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San Francisco State University and California State University-San Bernardino are both public institutions — San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA and California State University-San Bernardino in San Bernardino, 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.
San Bernardino, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 15,023
Tuition: $20,693/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 54.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Bernardino, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
| Factor | San Francisco State University | California State University-San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 96.4% | 93.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,639 | 15,023 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,550/year | $20,693/year |
| Average net price after aid | $12,278 | $4,564 |
| Graduation rate | 50.4% | 54.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,077 | $59,977 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | San Bernardino, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Psychology | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (96.4% vs 93.7%). California State University-San Bernardino has a lower average net price after grant aid ($4,564 vs $12,278). California State University-San Bernardino reports the higher graduation rate (54.9% vs 50.4%). San Francisco State University is the larger undergraduate campus (18,639 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-San Bernardino
San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96.4%; California State University-San Bernardino is around 93.7%. 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-San Bernardino is $20,693/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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