A new national study confirms what San Francisco State University alumni already know: an SFSU degree pays off. Research from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce shows that the University’s 10-year return on investment (ROI) has grown significantly over the past decade, underscoring SFSU’s role as a driver of economic mobility and opportunity in the Bay Area. It’s the latest evidence that the future truly is brighter for students who choose SFSU. 

“San Francisco State University has long been committed to providing high-quality, affordable higher education that changes lives,” said SFSU President Lynn Mahoney. “This new study demonstrates the impact of that commitment. Our graduates go on to launch successful careers, contribute to the vitality of the Bay Area economy and strengthen their families and communities for generations.” 

The Georgetown researchers examined ROI at more than 4,600 colleges nationwide, comparing data from 2012 and 2022. ROI was measured by weighing the cost of attendance — tuition, fees and living expenses — against graduates’ earnings a decade after enrolling. For SFSU students, the results are clear: ROI increased by 31% in just 10 years, rising from $183,000 in 2012 to $239,000 in 2022.  

The study highlights a broader trend: the value of a degree from a California public university continues to rise. At CSU campuses, ROI has climbed steadily, reflecting strong labor market outcomes for graduates. In the Bay Area in particular, the boom in technology and related industries has fueled local demand for college-educated workers. San Francisco now ranks as the seventh-best job market in the nation for recent graduates, according to payroll company ADP.  

For SFSU graduates, that means opportunities in multiple sectors — from education and health care to the arts and public service — where they apply their skills and knowledge to benefit the region. The University’s increasing ROI confirms that an SFSU education remains one of the most prudent investments students can make for their future. 

“My time at SFSU gave me the skills, confidence and hands-on experience that launched my career,” said Nicole Mossman (B.S., ’94; MBA, ’97), chief marketing officer at AssetMark, a Concord-based provider of wealth management and technology solutions for financial advisors. “Having professors who brought real-world expertise into the classroom made all the difference. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to shape the future of the Bay Area.”

Discover your future as a Gator.