California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt vs San Francisco State University
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is a public university in Arcata, CA, and San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 98% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. San Francisco State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,278 a year against $13,171 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. About 50% of students graduate at San Francisco State University, compared with 48% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Ten years after enrolling, San Francisco State University alumni earn a median of about $68,077, against $47,626 for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Arcata, CA
San Francisco, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,612
18,639
Acceptance rate
98%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
930–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,171
$12,278
Full cost / yr
$25,170
$26,488
In-state tuition
$8,250
$7,950
Out-of-state tuition
$20,850
$20,550
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,483
$9,341
$30k - $48k
$8,812
$9,867
$48k - $75k
$11,088
$11,825
$75k - $110k
$15,593
$14,556
Over $110k
$22,228
$22,523
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
50%
Freshman retention
76%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,382
$52,650
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,626
$68,077
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$15,371
Student body
Pell grant recipients
43%
42%
First-generation students
44%
48%
International students
0%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
May 1
Apr 15
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or San Francisco State University harder to get into?
- San Francisco State University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 98% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or San Francisco State University?
- San Francisco State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,278 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,171 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and San Francisco State University?
- Before aid, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt costs about $25,170 a year and San Francisco State University about $26,488. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or San Francisco State University?
- California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,483 there, against about $9,341 at San Francisco State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or San Francisco State University?
- San Francisco State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,639 undergraduates against 5,612 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
- Does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or San Francisco State University have a better graduation rate?
- San Francisco State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 48% at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt.
- Do graduates of California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt or San Francisco State University earn more?
- San Francisco State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,077 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,626 for California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and San Francisco State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. San Francisco State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and San Francisco State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1190 at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt and 930–1130 at San Francisco State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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