San Francisco State University admits 96.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 24 in 25 applicants receive admission offers. This places San Francisco State University among the most accessible four-year institutions in the United States. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that San Francisco State University is significantly more accessible than typical four-year institutions, with an 18 percentage point difference in acceptance rates.
This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission to San Francisco State University. The Open Access designation reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including many who might face barriers at more selective institutions. Students should view San Francisco State University as a reliable option when building their college lists, with admission likelihood primarily dependent on meeting basic academic requirements rather than competing against thousands of similar applicants. For students prioritizing accessibility alongside strong career outcomes, San Francisco State University represents an excellent combination of opportunity and results.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
San Francisco State University enrolls 41.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating that a significant portion of the student body comes from lower-income families. Additionally, 48.2% of enrolled students are first-generation college students, and 47.7% are transfer students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse educational pathways.
This composition suggests that San Francisco State University prioritizes access for students from various economic and educational backgrounds. The substantial transfer population indicates strong pathways from community colleges, making it an accessible option for students beginning their higher education journey at two-year institutions. The high percentage of first-generation students demonstrates that the university successfully serves families new to higher education.
Given San Francisco State University's 96.2% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students can expect admission. However, students seeking alternatives may consider these options for different academic focuses, geographic preferences, or cost considerations.
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Prospective students from these backgrounds should recognize that nearly half of their potential classmates share similar experiences, creating a supportive environment for academic and social integration. Transfer applicants should note the significant transfer enrollment, suggesting established support systems and credit transfer processes. Students from lower-income families can expect to find substantial representation among their peers, along with institutional experience serving students with similar financial circumstances.
San Francisco State University achieves an 83.7% retention rate, essentially matching the peer median of 83.7%, indicating consistent first-year student support and engagement. The graduation rate reaches 50.1%, below the peer median of 65.9%, reflecting the challenges that often accompany serving diverse student populations with varied levels of academic preparation and external responsibilities.
However, Pell-eligible students graduate at 66.2%, significantly higher than the overall graduation rate. This 16.1 percentage point positive gap suggests that San Francisco State University provides exceptional support for lower-income students, helping them overcome financial and academic barriers to degree completion. This pattern indicates strong institutional commitment to student success across economic backgrounds.
Prospective students should understand that San Francisco State University demonstrates particular effectiveness in supporting students from lower-income backgrounds through graduation. Students who gain admission can expect institutional resources focused on retention and completion, particularly for those facing economic challenges. The positive Pell completion gap suggests that financial aid and support services effectively address barriers that might otherwise prevent degree completion.
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