acres, with additional locations including the Romberg Tiburon and Downtown campuses.

What housing options are available on campus?
Housing includes residence halls and apartments with various configurations, ranging in rent from $1,000 to $1,500 per month.

What student organizations are available?
There are over 200 student organizations, covering academic, cultural, political, service, social, and wellness interests.

What sports does SF State offer?
SF State participates in NCAA Division II and offers 12 intercollegiate sports including basketball, soccer, track & field, and wrestling.

Who are some notable alumni of SF State?
Alumni include Annette Bening, Danny Glover, Dana Carvey, Alex Borstein, BD Wong, Kirk Hammett, and Jose Antonio Vargas.

What is SF State’s mascot?
The mascot is the Gator, chosen by students in 1931.

Does SF State provide financial aid?
Yes, around 68% of students receive financial aid, with the average need-based grant being approximately $9,004.

How much does it cost to attend SF State?
Estimated annual cost is about $29,123 for undergraduates living on campus and $33,257 for graduate students off campus.

What is the ranking of SF State?
SF State is ranked #8 nationally for social mobility and holds strong rankings for diversity and value across multiple platforms.

What unique features does SF State offer?
It houses the first College of Ethnic Studies in the U.S., offers a marine science lab on the Bay, and promotes high research activity (R2 classification).

Is SF State part of the CSU system?
Yes, it is one of the 23 campuses in the California State University system.

What support services are available for students?
Services include health and wellness programs, counseling, housing and food assistance, emergency services, and more through the Division of Student Life.

What is the J. Paul Leonard Library?
It is the university’s central library, offering extensive resources, study spaces, and technology access for students and faculty.

Does SF State have online programs?
Yes, SF State offers online degree completion programs and certificates, especially through the Lam Family College of Business.

How is campus safety managed at SF State?
Campus safety is overseen by the University Police Department and includes emergency preparedness and health services.

What is the Basic Needs Initiative?
This program supports students facing food, housing, and financial insecurity to help them succeed academically.

How diverse is the student body at SF State?
SF State has a highly diverse population and has received an “A” grade for diversity from Niche and the Seal of Excelencia for Latinx student success.