Understanding Tuition and Fees at San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University (SF State) is committed to providing an accessible and affordable education. Understanding the costs associated with attending SF State, including tuition, fees, and other expenses, is a crucial first step in planning your college finances. This article breaks down the various components of SF State's cost of attendance, financial aid options, and resources available to help students manage their expenses.
Cost of Attendance: An Overview
The "Cost of Attendance" (COA) represents the total amount of money the average student needs to pay, before financial aid, to attend SF State. It's essentially the sticker price. The COA includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are mandatory payments required for enrollment and access to university resources. For in-state undergraduates, tuition stands at $5,742 annually, making it relatively affordable compared to national averages. Fees add an additional $1,682 per year. However, it is important to note that the CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated tuition and fees for the academic year:
2024-25 Basic Tuition
| Units Per Semester | Undergraduate Tuition | Credential Program Tuition | Graduate or Other/Post baccalaureate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 or more units | $3,042 | $3,531 | $3,804 |
| 0 to 6.0 units | $1,764 | $2,049 | $2,208 |
Doctoral Programs Tuition*
| Program | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Audiology | $7,812 |
| Education | $4,182 |
| Nursing Practice | $8,094 |
| Occupational Therapy | $9,114 |
| Physical Therapy | $9,114 |
| Public Health | $9,450 |
*Applicable term tuition applies for universities with special terms, as determined by the university. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter universities is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSUs.
Read also: UW-Madison Tuition Requirements
Non-residents of California face an additional tuition fee of $420 per unit.
Additional Fees for Graduate Business Students
Graduate students in the Lam Family College of Business may encounter additional fees. An Off-Campus Fee is charged at a rate of $700 for students enrolled in 6.0 units or less, or $1,200 for those enrolled in 6.1 or more units during regular sessions, prorated for the Summer session. Furthermore, students in approved graduate professional business master’s programs will be charged a Professional Program Fee of $285 per unit for classes fulfilling degree requirements.
Room and Board
Room and board charges are a significant component of the overall cost of attendance. At SF State, these costs are substantially above average, with a total of $23,890 annually. This includes $18,270 for housing and a board charge of $5,620.
Other Expenses
In addition to tuition and room and board, students should budget for books and supplies ($1,099 per year) and personal expenses ($3,978 per year). Transportation costs will also vary depending on whether a student lives on or off campus.
Total Cost
Combining tuition, fees, and room and board, the yearly cost for in-state students at San Francisco State University reaches nearly $32,218, exceeding the average total annual cost faced by in-state students at four-year public colleges, which is about $25,707.
Read also: Paying for Michigan Tech as an Out-of-State Student
SF State provides estimated COA figures for on-campus, off-campus, and with-parent living arrangements. It's important to note that these figures represent averages, and your actual costs may vary.
Financial Aid: Making College Affordable
Financial aid includes grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need, determined by your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Sixty-six percent of SF State students receive financial aid.
Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are forms of aid that don't need to be paid back. Need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial status, while merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic or athletic achievement. Some students receive enough scholarship money to cover tuition and living expenses.
SFSU students have more than 700 campus and external scholarship opportunities, and the university encourages students to apply for as many as possible.
Loans
Loans must be paid back, typically after graduation. It’s essential to minimize student debt as much as possible. At San Francisco State University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $15,371. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $163. At San Francisco State University, 45% of all students take out federal loans, and the average annual federal loan amount is $5192. At San Francisco State University, 2% of students take out private loans, and the average private loan amount is $12412.
Read also: Understanding ASU Tuition
Work-Study
Working while in school can help lessen the burden of student loans. SF State offers work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money. Eligible students can find part-time positions across campus, allowing them to balance work and academic commitments effectively. The university also facilitates numerous internships, many of which are tied to academic programs and often offer compensation. For students participating in federally funded work-study programs, wages generally align with the federal minimum wage or higher.
International students at San Francisco State University may also access certain campus employment opportunities, including non-work-study positions, which allow them to work within the guidelines of their student visa.
Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines
Understanding financial aid deadlines is crucial for accessing available resources. While specific dates were not provided, it is important to keep in mind that:
- Applications received prior to the priority application due date will be given the strongest consideration.
- Students will receive a notification letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
- There is a deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.
Tuition Guarantee Plans
Tuition at the time of first enrollment may be guaranteed only to students making advance payments.
Understanding Your Net Price
The Net Price is the total cost of attending a college minus the aid you receive (grants and scholarships). It represents the amount you have to pay out of pocket. Most schools have a Net Price calculator available on their website.
To get a precise estimate of your Net Price at San Francisco State University, use the Net Price calculator on the university's website.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The US government uses a standardized way to calculate how much a typical family can afford to pay for college without help. This is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges use this number as a guideline to decide how much aid to give, but it's just a guideline.
Additional Resources and Considerations
Residency for Tuition Purposes
If you are a high school student under age 19 and you and/or your parents currently live in California, or your family has recently moved to California and plans to stay here, you may be considered a California resident for tuition purposes.
Payment Options and Deadlines
Cash, personal check, or certified funds may be used for payment of student tuition and fees. To remain enrolled in Priority Registration classes for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, students must pay by the published fee payment deadline. If the Office of Student Financial Aid notifies you that you have been awarded and you have accepted an offer of Financial Aid, excluding college work-study, your tuition and fee payment will be postponed until census, the fourth week of the semester. You may register for classes without paying tuition fees up front. Do not apply for the University’s Installment Payment Agreement unless your aid has been canceled.
If a student is found ineligible for financial aid after they have enrolled in classes or if the financial aid is not sufficient to pay tuition and fees in full, the student is responsible for paying the fees or unpaid balance before the third week of the semester.
If you register for classes and decide not to attend SF State, you MUST drop all classes by the published refund deadline through the Student Center and/or in-person at the Registrar’s Office. All students who are eligible to enroll may use one of the installment plans offered by the university, with the exceptions of students with financial aid deferments, approved waivers or subsidies, or students who defaulted twice on their installment plan agreement in a previous semester. Students with outstanding financial obligations must pay their obligations before or at the time of their enrolling in the current semester’s installment plan.
Fees and Changes
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate.
Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 through 66028.6 of the California Education Code).
Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS)
A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at SF State. The figures used for all categories (Except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by SF State students in the Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.
Payment Deferment
If you have a financial aid award for the Fall 2025 Semester, you will not be dropped for non-payment and your tuition is deferred until September 22, 2025. If you have financial aid awards for the Spring 2026 Semester, your aid must be in disbursed by this date to avoid the late fees. For students that are receiving Summer Financial Aid, all tuition and fees for the current semester and prior must be paid no later than July 17, 2026 11:59 PM.
SF State: An Affordable Option?
Attending San Francisco State University is an investment in your future. SFSU ranks as one of the most affordable colleges in California, with competitive tuition rates, a variety of financial aid opportunities, and numerous scholarships available.
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