SF State rated high on Money’s ‘America’s Best Colleges 2023’ list

The University’s award-winning alumni, commitment to community service and unique field campus opportunities were cited in the magazine’s 4.5-star rating

San Francisco State University has been awarded a 4.5 out of 5 star rating by Money magazine in its Best Colleges in America 2023 list. Money based its rating on San Francisco State’s quality of education, affordability and outcomes compared to other universities.

Though in the past Money assigned numbered ranks to U.S. colleges, this year’s list used a star system. Of 736 colleges reviewed, only 34 received 5-star ratings, and 190 were given 4.5 stars. In 2022, SF State was #75 on Money’s list of Best Colleges in America, Ranked by Value.

This year’s Money review cited a strong commitment to community service as “a key feature of San Francisco State’s programs.” It also mentioned the opportunities for field work at the University’s Estuary & Ocean Science Center and Sierra Nevada Field Campus. And alumni accomplishments were cited, as well.

“The school takes pride in its entertainment-oriented coursework, such as cinema, music, and writing, and counts an impressive number of Oscar, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize nominees among its alumni,” Money’s editors wrote.

This isn’t the first time SF State has been prominent in college rankings this year. In May, it was #5 on the Wall Street Journal’s list of Top 20 Public Colleges for Accounting Students. In March, it was ranked #15 on a US News and World Report list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, while CollegeNet ranked SF State #16 on its Social Mobility Index last year. And in February, the University was on The Princeton Review’s 2023 Best Business Schools list.

Learn more about enrolling at SF State.