Lincoln University vs. San Francisco State

Comparable Facts

Compare Lincoln University in Oakland, 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 Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lincoln University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); San Francisco State University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• Lincoln 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: Lincoln University 15:1; San Francisco State University 19:1.

Lincoln University vs. San Francisco State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lincoln 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 Lincoln University are 62.3% lower than at San Francisco State University ($8,400 vs. $22,266).
• Lincoln University is 65.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Francisco State (about $5,200 more per year; $13,150.00 vs. $7,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.3% higher at San Francisco State than at Lincoln University (about $7,400 more per year; $20,550.00 vs. $13,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco State University than at Lincoln University (77% vs. 0%).

Lincoln University vs. San Francisco State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lincoln 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 Lincoln University.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: Lincoln University - Open admission; San Francisco State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lincoln University Jul 13, 2027; San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Francisco State students have a 0.71 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Lincoln University (2.6).

Lincoln University vs. San Francisco State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lincoln 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).

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than San Francisco State University's (46%).
• More San Francisco State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 51%)

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.