San Francisco State University's published cost of attendance is $25,258 per year, including $19,304 in out-of-state tuition, $17,955 for room and board, and $1,099 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,882 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,376 from the sticker price.
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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 $25,258 per year, including $19,304 in out-of-state tuition, $17,955 for room and board, and $1,099 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,882 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,376 from the sticker price. In-state students face lower tuition of $7,424, making the effective cost significantly more manageable for California residents. The average net price of $12,882 falls $2,708 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating that San Francisco State University provides better-than-typical affordability within its institutional peer group.
This combination of moderate sticker prices and substantial financial aid creates accessibility for students from various economic backgrounds, aligning with the university's mission as a public institution serving diverse California communities.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
San Francisco State University graduates carry median debt of $15,371, ranking in the 84th percentile nationally for low debt levels. This falls $4,629 below the peer median of $20,000, indicating exceptional debt management compared to similar institutions.
Debt ranges from $6,000 at the 25th percentile to $23,500 at the 75th percentile, reflecting variation in individual borrowing needs and family circumstances. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates that typical graduates dedicate roughly 23% of their gross annual income to debt service, well within manageable ranges for financial stability. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,194 with monthly payments of $253, representing additional family investment but at controlled levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
San Francisco State University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through strong earnings relative to debt levels. Graduates earn $13,717 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking in the 89.8th percentile for value creation.
With median earnings of $68,077, graduates significantly outperform the peer median of $60,543 by $7,534 annually. The favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23, combined with below-peer debt levels, indicates that San Francisco State University graduates achieve strong financial outcomes without excessive borrowing. This positions graduates for career flexibility and long-term financial stability.
The university's ranking in the 83rd percentile for return on investment reflects the combination of accessible costs, controlled debt, and strong career outcomes that characterize effective educational investments.
San Francisco State University enrolls 41.4% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average for four-year institutions, reflecting strong commitment to serving lower-income families. The $12,376 average savings from financial aid demonstrates substantial institutional investment in affordability, with aid particularly concentrated toward families earning under $75,000 annually. The progressive aid structure, where families earning under $30,000 pay $9,307 while those earning over $110,000 pay $22,813, indicates effective need-based aid distribution.
This approach supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine institution, where accessible pricing enables students from diverse economic backgrounds to pursue degree programs with strong career outcomes. The combination of low net prices for lower-income students and moderate costs for middle-income families creates broad accessibility across economic circumstances.
The combination of below-peer debt levels and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial health and career flexibility.
