San Francisco State University
San Francisco, United States • Founded 1899 • QS 2026 #1401-1501
Updated Oct 2026 · Source: sfsu.edu
Overview
San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, California, established in 1899 as a teacher training school.
It later grew into a comprehensive institution whose roots in teacher preparation remain visible in its Graduate College of Education. Academic work is organised across seven colleges: the Lam Family College of Business, the College of Ethnic Studies, the College of Health & Social Sciences, the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, the College of Professional & Global Education, the College of Science & Engineering and the Graduate College of Education.
Students can choose from bachelor's degrees in more than seventy academic areas and master's degrees in over sixty, alongside credential and certificate programs, a doctorate in educational leadership, a Ph.D. in education and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy offered jointly with UC San FrancisCo. The university describes a commitment to equity and community inclusion, with internships, fieldwork and service-learning courses built into many programs and a large number of student organizations on campus.
Applicants apply through the Cal State Apply system, and the admissions office supports freshman, transfer, graduate and international applicants.
Prospective students can find area-of-study listings in the SFSU Bulletin, and financial aid information, including grants, loans, work-study and scholarships, through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Location & Contact
San Francisco State University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
San Francisco State University's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Academic Structures
San Francisco State University's academic units are listed below, by type.
Unit 7 items
- College of Ethnic Studies
- College of Health & Social Sciences
- College of Liberal & Creative Arts
- College of Professional & Global Education
- College of Science & Engineering
- Graduate College of Education
- Lam Family College of Business
Programs Offered
Below are San Francisco State University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.
216 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 84 programmes
Showing 10 of 84.
Master's Degree 70 programmes
Showing 10 of 70.
Doctorate 3 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Certificate 4 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 54 programmes
Showing 10 of 54.
How to apply to San Francisco State University
What applying to San Francisco State University involves, in five steps.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. San Francisco State University offers 216 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at San Francisco State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via San Francisco State University's online portal at www.sfsu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco State University
A short Q&A covering San Francisco State University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
How old is San Francisco State University?
The institution opened in 1899 (approximately 127 years ago).
What city is San Francisco State University in?
San Francisco State University operates from San Francisco, United States.
Is San Francisco State University public or private?
San Francisco State University is a public institution.
How big is San Francisco State University's student body?
San Francisco State University serves approximately 18,639 students.
How is San Francisco State University ranked?
San Francisco State University holds rank QS 2026 #1401-1501.
How is San Francisco State University organised academically?
The institution comprises 7 academic units.
What is San Francisco State University's official website?
San Francisco State University's official website is www.sfsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for San Francisco State University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities in the same area as San Francisco State University.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Other institutions in the United States teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with San Francisco State University.
Universities Compared with San Francisco State University
Comparable universities to San Francisco State University are listed below.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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