SFSU Acceptance Rate 2026: 96.14%, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide
Direct answer: San Francisco State University’s acceptance rate is listed as 96.14%, with 29,878 applicants and 28,727 admitted students. That makes SFSU broadly accessible, but impacted majors such as Nursing can be much harder than the campus-wide number.
For SFSU, the real admissions question is not only “Can I get in?” It is whether you meet the CSU A-G course pattern, the correct GPA minimum, major requirements, deadlines and document rules.
This guide answers the main search intent fast: acceptance rate, GPA rules, SAT/ACT policy, impacted majors, transfer rules, international applicants, deadlines, application steps, video guide and official links.
Campus-wide SFSU admission is high, but not the same as every major.
Minimum A-G GPA for California residents or California high school graduates.
Minimum A-G GPA for non-California residents.
CSU no longer uses ACT/SAT exams to determine freshman admission eligibility.
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SFSU acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first
| Search question | Direct answer | What it means for students |
|---|---|---|
| SFSU acceptance rate 2026 | 96.14% listed acceptance rate. | SFSU is accessible if you meet eligibility and apply correctly. |
| Total applicants | 29,878 applicants. | SFSU still receives a large applicant pool. |
| Total admitted | 28,727 admitted students. | The campus-wide rate is high, but majors can differ. |
| Is SFSU selective? | Campus-wide, not very selective. | Impacted programs, lower GPA review and missing documents can still create risk. |
| Main admission risk | Wrong major, missing A-G courses, low GPA, inaccurate application or missed deadlines. | Focus on eligibility and application accuracy, not SAT/ACT. |
SFSU GPA, SAT and ACT requirements
California GPA rule
2.50 or greater A-G GPA for California residents or graduates of a California high school.
Non-California GPA rule
3.00 or greater A-G GPA for non-California residents or graduates outside California.
SAT answer
No SAT required for admission eligibility. CSU no longer uses SAT for freshman admission decisions.
ACT answer
No ACT required for admission eligibility. Scores may be reported for course placement if you have them.
| Applicant situation | SFSU rule | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| California resident / CA high school graduate | 2.50+ A-G GPA. | Complete all A-G courses with C- or better and keep senior grades strong. |
| Non-California resident | 3.00+ A-G GPA. | Do not rely on SAT/ACT to make up for GPA because test scores are not used for eligibility. |
| CA GPA 2.00–2.49 | May receive multi-factor review if other eligibility requirements are met. | Make sure A-G courses, application details and supplemental factors are accurate. |
| Non-CA GPA 2.47–2.99 | May receive multi-factor review if other eligibility requirements are met. | Check major selection carefully and avoid impacted programs unless your profile is strong. |
| SAT/ACT scores available | Not used for freshman admission eligibility. | Report only if useful for placement or readiness, not because admission requires them. |
SFSU A-G course requirements
Freshman applicants must complete CSU A-G college preparatory courses with grades of C- or better. This is one of the most important requirements for SFSU admission.
| A-G area | Subject | Years required |
|---|---|---|
| A | History and Social Science | 2 years |
| B | English | 4 years |
| C | Math: algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra or higher | 3 years |
| D | Laboratory Science: one physical and one biological | 2 years |
| E | Language other than English | 2 years |
| F | Visual and Performing Arts | 1 year |
| G | College preparatory elective | 1 year |
Impacted majors at SFSU: where admission gets harder
Campus-wide SFSU acceptance rate is high, but impacted majors can be different. SF State says impacted majors receive more fully eligible applicants than available spaces and may use supplemental criteria or higher GPA standards.
| Major situation | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing interest as freshman | Freshman applicants interested in Nursing should select Undeclared with an Interest in Nursing. | Meet GPA/A-G requirements and expect ranking based on available space. |
| Nursing as transfer | Prerequisites and supplemental application are required. | Complete anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology and statistics rules early. |
| Impacted major | May require higher GPA or additional criteria. | Check the department and impaction page before applying. |
| Alternative major | Applicants to impacted programs may need an alternate major. | Choose a realistic backup that you would actually study. |
| Non-impacted major | Usually closer to campus-wide access if eligibility is met. | Still complete application accurately and watch deadlines. |
SFSU dates and deadlines
SF State dates change by term. Use the official Dates and Deadlines page before applying. The currently shown fall-cycle pattern includes application opening, submission, impacted-major priority deadline, offer acceptance and final transcript due dates.
| Deadline item | Current SF State date shown | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Application opens | August 1 | Start gathering GPA, courses, campus and major choices early. |
| Application submission begins | October 1 | Cal State Apply submission begins for the fall cycle. |
| Impacted majors priority deadline | November 30 | Important for competitive or impacted programs. |
| Accept admission offer / deposit | May 1 | Missing this can cost your seat. |
| Final official transcripts due | July 15 | Your final transcript must confirm graduation and completed coursework. |
SFSU admissions video guide
Watch this video for a broad SFSU overview, then use the checklist below to turn general information into an admission plan.
Transfer applicants: SFSU rules are different
Transfer applicants should not use freshman rules only. SFSU separates lower-division transfer and upper-division transfer eligibility.
| Transfer type | SFSU rule | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-division transfer | Less than 60 semester or 90 quarter transferable units. | Need high school graduation, GPA/A-G eligibility, college GPA and required courses. |
| Upper-division transfer | 60 or more transferable semester units or 90 quarter units. | Complete 30 semester units of CSU GE and Golden Four courses. |
| Golden Four | Oral communication, written communication, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning. | Finish with C- or better before the required term deadline. |
| Transfer GPA | At least 2.00 overall transferable college GPA. | Impacted majors may require higher GPA or extra criteria. |
| Document rule | List all colleges attended. | Do not hide a transcript; incomplete records can cause problems. |
International applicants: quick requirements
F-1 / international records
Use the International Freshmen page if you will enter in F-1 status or have international academic records.
English proficiency
If you attended a U.S. high school for at least 3 years, SF State says you meet English proficiency. Otherwise, be ready to submit proof.
Academic preparation
Applicants from outside the U.S. should show a secondary curriculum totaling 12 years and eligibility for university study in their country.
Best action
Prepare transcripts, grading context, English proof and deadlines early. International documents can take longer.
How to apply to SFSU: actionable checklist
Common mistakes that hurt SFSU applicants
- Only looking at the 96.14% acceptance rate: Impacted majors can still be competitive.
- Ignoring A-G courses: Missing A-G requirements can hurt eligibility.
- Thinking SAT/ACT can fix GPA: CSU does not use SAT/ACT for freshman admission eligibility.
- Choosing Nursing incorrectly: Freshman Nursing interest uses “Undeclared with an Interest in Nursing.”
- Forgetting alternate major: Impacted-major applicants may need a realistic backup.
- Entering wrong self-reported information: SF State uses application information to make admission decisions.
- Not checking email: Document requests and deadlines are sent by email.
- Not checking Student Center: Required documents appear in the To Do List.
- Waiting on housing: Housing is separate from admission and is not guaranteed.
- Using old deadlines: Always verify the live SFSU Dates and Deadlines page.
Official SFSU links and sources
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages to verify current rules before submitting.
Official A-G courses, GPA rules, SAT/ACT policy, multi-factor review and application steps.
Official application opening, submission, priority, transcript and admission-offer deadlines.
Official lower-division and upper-division transfer requirements.
Official rules for international academic records, English proficiency and freshman eligibility.
Email: ugadmit@sfsu.edu. Phone: (415) 338-6486. Student Services Building, San Francisco, CA 94132.
Application portal used to apply to San Francisco State University.
FAQs about SFSU acceptance rate 2026
What is the SFSU acceptance rate for 2026?
SFSU acceptance rate is listed as 96.14%, with 29,878 applicants and 28,727 admitted students. Use that as the main campus-wide planning number.
Is SFSU easy to get into?
Campus-wide, SFSU is accessible compared with highly selective universities. But students still need A-G courses, GPA eligibility, accurate application details and major-specific rules.
What GPA do you need for SFSU?
Freshman applicants need 2.50+ A-G GPA if they are California residents or California high school graduates, and 3.00+ A-G GPA if they are non-California residents.
Can I get into SFSU below the GPA minimum?
Possibly. SF State may use multi-factor review for California applicants with 2.00–2.49 A-G GPA and non-California applicants with 2.47–2.99 A-G GPA if other requirements are met.
Does SFSU require SAT or ACT?
No. CSU no longer uses SAT or ACT exams to determine freshman admission eligibility. Scores may still be used for placement if reported.
What SAT score is good for SFSU?
There is no required SAT score for SFSU freshman admission eligibility. Focus on A-G courses, GPA, major choice and application accuracy.
Are impacted majors harder at SFSU?
Yes. Impacted majors have more eligible applicants than available space and may use additional criteria or higher GPA standards.
How do freshman applicants apply to SFSU?
Freshman applicants apply through Cal State Apply, choose a major, self-report academic information accurately and monitor email and Student Center for document requests.
What do SFSU transfer applicants need?
Upper-division transfer applicants generally need 60 or more transferable semester units, 30 units of CSU GE, Golden Four courses with C- or better, at least 2.00 transferable GPA and good standing.
How can I improve my SFSU application?
Complete all A-G courses, meet the GPA rule, choose your major carefully, check impacted-major requirements, apply on time, monitor email and send requested documents before deadlines.