San Francisco State University campus

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San Francisco State Demographics & Diversity

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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very High

Racial Diversity Index: 76%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at San Francisco State are predominantly Hispanic with a sizeable Asian population. The school has very high racial diversity. 79% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

The college is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is recognized for serving Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders.

Racial demographics of San Francisco State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
21%
Black
5%
Hispanic
29%
Asian
28%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
International
6%
Race Unknown
5%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 49%

There are 24% more female students than male students enrolled at San Francisco State University with a gender ratio of 55% women to 45% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, San Francisco State has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for San Francisco State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
45%
Women
55%
Enrollment by gender for San Francisco State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
10,086
Women
12,477

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Extremely Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 4%

San Francisco State draws 96 percent of students from California, 1 percent from other states, and 3 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside California, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for San Francisco State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
96%
Out of State
1%
Foreign
3%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$77,495 per year

51% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

22,563
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 19.6%
Part-time undergraduates 15.3%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to San Francisco State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122597.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026