San Francisco State University's published cost of attendance is $26,488, but need-based aid reshapes what families actually pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $9,341, middle-income families pay around $11,825, and higher-income families pay approximately $22,523.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,488 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,550 |
| Room and Board | $22,266 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,210 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,278 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,341 |
| $30–48k | $9,867 |
| $48–75k | $11,825 |
| $75–110k | $14,556 |
| $110k+ | $22,523 |
San Francisco State University's published cost of attendance is $26,488, but need-based aid reshapes what families actually pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $9,341, middle-income families pay around $11,825, and higher-income families pay approximately $22,523. Azimuth ranks San Francisco State University #118 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. For a fuller picture of how sticker price and net price diverge, see the net price illusion. San Francisco State participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and Direct Loans. As a California public university, the institution benefits from one of the country's more robust state-grant systems, which meaningfully reduces out-of-pocket costs for lower-income California residents. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, and aid packages typically combine grants, work-study, and loans in proportions that vary by household income and dependency status. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $15,371, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $19,732; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $67,804, median federal debt of $15,371 projects to a monthly payment of about $174 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of San Francisco State University earn median 4-year earnings of $67,804, placing San Francisco State University in the 71.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $17,968 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 94.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks San Francisco State University #272 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 1314 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $73,775, ranked #50 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 398 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $55,902, ranked #68 nationally in its major. Biology, General reports 362 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $74,204, ranked #18 nationally in its major. Computer Science reports 293 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $105,166, ranked #76 nationally in its major.
