Newsweek ranks SFSU No. 4 in California on its “America’s Best Colleges for Women” list
The high ranking highlights SFSU’s strength in leadership, safety and opportunity for women
San Francisco State University has been named one of the top institutions in the nation for supporting women, ranking fourth in California and 29th overall on Newsweek’s “America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026” list.
The ranking evaluates how effectively colleges advance gender equity and create environments where women can thrive. Only institutions that award bachelor’s degrees, enroll at least 1,000 students and employ 20 or more women in academic roles are considered. Colleges are scored across four key areas: leadership, pay and policies, safety and opportunity.
SFSU stood out in several of these measures. Women make up 55 percent of SFSU’s student population and 57 percent of its faculty. Women also hold many senior leadership positions: The president, provost and five of the University’s seven college deans are women.
“This recognition reflects who we are and what we value,” said SFSU President Lynn Mahoney. “Our commitment to gender equity is embedded in our leadership, our academic community and the opportunities we strive to create for every student. I’m proud of the work our faculty and staff do every day to make SFSU a place where women can thrive.”
Mahoney added that the ranking highlights the importance of continuing efforts to support women from all backgrounds, particularly those who face additional barriers due to race, income or caregiving responsibilities.
SFSU’s national recognition also reflects the University’s long-standing infrastructure supporting women. The Associated Students Women’s Center provides advocacy, peer support, educational programming and referrals for survivors of violence, as well as resources focused on reproductive health, parenting and gender-based equity. Academically, SFSU is home to one of the nation’s earliest Women and Gender Studies departments, established in 1976, which continues to offer interdisciplinary courses examining gender and sexuality while preparing students for leadership and service across fields.
Newsweek’s list aims to identify universities that have put in place the structures needed to advance equity, including safe learning environments, fair compensation practices, child care access, inclusive hiring and broad opportunities for women faculty and students. For SFSU, the ranking serves as national validation of longstanding work to ensure that women feel represented, supported and empowered throughout their academic journeys.
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