Solid graduate outcomes with earnings above the peer average.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
San Francisco State University demonstrates consistent earnings growth from early to mid-career periods. Graduates earn $52,650 six years after enrollment, rising to $60,831 at eight years and reaching $68,077 at ten years.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduate earnings exceed the peer average, indicating above-typical outcomes for this institution type.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $15,371 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
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.
San Francisco State University ranks in the 83.3rd percentile for return on investment, reflecting well above average performance in translating educational costs into career outcomes. Graduates earn $13,717 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the university in the 89.8th percentile for earnings uplift.
Approximately 24.4% of San Francisco State University graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting balanced preparation for both i...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings demonstrate San Francisco State University's strength across multiple high-demand fields. Adult Health Nursing leads with exceptional $132,542 median earnings, ranking #3 nationally and representing premium healthcare career preparation.
Computer Science produces $102,977 earnings with strong technology sector connections, while Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $79,981 in traditional engineering roles. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 1,477 graduates, delivers solid $68,626 earnings with broad career applications.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation in career outcomes, with the 25th percentile earning $38,781 and the 75th percentile reaching $100,910. This 2.6:1 ratio reflects program diversity and individual career choices rather than systemic outcome limitations.
