Cost of Attendance

A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at SF State. The figures used for all categories (Except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by SF State students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission. 300 students from SF State responded to the survey.

Amounts are updated annually based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index for non-surveyed years.

No distinction is made with respect to the mode of instruction in determining costs – students enrolled in online courses or a fully online program have the same elements included in their cost of attendance budget.

• Tuition & Mandatory Fees: Cost paid to SF State for courses, includes mandatory campus fees.  This figure is based off anticipated enrollment in 7 or more units. 
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing): The average cost per academic year to live in the SF Bay area while attending SF State. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances (on-campus, off-campus, living at home)  
  
  • Living at Home Housing reflects the lower costs of living at home. 
  • On-Campus Food and Housing is an average of actual costs for all on-campus housing options and a meal plan option providing 19 meals per week. 
  • Off-Campus Food and Housing is based on the average amount reported by SF State students on the 2021 SEARS survey. 
• Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: The average amount students spend on books and educational supplies.
• Transportation:   The average transportation cost between campus, residences, and place of work (includes bus fare, gasoline, tolls, parking, etc.).  Amount does not include car payments, insurance, repairs or license fees.
• Personal Expenses:   The average amount for personal expenses which includes clothing, personal care, cell phone plan, and health care costs not covered by insurance.
• Federal Direct Loan Fees:   For students who borrow a Direct Loan, the average cost of the loan origination fee; for parents who borrow a Direct PLUS loan on behalf of their dependent student, the actual cost of the PLUS loan origination fee.