Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

Total Enrollment

23,908

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

279

279 programs

Full-Time Students

16,695

4,061 part-time

Total FTE

21,972

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
23,908
Total Students
Size compared to other colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 279
High diversity
~86 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest colleges nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

San Francisco State University operates as a large college with 23,908 students across 279 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 23,908 students, San Francisco State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 279 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 16,695 (80.4%)
80.4%
Part-Time Students 4,061 (19.6%)
19.6%
Total Students 20,756

Predominantly full-time students (80.4%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (69.8%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
55.9%
13,359 students
Men
44.1%
10,549 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
36.9%
8,821 students
Hispanic/Latino
36.9% (8,821)
Asian
22.8% (5,462)
White
16.4% (3,929)
Black/African American
6.1% (1,465)
Two or More Races
5.6% (1,345)
International Students
5.3% (1,274)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.6% (139)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (39)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 23,908 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 37% of the student body (8,821 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

20,756 students

46% Men, 54% Women
16,695 Full-time 4,061 Part-time
Diversity Index: 76% • Minority Students: 69%

Graduate students

3,152 students

35% Men, 65% Women
2,021 Full-time 1,131 Part-time
Diversity Index: 80% • Minority Students: 53%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

18,716
All full-time students
8,153 men, 10,563 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Undergraduate

16,695
Full-time undergraduate
7,450 men, 9,245 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Degree-Seeking

16,481
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
7,372 men, 9,109 women
Diversity: 75%

FT First-Time

2,850
Full-time first-time students
1,227 men, 1,623 women
Diversity: 69%

FT Continuing

13,631
Full-time continuing students
6,145 men, 7,486 women
Diversity: 76%

FT Transfer

2,086
Full-time transfer students
951 men, 1,135 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Continuing

11,545
Full-time other continuing
5,194 men, 6,351 women
Diversity: 75%

FT Non-Degree

214
Full-time non-degree seeking
78 men, 136 women
Diversity: 0%

FT Graduate

2,021
Full-time graduate students
703 men, 1,318 women
Diversity: 80%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

5,192
All part-time students
2,396 men, 2,796 women
Diversity: 79%

PT Undergraduate

4,061
Part-time undergraduate
1,996 men, 2,065 women
Diversity: 79%

PT Degree-Seeking

3,552
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,810 men, 1,742 women
Diversity: 76%

PT First-Time

135
Part-time first-time students
68 men, 67 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Continuing

3,417
Part-time continuing students
1,742 men, 1,675 women
Diversity: 76%

PT Transfer

374
Part-time transfer students
192 men, 182 women
Diversity: 78%

PT Continuing

3,043
Part-time other continuing
1,550 men, 1,493 women
Diversity: 76%

PT Non-Degree

509
Part-time non-degree seeking
186 men, 323 women
Diversity: 21%

PT Graduate

1,131
Part-time graduate students
400 men, 731 women
Diversity: 78%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

3,101
White
1,303
Black/African American
8,004
Hispanic/Latino
4,789
Asian
924
International
Diversity Index: 76% Minority Students: 69%

Graduate students

828
White
162
Black/African American
817
Hispanic/Latino
673
Asian
350
International
Diversity Index: 80% Minority Students: 53%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About San Francisco State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 23,908 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (69.8%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 21,972 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 73% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (16:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1600 Holloway Ave

San Francisco, CA 94132

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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