Students at San Francisco State University achieve earnings that place the institution among the top quarter of public universities nationwide, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income and first-generation students.
The university's Mobility Engine designation reflects its exceptional ability to combine broad access with meaningful economic advancement for graduates across all backgrounds.
San Francisco State University delivers exceptional value as a large public university in one of America's most competitive job markets. The institution serves a highly diverse student body, with 41% of students receiving Pell Grants and 48% being first-generation college students, yet consistently produces graduates who earn well above national averages. Ten years after enrollment, SFSU graduates earn a median of $68,077, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes.
What makes San Francisco State particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university excels at helping low-income students achieve meaningful economic advancement, with graduates from low-income backgrounds earning $54,000 at the 10-year mark, well above typical outcomes for similar students nationwide. This performance reflects both the university's commitment to student success and its strategic location in the San Francisco Bay Area, where graduates can access high-paying opportunities across technology, healthcare, finance, and creative industries.
As a comprehensive public university with over 29,000 students, SFSU offers the resources and program breadth of a major research institution while maintaining strong connections to local employers and industries. The combination of accessible admissions, reasonable costs, and strong earnings outcomes makes it an outstanding choice for California families seeking reliable return on investment in higher education.
San Francisco State University's program portfolio reflects the diverse opportunities available in the Bay Area economy, with outcomes varying significantly by field of study. Business Administration dominates as both the largest program and a key economic driver, graduating 1,477 students who earn $47,891 early in their careers—a solid foundation for advancement in the region's robust business sector. The program's scale creates substantial alumni networks and employer relationships that benefit current students through internships, mentorship, and job placement opportunities.
Healthcare programs deliver the strongest financial returns, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $111,769, reflecting the premium that medical professionals command in San Francisco's expensive but lucrative market. Psychology, the second-largest program with 408 graduates, produces more moderate early earnings of $34,135, though many graduates likely pursue additional training or leverage their degrees in the region's growing mental health and social services sectors.
Creative programs like Cinematography show lower initial earnings at $24,151, but these figures may not capture the full earning potential in San Francisco's dynamic entertainment, media, and technology sectors, where creative professionals often build careers through freelance work, startups, and innovative projects that don't appear in traditional salary data. The university's comprehensive program mix ensures students can pursue their interests while accessing the Bay Area's diverse career opportunities across multiple high-growth industries.
San Francisco State University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that reflect both the quality of their education and the advantages of the Bay Area job market. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $68,077, placing the university well above national averages for public institutions. Perhaps more importantly, SFSU graduates earn about $13,718 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add substantial value beyond what would be expected based on student characteristics alone.
The university's program mix drives much of this strong performance. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program, graduating 1,477 students, and a key economic engine with graduates earning $47,891 early in their careers. Adult Health Nursing represents the highest-earning program, with graduates commanding $111,769 in median earnings, reflecting the premium that healthcare professionals earn in the expensive but lucrative Bay Area market. Psychology, the second-largest program with 408 graduates, produces more modest early earnings of $34,135, while creative fields like Cinematography show lower initial returns at $24,151, though these figures may not capture the full earning potential in San Francisco's robust entertainment and media sectors.
The Bay Area's high cost of living means that while graduates earn substantial salaries, those earnings must stretch to cover significantly higher housing and daily expenses than in most other regions. However, the region's concentration of high-paying industries in technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services provides SFSU graduates with access to career opportunities and earning trajectories that often justify the higher living costs over time.
San Francisco State University maintains strong affordability despite its location in one of the nation's most expensive metropolitan areas. Low-income students pay an average net price of $9,307 annually, well below national averages and making the university accessible to families across the economic spectrum. Middle-income families face annual costs of $12,916, while higher-income families pay $22,813, reflecting a progressive pricing structure that ensures affordability remains strong for those who need it most.
The university's debt levels are notably reasonable given the high-cost environment. Typical graduates leave with about $15,371 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount that represents careful institutional attention to keeping borrowing in check. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,194, reflecting some families' choice to contribute directly to their students' education costs. With a 0% federal loan default rate, SFSU demonstrates that its graduates are well-positioned to manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes SFSU particularly sustainable financially is the strong earning power of its graduates relative to their debt loads. With median earnings of $68,077 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard repayment schedules while building wealth over time. The university's location in the Bay Area, while expensive for daily living, provides access to high-paying career opportunities that help graduates service their educational investments effectively while building long-term financial security.
San Francisco State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
