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University of California-Los Angeles vs San Francisco State University

University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA. San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, CA. University of California-Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants and San Francisco State University about 96%, making University of California-Los Angeles the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,278 a year at San Francisco State University after aid, and about $12,548 at University of California-Los Angeles. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Los Angeles, compared with 50% at San Francisco State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn a median of about $82,511, against $68,077 for San Francisco State University.

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,475
18,639
Acceptance rate
9%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1530
930–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
29–35
16–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,548
$12,278
Full cost / yr
$38,614
$26,488
In-state tuition
$15,203
$7,950
Out-of-state tuition
$49,403
$20,550
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,579
$9,341
$30k - $48k
$6,682
$9,867
$48k - $75k
$9,811
$11,825
$75k - $110k
$14,142
$14,556
Over $110k
$29,682
$22,523
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
50%
Freshman retention
97%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,063
$52,650
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,511
$68,077
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$15,371
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
42%
First-generation students
38%
48%
International students
8%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Los Angeles or San Francisco State University harder to get into?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 96% at San Francisco State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles 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 $12,548 at University of California-Los Angeles. 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 University of California-Los Angeles and San Francisco State University?
Before aid, San Francisco State University costs about $26,488 a year and University of California-Los Angeles about $38,614. 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, University of California-Los Angeles or San Francisco State University?
University of California-Los Angeles. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,579 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, University of California-Los Angeles or San Francisco State University?
University of California-Los Angeles is the larger of the two, with about 33,475 undergraduates against 18,639 at San Francisco State University.
Does University of California-Los Angeles or San Francisco State University have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 50% at San Francisco State University.
Do graduates of University of California-Los Angeles or San Francisco State University earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,511 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,077 for San Francisco State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Los Angeles and San Francisco State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Los Angeles is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. San Francisco State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of California-Los Angeles and San Francisco State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1300–1530 at University of California-Los Angeles and 930–1130 at San Francisco State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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