College Costs in San Francisco, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 22 colleges in San Francisco, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,266
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,185
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,647
per month
Colleges & Universities
22
institutions
San Francisco Overview
Population
873,965
Student Population
65,778 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
114 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
66/100
Transit Score
38/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for San Francisco
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,184
Total After Financial Aid
$89,184
Annual Cost
$22,296
Annual After Aid
$22,296
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,184 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,013 |
| Total Interest | $32,336 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,520 |
Universities in San Francisco
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | Private | $54,514 |
| San Francisco State University | Public | $7,266 |
| Golden Gate University | Private | $17,856 |
| City College of San Francisco | Community | $1,540 |
San Francisco has 22 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in San Francisco vs. National Average
| Category | San Francisco | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,266 | $10,940 | -$3,674 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,647 | $1,050 | +$597 |
| Cost of Living Index | 114 | 100 | +14 |
San Francisco's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in San Francisco
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
65,778 students
San Francisco has a total population of 873,965, with approximately 65,778 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, San Francisco offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Francisco
$67,144
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Francisco earn a median starting salary of $67,144, which is $32,144 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,184 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,071 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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