Best Universities in San Francisco: Fees, Courses & Ranking for 2025
What makes San Francisco stand out isn’t just location—it’s the kind of universities it hosts. These aren’t just places to get a degree. Whether you're chasing a future in tech, launching something creative, or building a business career, the city’s top institutions give you the mix of credibility, hands-on learning, and network access to actually get started.
Top 8 Universities in San Francisco
San Francisco’s universities are built for more than academics. They offer serious research opportunities, industry ties, and campuses that reflect the city’s energy. Whether your focus is tech, business, or the arts, these institutions give you a practical way to turn your degree into something real.
1. Stanford University
Stanford is more than a university, it’s a breeding ground for global change. Its ecosystem of rigorous academics, research labs, and venture-backed innovation makes it one of the most powerful educational institutions in the world.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Private |
Founded | 1885 |
QS Ranking 2025 | #5 |
Acceptance Rate | 4.3% |
Enrollment | 17,000+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 53.9L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1 |
Employment Rate | 94% |
Research & Startups | 40,000+ companies founded by alumni |
With an acceptance rate of just 4.3%, it admits only the most driven minds. Its alumni have founded giants like Google, Netflix, and LinkedIn. The tuition, around INR 53L per year, is steep, but so are the outcomes. Graduates often walk into roles with average salaries over INR 1.8Cr. For students aiming to be at the leading edge of technology, research, or business, Stanford is where things start.
2. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is where rigour meets impact. Known for academic intensity, groundbreaking research, and a spirit of activism, it remains one of the top-ranked public universities globally.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Public |
Founded | 1868 |
QS Ranking 2025 | #10 |
Acceptance Rate | 11% |
Enrollment | 45,000+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 49.3L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
Employment Rate | 92% |
Research & Startups | 500+ startups, Nobel laureates |
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, getting in isn’t easy. But those who do benefit from a network of Nobel laureates, tech visionaries, and policy leaders. Tuition is around INR 49L per year, with graduates typically earning close to INR 1Cr to start. It’s the right place for those who want to challenge norms—and themselves.
3. University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco offers something different: a holistic education rooted in social justice, entrepreneurship, and global thinking, right in the city’s vibrant downtown.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Private |
Founded | 1855 |
QS Ranking 2025 | 1201–1400 |
Acceptance Rate | 61.7% |
Enrollment | 8,913 |
Tuition Fees | INR 26.4L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
Employment Rate | 90% |
Research & Startups | Strong ties to Bay Area startups |
Its admissions process is relatively flexible, and with fees around ₹26L per year, it’s on the more affordable end for a private U.S. university. What makes USF worth considering is how closely it’s tied to the city itself. Students get access to local companies, real support from career services, and a campus culture that actually feels supportive—not just on brochures. If you’re looking for a good balance between academics and personal development, this one’s worth a look.
4. San Francisco State University
SFSU offers something rare: quality education at a manageable cost. With tuition at INR 37L per year, it’s a practical choice for many international students.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Public |
Founded | 1899 |
QS Ranking 2025 | #1201+ |
Acceptance Rate | 93% |
Enrollment | 27,000+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 37.2L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 23:1 |
Employment Rate | 85% |
Research & Startups | Regional partnerships, creative hubs |
SFSU’s accessible admissions and affordable tuition (INR 37L per year) make it a popular choice for international students. The university’s urban campus encourages hands-on learning, and its graduates are well-prepared for roles in the Bay Area’s creative and tech sectors. SFSU is ideal for students seeking a supportive, inclusive environment with strong local industry ties.
5. Academy of Art University
A top destination for aspiring artists and designers, the Academy of Art University offers industry-focused programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Private |
Founded | 1929 |
QS Ranking 2025 | Not ranked |
Acceptance Rate | 100% (open) |
Enrollment | 7,000+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 51.8L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
Employment Rate | 80% |
Research & Startups | Creative industry partnerships |
The Academy’s open admissions policy means anyone with a passion for art can apply. Tuition is around INR 51L per year, and students benefit from strong industry connections and internship opportunities. Graduates often work for top design firms, animation studios, and creative agencies. This university is perfect for students who want to turn their creative passion into a career.
6. Golden Gate University (GCU)
Golden Gate University isn’t designed for the traditional student. It’s tailored for professionals, people already in the field, or those pivoting toward a new one.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Private |
Founded | 1901 |
QS Ranking 2025 | Not ranked |
Acceptance Rate | 70% |
Enrollment | 5,300+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 35.3L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
Employment Rate | 89% |
Research & Startups | Strong business/finance links |
GGU offers flexible schedules and practical programs in business, law, and public administration. Tuition is about INR 35L per year, and its location in the Financial District gives students a direct line to San Francisco’s business ecosystem. For working adults or career-changers, GGU makes higher education fit around life—not the other way around.
7. Hult International Business School
Hult offers a global business education with campuses in major cities worldwide, including San Francisco.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Private |
Founded | 1964 |
QS Ranking 2025 | #601–650 (Business & Management) |
Acceptance Rate | 45% |
Enrollment | 3,000+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 37.4L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
Employment Rate | 92% |
Research & Startups | Global entrepreneurship network |
Hult’s international focus and strong business curriculum attract students from 150+ countries. Tuition is around INR 37L per year, and graduates benefit from a global alumni network and high employability. Hult is ideal for students who want a business degree with international mobility and real-world experience.
8. California College of the Arts (CCA)
California College of the Arts is a leader in art, design, architecture, and writing, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.
Aspect | Details |
Type | Private |
Founded | 1907 |
QS Ranking 2025 | Not ranked |
Acceptance Rate | 76% |
Enrollment | 1,600+ |
Tuition Fees | INR 46.7L |
Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
Employment Rate | 87% |
Research & Startups | Art, design, and creative startups |
The college's small class sizes (8:1 ratio) foster close mentorship and creative exploration. Tuition is about INR 46L per year, and graduates go on to work in top creative industries, from architecture to animation. CCA is perfect for students seeking an immersive, hands-on education in the arts.
Conclusion
USan Francisco’s university scene isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got world-famous names like Stanford for deep research and innovation, but also more affordable, practical choices like SFSU that still get the job done. Depending on what you’re after, tech, arts, business, you’ll find something that lines up with your goals. And with the city’s close ties to major industries, grads tend to leave with more than just a degree.
Not sure which one’s right for you? LeapScholar can walk you through the messy stuff—applications, scholarships, visas—so it’s easier to move forward with a plan that actually makes sense.
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Top Universities in San Francisco, USA for International Students
Q. Is San Francisco good for international students?
Ans. Yes. It’s diverse, globally connected, and packed with universities that have strong links to the tech and business world. Plus, the city has a student-friendly energy that draws people in.
Q. What Ivy League school is in San Francisco?
Ans. Technically none. But schools like Stanford and UC Berkeley are often ranked on par—or higher—than some Ivy League names, depending on the field.
Q. Is San Francisco expensive for students?
Ans. Definitely on the higher end. Rent and daily costs can be steep. That said, the job scene and long-term career value often make it worth the spend.
Q. Which city in California is best for international students?
Ans. It depends on what you're after. LA and San Francisco have name recognition and job markets, while San Diego and Berkeley are known for safety, affordability, or academics. Each has a different vibe.
Q. What is the most prestigious school in San Francisco?
Ans. That would be UCSF, especially in medicine and research. It’s ranked globally and is a top choice for anyone pursuing health sciences.