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San Francisco State University and California State University-Sacramento are both public institutions — San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA and California State University-Sacramento in Sacramento, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
San Francisco, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 96.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 18,639
Tuition: $20,550/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 50.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Francisco, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Visual and performing arts.
Sacramento, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 94.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 28,350
Tuition: $20,618/year
Student-faculty ratio: 24.0:1
Graduation rate: 56.3%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Sacramento, CA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | San Francisco State University | California State University-Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 96.4% | 94.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,639 | 28,350 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,550/year | $20,618/year |
| Average net price after aid | $12,278 | $9,338 |
| Graduation rate | 50.4% | 56.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,077 | $64,876 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 24.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Psychology | Health professions, Business and marketing, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (96.4% vs 94.0%). California State University-Sacramento has a lower average net price after grant aid ($9,338 vs $12,278). California State University-Sacramento reports the higher graduation rate (56.3% vs 50.4%). California State University-Sacramento is the larger undergraduate campus (28,350 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between San Francisco State University and California State University-Sacramento
San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96.4%; California State University-Sacramento is around 94.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
San Francisco State University tuition is $20,550/year. California State University-Sacramento is $20,618/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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