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San Francisco State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.44

Acceptance Rate96.4%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

San Francisco, CA

Undergrad Enrollment19,444

Freshman Retention83%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio19:1

Graduation Rate50%

Test PolicyTest-free

How does your GPA compare at SF State?

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Key San Francisco State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

February 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$6,084

Out-of-State Tuition$18,684

Room and Board$22,266

Average Merit Award$1,318

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid68%

Average Aid Package$15,025

Average Debt at Grad$6,167

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.