Golden Gate University vs. San Francisco State

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University 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 Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); San Francisco State University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Francisco State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Golden Gate University 7:1; San Francisco State University 19:1.

Golden Gate University vs. San Francisco State Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 40.7% lower than at San Francisco State University ($13,200 vs. $22,266).
• Golden Gate University is 289.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Francisco State (about $23,038 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $7,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at Golden Gate University than at San Francisco State University (about $10,438 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $20,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco State University than at Golden Gate University (77% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. San Francisco State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate University 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 Golden Gate University.

• 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: Golden Gate University - Not reported; San Francisco State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026.

Golden Gate University vs. San Francisco State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate University 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $23,800 more per year than San Francisco State graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $52,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Francisco State University graduates have a $12,589 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($17,250 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, San Francisco State graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($178 vs. $308).
• More San Francisco State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 57%)

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.