Public research university in San Francisco with 125+ bachelor's and 96 master's programs across seven colleges.
SF State offers 125 bachelor's degree programs, 96 master's degree programs, 56 blended bachelor's and master's programs, and 3 doctoral programs across seven colleges: Lam Family College of Business, College of Ethnic Studies, College of Health & Social Sciences, College of Liberal & Creative Arts, College of Professional & Global Education, College of Science & Engineering, and Graduate College of Education. The university also provides 23 teaching credential programs and 57 certificate programs. The Experimental College, revived in Fall 2017, offers one-unit courses created and taught by students.
The main campus features modern and brutalist architecture spread across 144.1 acres in the Lake Merced area. Facilities include the J. Paul Leonard Library, Mashouf Wellness Center, student housing, and the Cesar Chavez Student Center. The university maintains three satellite campuses: Downtown Campus (160 Spear St.), Sierra Nevada Field Campus (Calpine, CA), and Romberg Tiburon Campus (53 acres). Student life includes 12 varsity athletic teams, numerous student organizations, the Golden Gate Xpress newspaper, and annual events like the Rhythms Music Festival and Folk Festival.
SF State welcomes nearly 21,000 students annually through various pathways including first-year, transfer, and graduate admissions. Special programs include Through in Two Program (formerly California Promise), Educational Opportunity Program, Metro Academies College Success Program, Project Rebound for formerly incarcerated students, and support for veterans and students with disabilities. The university emphasizes accessibility and equity in admissions.
SF State graduates are leaders in science, business, public service, journalism, and the arts. The university's network includes nearly 300,000 alumni contributing to the economic, cultural, and civic life of the Bay Area and beyond. As a campus with social justice at its core, SF State emphasizes student success through high expectations and comprehensive support services, including tutoring, advising, and academic technology resources.