San Francisco State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~84%
- Middle 50% ACT: 16–23*
- Middle 50% SAT: 940–1130*
- Average GPA (HS): Not reported
Source: BigFuture & SFSU admissions pages (latest available). *CSU campuses, including SFSU, do not use ACT/SAT for admission selection; ranges shown reflect reported scores only.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
SFSU at a Glance
Admissions & Scholarships FAQ
Does San Francisco State University still require SAT or ACT scores?
No. Like all California State University (CSU) campuses, SFSU is test-free for admission and scholarship consideration through at least Fall 2026. Students are evaluated on their GPA, A–G coursework, and other academic factors instead.
Are there automatic merit scholarships for new freshmen?
Not typically. Most scholarships at SFSU are competitive and awarded through the campus-wide SFSU Scholarship Portal. However, high-achieving students may qualify for programs like the Presidential Scholarship or Osher Foundation awards.
Does SFSU offer an Honors College?
There is no single university-wide Honors College, but SFSU offers departmental honors programs and learning communities such as the Metro Academies, which provide smaller cohorts, mentorship, and priority advising for first-generation and underrepresented students.
How can out-of-state students lower costs?
SFSU does not participate in WUE or regional tuition reciprocity. Out-of-state students can apply for merit-based campus scholarships or external awards to offset higher tuition.
https://future.sfsu.edu/
https://financialaid.sfsu.edu/
https://sfsu.academicworks.com/
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/san-francisco-state-university
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?122597-San-Francisco-State-University
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122597
💰 Cost of Attendance at San Francisco State University (2025–2026)
| Expense | In-State (CA Resident) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $8,256 | $20,520 |
| Housing & Meals (average) | $18,270 | $18,270 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $26,526 | $38,790 |
Note: Other estimated expenses — books & supplies (~$1,100), transportation (~$1,500), and personal costs (~$2,600) — vary by student and are excluded from the table to keep comparisons clear. Including them, the total estimated cost of attendance is about $31,700 in-state and $44,000 out-of-state.
San Francisco State University does not participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or other reciprocity programs. Out-of-state students pay the standard nonresident rate but can still apply for campus or CSU-system scholarships to help offset costs.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Why are SFSU’s housing costs high?
Living in San Francisco means higher room and meal rates than most CSU campuses. Students can reduce costs by living off-campus or commuting from home.
How much does it cost to attend as a Bay Area commuter?
Commuter students typically spend around $13,000–$15,000 per year on tuition, fees, transportation, and books combined — far below the on-campus budget.
Can out-of-state students establish California residency?
It’s possible after one year of continuous physical presence and financial independence, but the CSU system has strict residency rules. Always verify with the Registrar before assuming in-state status.
https://financialaid.sfsu.edu/cost
https://registrar.sfsu.edu/tuition-fees
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?122597-San-Francisco-State-University
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122597
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
San Francisco State University does not offer admission-based automatic merit scholarships. Unlike some universities, SFSU does not guarantee scholarships for new admits based on GPA or test scores. All scholarships at SFSU require a separate application after admission, with most opportunities posted in the AcademicWorks portal and through individual academic departments.[web:291][web:292][web:298]
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No automatic, admission-based scholarships are offered at SFSU. All university scholarships require separate applications through AcademicWorks or department nomination.[web:291][web:292][web:298] | |||||
Note: Some scholarships in AcademicWorks are auto-matched if you complete the required general application, but these remain separate from admission-based auto-merit policies at other campuses.[web:291][web:292][web:298][web:300]
https://financialaid.sfsu.edu/scholarships
https://sfsu.academicworks.com/
https://financialaid.sfsu.edu/academicworks
https://future.sfsu.edu/tuition-aid
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
San Francisco State University offers one highly selective, university-wide “flagship” merit award for new freshmen: the Presidential Scholars Scholarship. This scholarship is SFSU’s largest institutional recognition for academic achievement, leadership, and service for entering undergraduates, with all other significant merit or donor awards run by departments or colleges through the AcademicWorks portal.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholars Scholarship | Covers tuition and fees (not housing); varies by cohort/funding | First-time freshmen, 3.5+ high school GPA, non-nursing, select Bay Area counties, leadership & advocacy | Yes — AcademicWorks + essays/recommendations | Up to 4 years (must maintain eligibility) | Top academic admits from the Bay Area with service and campus engagement; selected by review panel | April 30 |
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
How selective is the Presidential Scholars Scholarship?
The award is highly competitive, with a rigorous application, essay, and recommendation process. Only a small group of incoming freshmen are chosen each year.[web:301][web:322][web:323]
What makes you competitive?
GPA, academic rigor, service record, leadership, strong faculty or counselor recommendations, and a connection to Bay Area communities all factor into the selection process.[web:301][web:322]
Are there other large “flagship” awards?
This is the only true university-wide flagship merit award currently offered to incoming freshmen. All other major scholarships at SFSU are managed through AcademicWorks and are typically niche, department-based, or need-based.[web:292][web:307][web:324]
Can it be stacked with other aid?
Presidential Scholars can often combine their scholarship with need-based grants and outside aid up to Cost of Attendance. Always check your award letter for stacking policies.[web:301]
https://sfsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/PresidentialScholars
https://news.sfsu.edu/news-story/major-expansion-presidential-scholars-program
https://financialaid.sfsu.edu/scholarships
https://sfsu.academicworks.com/
🎖️ Honors College / Program
San Francisco State University does not have a residential Honors College like some peers; instead, honors at SFSU means earning distinction through intensive study and engagement in your chosen major, or accelerating your path with the SF State Scholars program. The most motivated honors students here distinguish themselves through research, creative work, leadership, or a deep connection to community impact—often earning special recognition at graduation and building relationships with faculty mentors.
- GPA: Generally 3.5+ in major and overall for honors; top senior awardees often boast 3.8+.
- Profile: Students take on faculty-mentored theses and projects, serve as peer leaders, and often pursue hands-on work in labs, arts, or community partnerships.
- Approach: It’s common for honors students to blend academic excellence with activism, creative inquiry, or support for first-gen and equity-focused programs.
- Capstone, thesis, or creative project in upper division (recognized in graduation ceremony and transcript)
- Priority for in-depth faculty mentorship and possible research assistant roles
- Access to many small seminar-style courses, including honors options in psychology, biology, business, and more
- Special distinction at commencement—including college “hood” recipients for the top grad in each discipline and public celebration at the Honors Convocation
- Eligibility to apply for the SF State Scholars (4+1) accelerated BA+MA program that double-counts grad courses, saves on tuition, and can waive GRE/application fees
| Program | Award / Value | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Stands Out? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departmental Honors | No direct funding (may qualify for donor awards or research stipends) | Upper-division, 3.5+ major GPA, faculty mentor, research or creative project required | Yes—usually application and proposal to department | One-time recognition at graduation | Juniors/seniors deeply engaged in their discipline, project-driven, often with prior research experience | Junior spring or as posted per major |
| University Honors at Graduation | Distinction at Commencement (cum laude/magna/summa)—no direct funding | Overall GPA: Cum Laude 3.50–3.69; Magna 3.70–3.84; Summa ≥3.85 (no rounding) | No—automatic if GPA met | N/A | Graduates with consistently strong academic records | Final semester review; preliminary honors listed in spring |
| SF State Scholars (4+1 Blended Program) | Saves tuition (grad credits at undergrad rates), waives fees; accelerated BA+MA | 3.0–3.5 GPA (set by major), junior status, departmental and Grad Studies approval | Yes—application to department/Grad Studies | Program continues if requirements met | Motivated juniors who plan early, get faculty guidance, and are ready for grad-level work | Junior year; varies by department |
Honors Distinction at SFSU – Realities & Tips
How do top SFSU honors students actually stand out?
They work with faculty on research or creative projects (the thesis, art, business capstone, etc.), serve as club leaders or peer mentors, or provide community service. Honors and hood recipients are often recommended by multiple faculty and take initiative in securing internships, jobs, or presenting at conferences.
What’s the application process actually like?
For departmental honors, students usually start connecting with professors by sophomore year, express interest during advising, and submit a proposal (or application) for their project or thesis. Some programs require a short interview or defense. The SF State Scholars application is coordinated by your major department and Graduate Studies office, and waives multiple fees and GRE/testing where offered.
Can you get scholarships for being in honors?
While there is no central funding for university or departmental honors, many students win research stipends, travel awards (to present at conferences), or access small department donor scholarships—especially if their project addresses equity, first-gen support, science/STEM, or the arts.
Tips from recent grads:
– Go to info sessions in departments as a first-year/junior and introduce yourself to the Honors or major advisors.
– Secure your faculty mentor early; they’ll advocate for you for honors, research as well as other SFSU opportunities.
– If pursuing 4+1, plan your undergrad requirements early and ask about research or paid positions that give you a head start.
– Make sure you list all your volunteer, leadership, and research activities on resumes and applications to stand out for more awards and grad school.
⭐ College Specialty
San Francisco State University is part of the California State University system and is widely recognized for combining affordability with strong professional programs. While not an R1 research university, SFSU has carved out national and statewide strengths in fields that connect students directly to industries in the Bay Area and beyond.
Consistently ranked among the top film schools in the U.S., SFSU’s School of Cinema is nationally known for preparing students for careers in film production, editing, and media studies. (Hollywood Reporter, 2023)
- Creative Writing — SFSU’s Creative Writing program is one of the most respected in the country, with a history of producing Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners.
- Teacher Preparation — Recognized statewide for producing a large number of California K-12 teachers, supported by the Graduate College of Education’s longstanding partnerships with local schools.
- Ethnic Studies — The first College of Ethnic Studies in the U.S. (founded 1969), nationally recognized for pioneering curriculum in race, identity, and social justice.
📎 Official Links
- San Francisco State University Homepage
- SFSU Departmental Honors (example: Psychology)
- SFSU Scholarships & Financial Aid (AcademicWorks Portal)