San Francisco State University, located in one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities, is nationally recognized for its commitment to civic engagement, community service learning and cultural diversity. One of the top universities for campus diversity, San Francisco State ranks 13th nationwide in awarding undergraduate degrees to minorities and enrolls the highest number of international students at any comprehensive university nationwide. San Francisco State has nationally acclaimed programs in such fields as creative writing, cinema, biology, history, broadcast and electronic communication arts and ethnic studies.

The University's location in one of the world’s most ethnically rich, cosmopolitan centers of business, technology and culture provides an exciting laboratory for community-service projects and work-study programs, and a rich venue for students to explore. The parklike setting of the main campus in the southwest corner of San Francisco reflects the diversity of the surrounding neighborhoods--with students from almost every state and nearly 100 countries, the University community is a perfect setting for learning to succeed in a pluralistic society and global economy.

Established in 1899 as a teacher-training school, San Francisco State today is part of the largest university system in the United States--the California State University. Students enjoy close contact with senior professors and other instructors from freshman year until graduation. The faculty, trained in some of the finest institutions in the world, include winners of prestigious teaching awards, cutting-edge researchers, and professionals devoted to solving community problems.

Students excel in the University's stimulating and supportive environment. The results are seen among our alumni. Our cinema program has produced Academy Award winners, and books by our creative writing graduates have climbed the best-seller lists. SF State is recognized as an institution that offers high-quality research experiences for undergraduates. Our pre-med graduates enjoy an unusually high medical school acceptance rate, and the National Science Foundation has ranked SF State high among master's colleges and institutions in the number of graduates going on to earn Ph.D.s in biology.

The University awards bachelor's degrees in 115 areas, master's in 95, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership; a joint doctoral program in special education offered with University of California (Berkeley); joint master's and doctorates in physical therapy offered with University of California, San Francisco.

Student Life

More than 200 student clubs and organizations help students explore their interests and connect with others. In addition, many fraternities and sororities are active on campus. The Associated Students, SF State's student government, supports a first-class child care program, low-cost health insurance and a legal resource center.

Campus residence halls and apartments offer many benefits, including proximity to around-the-clock computer labs and reading rooms, study and support groups, cultural and social events. Two residence halls, Mary Ward and Mary Park, provide housing for 850 first-year freshmen. In addition, apartment-style living is offered at The Towers and Village at Centennial Square, with apartments and town homes at University Park South.