San Francisco State University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of San Francisco State University is 100%. This means that all applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are San Francisco State University Admissions?
- Not Competitive: Applicants with satisfactory academics can easily secure admission.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

However, a 100% acceptance rate or open admission policy does not guarantee admission. Every institution has minimum eligibility criteria. If you meet these conditions, then you can be certain of admission. Additionally, to secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies.
San Francisco State University Admission Requirements
San Francisco State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at San Francisco State University is 3.31. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.01 and 3.31, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.91 is required.
Can I Get Into San Francisco State University Without SAT Or ACT?: San Francisco State University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
San Francisco State University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
San Francisco State University Average SAT Score: 1030
The average SAT score of the admitted students at San Francisco State University is 1030 on the 1600 SAT scale.
San Francisco State University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1030 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. San Francisco State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to San Francisco State University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
San Francisco State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAT Composite | 1030 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at San Francisco State University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into San Francisco State University with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at San Francisco State University are good but the admission staff at San Francisco State University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
San Francisco State University Profile
Name: San Francisco State University
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from San Francisco State University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at San Francisco State University is USD: 23609. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at San Francisco State University is USD: 12912
How can I get a scholarship?
41.59% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 23.92 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to San Francisco State University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At San Francisco State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist San Francisco State University as your choice in the form.
How much a San Francisco State University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the San Francisco State University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 68077. An average San Francisco State University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than San Francisco State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of San Francisco State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1011 | 21 |
Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Trinity Baptist College | Trinity Baptist College, FL | 987 | 19 |
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 986 | 19 |
Point University | Point University, GA | 990 | 18 |
College of Coastal Georgia | College of Coastal Georgia, GA | 997 | 19 |
Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 980 | 19 |
Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 1020 | 20 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as San Francisco State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for San Francisco State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1025 | 20 |
Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 1020 | 20 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than San Francisco State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Biology, General
Full list of All degree programs offered by San Francisco State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.