by our College Data Analytics TeamIs SFSU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
SFSU is ranked #685 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C+ (above average for value). Within California, it ranks #85 of 304 for value.
Among the majors SFSU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Ethnic Studies | #1 of 11 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #2 of 4 |
| Industrial Design | #4 of 62 |
| Asian-American Studies | #5 of 16 |
| Creative Writing | #6 of 106 |
| Chinese Language & Literature | #6 of 25 |
| Japanese Language & Literature | #6 of 25 |
| Native American Studies | #7 of 30 |
| Film Studies | #7 of 114 |
| General Apparel & Textiles | #8 of 40 |
Read the full SFSU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
San Francisco State University is ranked #31 out of #346 in California for quality and #85 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the SFSU financial aid page to be sure.
San Francisco State University is ranked #685 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
San Francisco State University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at SFSU costs about $17,163. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $68,650 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $26,234 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $12,278 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $17,163 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,650 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the SFSU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a SFSU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $104,936 | — | — |
| All Students | $68,650 | #685 | C+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $49,112 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $104,936 | — | — |
| All Students | $68,650 | #85 | B+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $49,112 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at SFSU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $9,307 |
| $30K–$48K | $10,251 |
| $48K–$75K | $12,916 |
| $75K–$110K | $16,944 |
| Over $110K | $22,813 |
About 65% of SFSU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $12,110 per year. Get more details on the SFSU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the SFSU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.