San Francisco State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

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

For families looking at colleges in California, San Francisco State University offers a mix of need-based and program-specific scholarships that can bring the true cost down. This page explains what SFSU really costs, how to find competitive and hidden scholarships, and where to look for support programs beyond tuition. If you’re comparing options across California, don’t miss our state aid guide alongside the main College Scholarships Hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance

Category	In-State (CA Resident)	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees	$8,256	$8,256 + $12,264 = $20,520
Housing & Meals (average)	$23,890	$23,890
Books & Supplies	$1,100	$1,100
Transportation	$1,512	$1,512
Personal	$2,592	$2,592
Loan Fees	$62	$62
Total (Before Aid)	$37,412	$49,676

Average Net Price (parent-friendly): This is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships — no loans included.

Reciprocity / WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange):

San Francisco State participates in WUE. Eligible students from WUE states may pay up to 150% of resident tuition instead of the full nonresident rate.

Resident tuition & fees: $8,256
WUE (150% of resident tuition): ~$12,384
Standard nonresident tuition & fees: ~$20,520

Estimated savings with WUE vs. standard nonresident: ~$8,136/year on tuition/fees.
Example: An eligible Arizona student would pay about $12,384 in tuition/fees instead of $20,520; housing/meal/other costs are unchanged.

FAQ

Does SFSU participate in WUE?
Yes. Eligible students from WUE states may pay up to 150% of resident tuition instead of the full nonresident rate. See our WUE guide for details.

How much could WUE save?
About $8,136/year on tuition/fees at SFSU when comparing the WUE rate (~$12,384) to the standard nonresident amount (~$20,520).

Is WUE automatic?
No. Students must qualify under WUE rules and campus availability. Start with the WUE guide and confirm current criteria with SFSU Admissions/Financial Aid.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

San Francisco State University does not offer admission-based automatic merit scholarships. Unlike some universities where students are guaranteed awards based on GPA or test scores at admission, SFSU requires students to apply for scholarships separately through the AcademicWorks portal or specific departments.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
No automatic, admission-based scholarships are currently offered at SFSU.

FAQ

Does SFSU give automatic scholarships with admission?
No. Students are not automatically awarded scholarships based on GPA or test scores.

How do students apply for scholarships?
Through the SFSU AcademicWorks Scholarship Portal, which includes competitive and departmental awards.

Can state or federal aid reduce the cost automatically?
Yes—California residents may qualify for Cal Grants, and all students may be eligible for federal Pell Grants or other aid, but these are separate from university-based automatic scholarships.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Some universities set aside large, highly selective scholarships for incoming freshmen that require extra essays or interviews. San Francisco State University does not currently offer university-wide competitive scholarships of this type. Instead, most awards are smaller, department-based, or donor-funded — you’ll find those listed in the Hidden Gem Scholarships section below.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
No university-wide competitive scholarships are offered at SFSU. Departmental and donor awards appear in the Hidden Gems section.

FAQ

Does SFSU have major competitive scholarships like some CSU or UC campuses?
No — there are no flagship or full-ride style competitive awards for incoming freshmen.

Where should students look for selective awards?
Through the SFSU AcademicWorks portal and specific academic departments.

Can departmental scholarships make a difference?
Yes — while smaller, they can stack with grants and federal/state aid, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

San Francisco State doesn’t give big automatic or competitive scholarships, but it does offer a wide range of smaller, often less-advertised awards. These include donor-funded departmental scholarships, music and arts performance stipends, first-gen or identity-based support, ROTC pathways, and even emergency grants that help students bridge gaps.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Music & Piano Performance Scholarships (e.g., Bev’s POTL, Ferrando, Anderson)	$500–$4,000/yr	Music majors (primarily piano); GPA ≥2.5–3.0; audition required	Yes — audition and departmental app	Some — must maintain GPA and active participation	Talented music students who stand out in auditions and maintain good academic standing
Graduate Alumni Scholarship	$1,000	Graduate students with GPA ≥3.25; full-time enrollment	Yes — Graduate Studies application	Varies	Graduate students who demonstrate strong academic progress and involvement
John W. Kinch Humanitarian Award (Sociology)	~$50 stipend	Seniors in Sociology showing leadership and service	Yes — via department/AcademicWorks	No	Sociology majors recognized by faculty for service and engagement
Graduate Equity Fellowship	Covers partial to full tuition	Graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with financial need	Yes — Graduate Studies	Yes — if GPA and progress maintained	Grad students with strong academic records and demonstrated need/diversity status
Student Emergency Fund (DASH)	Up to $1,000 one-time	Any SFSU student facing financial emergency	Yes — quick online app	No	Students hit by sudden expenses like housing, medical, or family crises
Army ROTC Scholarships	Up to full tuition + stipend + book allowance	Students enrolled in ROTC with service commitment	Yes — ROTC application/board	Yes — maintain GPA, fitness, and service contract	Cadets who meet military standards and commit to serve after graduation
Project Rebound Support Awards	$500–$1,000	Students formerly incarcerated or system-impacted, enrolled at SFSU	Yes — through Project Rebound office	Varies	Students engaged with Project Rebound’s support programs
Study Abroad Grants (SFSU Abroad)	$500–$2,000 toward program costs	Undergraduates accepted to SFSU study abroad programs	Yes — via Office of International Programs	No — one-time	Students planning semester or year-long exchange who demonstrate need

Hidden Gems FAQs

Are these awards automatic?
No — each requires a separate application, audition, or departmental nomination.

Can hidden gems stack with state or federal aid?
Yes — most are stackable, though total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

When should students apply?
Most departmental awards open in the spring for the following academic year; ROTC scholarships follow national timelines; emergency aid is rolling.

Who benefits most?
Students in music, arts, graduate programs, ROTC, first-gen and system-impacted students, or those needing short-term emergency assistance.

⭐ 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.

🎬 Cinema (Film) Program
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.

🎖️ Honors College / Program

San Francisco State University does not have a central Honors College. Instead, students can pursue departmental honors in their majors, graduate with University Honors based on GPA, or apply to the accelerated SF State Scholars (4+1) program that combines bachelor’s and master’s study.

What a Typical SFSU Honors Student Looks Like

GPA: Usually 3.5+ in the major and overall*
Rigor: Small seminars, thesis or capstone project, faculty mentorship
Profile: Engaged in research, writing, creative work, or leadership in the discipline

*Estimate — departments publish their own thresholds.

Perks that Matter

Priority in faculty mentorship and small seminars
Thesis or creative project with transcript notation
University honors at graduation (cum laude, magna, summa)
4+1 accelerated bachelor’s + master’s option

Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Departmental Honors (e.g., Psychology, Biology)	No direct funding; may qualify for small donor awards	Upper-division standing; GPA threshold set by department (~3.5+)*; thesis or project required	Yes — apply to department	N/A (academic distinction)	Strong juniors/seniors with high GPA and interest in research or creative projects
University Honors at Graduation	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 is met	N/A (academic distinction)	Graduates who maintain strong GPAs through completion
SF State Scholars (4+1 Blended Program)	Not a scholarship; saves money by double-counting grad credits	Junior/senior standing; GPA requirement set by department; approved study plan	Yes — department and Graduate Studies application	N/A (program benefit)	Motivated undergrads ready to continue straight into grad school

Honors FAQs

Does SFSU have a central Honors College?
No — honors opportunities are department-based or GPA-based distinctions.

Does doing departmental honors add time?
Not usually. Honors courses count toward the major; plan early to integrate them.

Are there scholarships tied to honors?
There is no campus-wide honors scholarship, but departments may offer small donor awards to honors students.

When should students apply?
Most departmental honors programs take applications in junior year; SF State Scholars has its own deadlines per department.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

San Francisco State University proves that a college education in one of the most dynamic cities in the country doesn’t have to be out of reach. While SFSU doesn’t offer the big automatic or flagship scholarships, families can still piece together meaningful support through state and federal aid, departmental and donor-funded awards, and hidden gems like music, graduate, or emergency funds. With careful planning and early applications, your student can tap into the opportunities that make SFSU both affordable and rewarding.

✅ Last updated: August 25, 2025