San Francisco State vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

Compare San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA with Simpson University in Redding, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Francisco State University is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• San Francisco State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Francisco State University 19:1; Simpson University 17:1.

San Francisco State vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at San Francisco State University than Simpson University ($13,168 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 46.6% lower than at San Francisco State University ($11,900 vs. $22,266).
• Simpson University is 399.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Francisco State (about $31,758 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $7,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.2% higher at Simpson University than at San Francisco State University (about $19,158 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $20,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at San Francisco State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 99.6% larger than aid received by San Francisco State University students ($25,937 vs. $12,996).

San Francisco State vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Francisco State or Simpson University? 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 Simpson University and San Francisco State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simpson University (1070) is 40 points higher than at San Francisco State (1030).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at San Francisco State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Francisco State University 930/1130; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Francisco State University 16/23; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Francisco State - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at San Francisco State (3.31).
• San Francisco State has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at San Francisco State vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

San Francisco State vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Francisco State and Simpson University? 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).

• San Francisco State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from San Francisco State University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $582 lower median loan debt than San Francisco State graduates ($16,668 vs. $17,250).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Francisco State graduates ($172 vs. $178).
• More Simpson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Francisco State students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 63%)

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.