San Francisco State vs. Pathways College

Comparable Facts

Compare San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA with Pathways College in Phoenix, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Francisco State University is larger than Pathways College based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

San Francisco State vs. Pathways College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Francisco State or Pathways College? 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 San Francisco State University are 6.1% lower than at Pathways College ($22,266 vs. $23,712).
• San Francisco State University is 28.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pathways College (about $1,770 more per year; $7,950.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 232.5% higher at San Francisco State than at Pathways College (about $14,370 more per year; $20,550.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco State University than at Pathways College (77% vs. 0%).

San Francisco State vs. Pathways College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Francisco State or Pathways College? 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 Pathways College and San Francisco State.

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

San Francisco State vs. Pathways College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Francisco State and Pathways College? 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).

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.