CIIS vs. San Francisco State

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA with San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Francisco State University is larger than CIIS based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 1,874 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Integral Studies is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); San Francisco State University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Integral Studies is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Francisco State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Integral Studies 15:1; San Francisco State University 19:1.

CIIS vs. San Francisco State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CIIS or San Francisco State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between San Francisco State University and CIIS ($7,950.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between San Francisco State and California Institute of Integral Studies ($20,550.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco State University than at California Institute of Integral Studies (77% vs. 0%).

CIIS vs. San Francisco State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CIIS or San Francisco State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between San Francisco State and CIIS.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Francisco State University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Francisco State University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CIIS - Not reported; San Francisco State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026.

CIIS vs. San Francisco State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CIIS and San Francisco State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Francisco State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than CIIS graduates ($17,250 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, San Francisco State graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CIIS graduates ($178 vs. $193).
• More San Francisco State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CIIS students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.