San Francisco State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
SF State’s 96% acceptance rate and test-free policy mean your strategy should center on fit, grades, and follow-through rather than test scores. With an average entering GPA of 3.44 and a 50% six-year graduation rate, come in ready to choose courses carefully, use advising early, and stay on track.
⬡ LangSmith57b25200-d319-4680-b7f0-e3aabe7f2433Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
San Francisco State University facts and stats
San Francisco State University enrolls 19,444 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. SF State has an 83% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 50% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. SF State is test-free in its admissions process.
⬡ LangSmithbec428fb-7c58-4e46-9369-427e3ac68cedSan Francisco, CA
How does your GPA compare at SF State?
Key San Francisco State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
SF State is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and are not needed for the February 1 Regular Decision deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter if you are also applying to other colleges that use test scores.
⬡ LangSmith2295b5ff-d636-457c-87b3-094a74ecd2a4Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at San Francisco State University?
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What you'll actually pay
At SF State, in-state tuition is $6,084 and out-of-state tuition is $18,684. About 68% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $1,318, giving families a starting point for estimating net cost.
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Out-of-state tuition at SF State is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084; room and board adds $22,266. About 68% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $15,025. For context, graduates leave San Francisco State University with an average debt of $6,167.
⬡ LangSmith66000f35-6e5c-4e68-b663-3bbf5a568273Student life at San Francisco State University
2% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CAAcceptance rate: 95.3%
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 93.4%
SAT: 860–1140
ACT: 17–22
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 91.3%
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CAAcceptance rate: 90.5%
SAT: 860–1070
ACT: 22–30
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