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Are you a student looking for the perfect Bay Area institution to help you achieve academic excellence without breaking the bank? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top colleges and universities in San Francisco, along with the scholarship opportunities each school has to offer.
With these scholarships, you’ll be able to pay for your education and still have enough left over to indulge in San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread and cable cars. So get ready to discover which schools offer the most scholarship support and start planning your future in the City by the Bay!
Complete List of Universities in San Francisco
1. San Francisco Art Institute
Acceptance Rate: 95.1%
Tuition: $42,220 per year
The San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) is a venerable institution that has been one of the top art universities in San Francisco for over 150 years. This legendary school has been the launching pad for some of the most creative minds of the modern era, including Ansel Adams, Kehinde Wiley, and Annie Leibovitz.
As a student at SFAI, you’ll be part of a community of artists who are constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of expression. Most importantly, there are a number of SFAI scholarships to help you finance your education, including:
- Merit Scholarships
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
- Veteran Benefits
- BFA Portfolio Achievement Scholarships
- BA Critical Essay Achievement Scholarship
- SFAI Grants
All in all, SFAI is the perfect place to cultivate your artistic talents and become part of the next generation of great artists.
2. University of San Francisco
Acceptance Rate: 70.9%
Tuition: $53,472 per year
The University of San Francisco (USF) is an institution that has built a reputation for excellence in both academics and diversity. No wonder it is one of the best universities in San Francisco for international students looking for a supportive environment to help them succeed.
But what sets USF apart is its focus on social justice and the liberal arts, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in any field. Besides, this university offers a number of generous USF scholarships, including:
- Merit scholarships for first-year, transfer, and international students
- Need-based scholarships
- Athletic scholarships
- Army ROTC scholarships
- Outside scholarships
In short, USF is the perfect choice for international students who want to achieve academic excellence while experiencing all that San Francisco has to offer.
3. Golden Gate University
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Tuition: N/A
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s financial district, Golden Gate University (GGU) is an institution that takes a unique approach to education. With a focus on practical, real-world applications of business, law, and technology, GGU prepares students to hit the ground running and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
In addition, GGU is committed to supporting its community of students and alumni, and that’s where the Community Tuition Assistance Grant (CTAG) program comes in. Available to eligible employees, alumni and their families, CTAG provides up to a 40% tuition reduction for undergraduate and graduate programs.
This incredible program allows students to pursue their dreams without worrying about the financial burden of a traditional education.
4. California College of the Arts
Acceptance Rate: 77.6%
Tuition: $52,312 per year
California College of the Arts (CCA) is an innovative institution that has been pushing the boundaries of art and design for more than a century. With stunning campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, CCA provides an immersive and inspiring environment for students to explore their creative passions.
The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, each designed to challenge students to think creatively and critically. And for those who need financial assistance, a number of CCA scholarships are available:
- Merit scholarships
- Visionary Practice Scholarship
- Need-based scholarships
- All-College Honors Awards
These scholarships help ensure that all talented and deserving students have access to a world-class education, regardless of their financial background.
5. City College of San Francisco
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Tuition: $23,500 per year
The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a hidden gem in the world of higher education. Most importantly, tuition at CCSF is only $23,500, making it one of the most affordable universities in San Francisco area.
But don’t let the low price fool you. CCSF offers a wide range of academic programs, from nursing to computer science, all designed to prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Plus, it is one of the best colleges with a 100% acceptance rate.
And for those who need financial assistance, CCSF offers a variety of scholarships, including the Bernard Osher Foundation Scholarship.
6. Stanford University
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
Tuition: $56,169 per year
Stanford University is a world-renowned institution that needs no introduction. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
With its world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research programs, Stanford offers students an unparalleled education that prepares them for success in any field. But with its prestige comes a high price.
Stanford offers limited scholarships, and the majority of students are expected to pay full tuition. Despite the cost, Stanford remains a top choice for many because of its reputation, academic rigor, and commitment to shaping the future.
7. University of California
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Tuition: $13,804 per year
The University of California (UC) is a powerhouse of higher education with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and groundbreaking research.
With its stunning campus in San Francisco, UC has established itself as one of the best universities in San Francisco for health profession majors, including medicine, nursing, and public health. Students who choose UC can rest assured that they will receive a world-class education that prepares them for success in their chosen field.
And for those who need financial assistance, there are a number of University of California scholarships offered, including:
- Cal Grant Program
- Middle Class Scholarship Program
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
8. San Francisco State University
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Tuition: $7,484 per year
San Francisco State University (SFSU) is an outstanding institution with a quality education. One of the most appealing features of SFSU is its affordable tuition, which is a bargain at just $7,484 for in-state students, making it one of the cheapest universities in San Francisco.
Despite its low cost, SFSU is known for its diverse academic programs, including business, education, and the creative arts. SFSU is committed to ensuring that all deserving students have access to higher education and offers a wide range of scholarships to help students meet their financial needs.
To assist students in their search for on and off campus scholarships, SFSU has created an online platform called Academic Works. This platform allows students to easily find and apply for scholarships, making the process of funding their education more manageable.
9. Minerva University
Acceptance Rate: 2%
Tuition: $25,950 per year
Minerva University is a unique institution that offers an innovative and challenging approach to higher education. Founded in 2012, Minerva has quickly become a popular choice for students looking for an alternative to traditional universities.
The university is designed to be a global learning community, bringing together students from all over the world for a rigorous and immersive educational experience.
One of the most appealing aspects of Minerva is its commitment to providing need-based financial aid to its students. Minerva believes that no student should be prevented from pursuing their academic dreams because of financial constraints.
10. California Institute of Integral Studies
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Tuition: $20,980 per year
The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is a truly unique institution that offers a holistic approach to education. At CIIS, students engage in a variety of academic programs designed to explore the intersection of mind, body, and spirit.
CIIS is committed to providing a transformative education that empowers students to make a positive impact in the world. To make this education accessible to all, CIIS offers a number of scholarships to its students.
These CIIS scholarships include:
- Opportunity Scholarship
- Diversity Scholarship
- Angeles Arrien Scholarships
- Cultural Integration Fellowship Integral Scholarships
- Rina Sircar Scholarship
- Laurance S. Rockefeller Memorial Scholarships
11. Saybrook University
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Tuition: $25,206 per year
Saybrook University is a unique institution committed to providing an education that combines academic excellence with real-world experience. At Saybrook, students engage in a variety of academic programs designed to prepare them to make a positive impact in their chosen field.
Saybrook is committed to ensuring that all deserving students have access to higher education and offers a number of scholarships to help make this possible. These Saybrook University scholarships include:
- Michael Horowitz & Dr. Jeannie Gutierrez Immigrant/First Generation Scholarship
- Alan Watts Student Scholarship
- Rollo May Student Scholarship
- Saybrook Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
- The Marlene Chance Creativity and Innovation Scholars Program
These financial aid programs are designed to help students meet their educational expenses and achieve their academic goals.
And there you have it, folks! a commitment to academic excellence and student success, these colleges and universities in San Francisco are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a transformative education. And with a wide range of scholarships available, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve your academic dreams!
Don’t forget to check out our guide to free scholarship application templates to help you navigate the scholarship application process like a pro. With these resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your academic goals and making a positive impact on the world.
