Want to see the most affordable colleges in San Francisco? San Francisco is among the world’s top student cities. Whether you are a resident of San Francisco or want to study in this state, if you are searching for the best colleges and universities for your education, then we can help you.
Here is a list of the “Best Colleges in San Francisco” that we have prepared for you to fulfill your needs. The best colleges for excellent education in this state all offer unique and enriching opportunities to help you earn a rewarding education career.
An international student or resident of San Francisco both can apply for these colleges. Learn more about San Francisco’s top-ranked colleges through our list and find the best one for your upcoming career. Start exploring today!
Table of Contents
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley is often ranked as a top-ten university in the world and as the top public university in the United States. Berkeley has since grown to instruct over 40,000 students in approximately 350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs covering a wide range of disciplines. The university awarded 7,565 Bachelor’s, 2,610 Master’s or Professional and 930 Doctoral degrees. Berkeley’s 130-plus academic departments and programs are organized into 14 colleges and schools in addition to UC Berkeley Extension. Colleges are both undergraduate and graduate, while Schools are generally graduate only, though some offer undergraduate majors, minors, or courses.
Founded In: 1868
Ranking: 1st
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 13,431 USD, Out-of-state 38,139 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 510-642-6000
Website: https://www.berkeley.edu/
University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco will be internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective that educates leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. USF students earned academic credit through study abroad, exchange, intern, or social justice programs. USF is home to over 90 clubs and organizations including academic/professional, governance, cultural, service, social, political, athletic, and special interest. Several USF students have received the Gilman Award for their participation in study abroad programs through the center.
Founded In: 1855
Ranking: 2nd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 42,634 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 415-422-5555
Website: https://www.usfca.edu/
Saint Mary’s College of California
Saint Mary’s College of California invites you to passionately embrace knowledge, the challenges of scholarship, and the capacity to make lasting change in the world. The foundation for this is our mission. There are four schools at Saint Mary’s: the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Science, the School of Economics and Business Administration, and the Kalmanovitz School of Education. Its undergraduate and graduate programs span many disciplines and areas of academic interest, from astronomy to philosophy to global business, and we serve a wide range of students, from traditional undergraduates to international students to working professionals.
Founded In: 1863
Ranking: 3rd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 42,930 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 925-631-4000
Website: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is a public research university. The university offers 118 different bachelor’s degrees, 94 master’s degrees, 5 doctoral degrees (including two Doctor of Education degrees, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Ph.D. in education and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Science), along with 26 teaching credentials among six academic colleges. The university awards bachelor’s degrees in 115 areas of specialization, master’s degrees in 97, and a doctor of education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership.
Founded In: 1899
Ranking: 4th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 6,476 USD, Out-of-state 17,636 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 415-338-1111
Website: http://www.sfsu.edu/
Mills College
Mills is an undergraduate women’s college with graduate programs for students of all genders. There are more than 50 student organizations at Mills run by both undergraduate and graduate students. Mills College offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors and over 25 graduate degrees, certificates, and credentials. Mills also offers ten bachelors’s-to-master’s accelerated degree programs that allow students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in less time with the goal of increasing their career options.
Founded In: 1852
Ranking: 5th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 44,258 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 510-430-2255
Website: https://www.mills.edu/
Holy Names University
Holy Names University is located on 60 wooded acres in the Oakland hills. The university offers nineteen undergraduate degree programs and five adult degree completion programs. HNU students can choose from 15 bachelor’s degree programs, seven master’s degree programs, and four-degree completion programs (for adults). Holy Names offers a liberal education rooted in the Catholic tradition, empowering a diverse student body for leadership and service in a complex world.
Founded In: 1868
Ranking: 6th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 35,666 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 510-436-1000
Website: http://www.hnu.edu/
Menlo College
Menlo College is a small private undergraduate college that focuses on the practical arts of business in the entrepreneurial economy. It offers bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources Management, International Management, Management, Marketing, Psychology, Real Estate, Sports Management, and an individually designed major. Its students come from all over the world to learn the practical arts of business including leadership, critical thinking, creativity, team building, communication and the science of behavior.
Founded In: 1927
Ranking: 7th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 38,750 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 800-556-3656
Website: http://www.menlo.edu/
Dominican University of California
Dominican University is one of the oldest universities in California. Dominican offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, counseling psychology, occupational therapy, and nursing. The University involves undergraduates in sophisticated research projects and encourages students to present at national academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. In 2017-2018, total enrollment was 1,812 undergraduate and graduate students. Dominican focuses on interdisciplinary studies.
Founded In: 1890
Ranking: 8th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 42,550 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 415-457-4440
Website: http://www.dominican.edu/
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Notre Dame de Namur University
Notre Dame de Namur University is the third oldest college in California and the first college in the state authorized to grant the baccalaureate degree to women. It offers 22 undergraduate degrees, 12 graduate degrees, and four credentials. The university is organized into three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Management, and the School of Education and Leadership. The university also offers an evening bachelor’s degree completion program for working adults as well as online degree programs.
Founded In: 1851
Ranking: 9th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 32,608 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 650-508-3600
Website: https://www.ndnu.edu/
California State University-East Bay
Cal State East Bay is home to the most diverse student population on the U.S. mainland. The university offers 136 undergraduate and 60 post-baccalaureate areas of study. East Bay also offers 52 undergraduate degree programs and 39 Master’s degree programs in addition to its teacher education program. Cal State East Bay has been recognized from everything from its diversity and social mobility potential to its business school and online education.
Founded In: 1957
Ranking: 10th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 6,564 USD, Out-of-state 17,724 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 510-885-3000
Website: http://www.csueastbay.edu/
