For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in San Francisco, USA
Latest ranking updates related to universities in San Francisco
- 10 Apr, 2024: Publication of QS World University Rankings By Subject (Business & Management Studies). University of California, San Francisco with highest ranking among universities in San Francisco ranked #48.
- 06 Mar, 2024: Scimago Institutions Rankings updated with University of California, San Francisco ranked highest among 3 listed universities in San Francisco.
- 19 Dec, 2023: Urap published most recent results of URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance. Includes 3 universities from San Francisco.
- 05 Dec, 2023: Latest QS World University Rankings: Sustainability from British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK. 3 universities from San Francisco appear in this ranking.
San Francisco is a city which offers its residents endless options when it comes to enjoying art and music, and it’s also a great place to be a foodie thanks to San Francisco’s signature dishes like clam chowder or the Italian-American Cioppino, and a big emphasis on places to have brunch.
The city has a rich character, offering many different kinds of lifestyles that should appeal to just about anyone. For those who are still in higher education, San Francisco also offers a total of 12 different higher education institutions to enroll in.
Rankings of universities in San Francisco, USA 2024
|
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
||
|
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 October, 2022] |
||
|
CWTS Leiden Ranking
[Published 22 June, 2022] |
||
| Show 11 more rankings of University of California, San Francisco and subject specific rankings for 8 subjects | |||
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021] |
||
|
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023] |
||
|
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
||
| Show 13 more rankings of University of San Francisco and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects | |||
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021] |
||
|
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023] |
||
|
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
||
| Show 15 more rankings of San Francisco State University and subject specific rankings for 6 subjects | |||
100% Online Master Degrees from Top Ranked UK Universities
in Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Education, Health...
Study at your own pace, conveniently from home.
#4
Golden Gate University
Student satisfaction:
4.6 / 5.0
(based on 41 student ratings)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
#5
California Institute of Integral Studies
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(based on 88 student ratings)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
#6
San Francisco Art Institute
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
#7
Alliant International University
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
#8
Presidio Graduate School
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
#9
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Student satisfaction:
4.3 / 5.0
(based on 35 student ratings)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
#10
Academy of Art University
Student satisfaction:
4.2 / 5.0
(based on 888 student ratings)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
#11
Saybrook University
Student satisfaction:
4.6 / 5.0
(based on 29 student ratings)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
#12
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021] |
||
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
||
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
||
| Show 2 more rankings of California College of the Arts and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects | |||
|
|
|
|
Highest subject rankings of universities in San Francisco
Dentistry
QS World University Rankings By Subject
#9
University of California, San Francisco
Social Sciences
NTU Rankings by Subject
#18
University of California, San Francisco
Business
MONEY Best Colleges for Business Majors
#41
San Francisco State University
Education
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#51
University of California, San Francisco
Biotechnology
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#51
University of California, San Francisco
Law
US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#51
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Computer Science
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Schools by Majors
#103
San Francisco State University
Chemistry
NTU Rankings by Subject
#180
University of California, San Francisco
Mathematics
NTU Rankings by Subject
#351
University of California, San Francisco
Student Opinions About Studying in San Francisco
“Something you quickly notice when you live here is how many tech companies there are in the city. This stereotype about San Francisco is completely accurate, nearly every advert you see is for some kind of trendy new business promoting an on-demand service. All this is reflected in the job opportunities here, as most opportunities are coming from these start-ups.”
“San Francisco is very into exercising, whether it be walking everywhere, taking their bike, or Yoga sessions in the city’s innumerable parks. The cost of living may be high, but it’s clear that residents have a good quality of life in the city.”
“There’s always some kind of event or concert going on in the city, from Fleet Week to SantaCon, and they have a way of enticing you to check them out. You should keep an eye on bulletin boards in case there’s something going on that interests you.”
San Francisco Key Facts for International Students
PROS
-
The city is very walkable, with it being possible to walk across the span of 4 or 5 neighbourhoods in approximately 30-40 minutes. This gives locals the chance to discover the city more intimately than if they were always using public transport.
-
San Francisco’s cityscape has thoroughly embraced public parks, as you can find one every few blocks in most cases. Natural public spaces give residents a way of taking a break from the busy city surroundings.
-
The city has a strong reputation for being politically liberal, and many LGBT residents report that they’ve felt welcome in the city.
CONS
-
San Francisco’s housing situation is infamously expensive, with the average price for a 2-bedroom apartment being a staggering $3,600. To offset this issue, make sure to choose more affordable neighbourhoods which are also close enough to where you need to be every day.
-
The majority of job opportunities in San Francisco are related to Tech positions, although it is entirely realistic to be able to find employment in other sectors. It’s likely to take a few months to get a job offer.
-
The cost of living in general for San Francisco is extremely high, and can even be the most expensive city in the country depending on the year and the economy.
13 out of 13 Universities in San Francisco Ranked in at least one ranking
27 Different Rankings list Universities in San Francisco (20 institution and 7 subject rankings)
18 Global Rankings rank Universities in San Francisco Among TOP 200
Population: 865000
Elevation: 16 m. above sea level
Time: GMT -8
District/province: California, San Francisco County
Living costs for students in San Francisco:
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 116* (16% more expensive than London)
- All costs including accommodation 130* (30% more expensive than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 119* (19% more expensive than London)
- Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
-
-
- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
-
-
- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Map with location of universities in San Francisco
Useful related pages
Links below are handpicked for usefulness. We might earn a commission on purchases.
-
100% online courses from Harvard, MIT, Caltech, Cambridge University and others. Many courses for free. Join over 44 million learners. 4000+ online courses at edx.org » -
IT certificates from Google, Meta, IBM, SAP, Microsoft. Free courses from Stanford, Princeton... 59$/month for 7000+ courses including certificates displayed on Linkedin. 7000+ online courses at coursera.org » -
The best way to send money to and from San Francisco. Save banking fees. Free account for international students. Join 16 million customers. Save on money transfers at wise.com » -
Loans for international students studying master degrees in USA. Get non-binding quote at prodigyfinance.com » -
Best rated student accommodation in San Francisco
Student.com has the largest selection of residences and reviews Compare residences at student.com » -
Uniacco.com offers less options but has exclusive discounts, so that you pay less than booking directly with the residence Exclusive discounts at uniacco.com »
FAQ
University of California, San Francisco ranks #1 in San Francisco in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.
Among all universities in San Francisco University of San Francisco is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 24 rankings where University of San Francisco is listed.
University of California, San Francisco is ranked best in San Francisco for Medicine & Health (Dentistry). See all rankings for the University of California, San Francisco.
University of California, San Francisco is ranked best in San Francisco for Social Studies & Humanities (Social Sciences). See all rankings for the University of California, San Francisco.
San Francisco State University is ranked best in San Francisco for Business (Business). See all rankings for the San Francisco State University.
University of California, San Francisco is ranked best in San Francisco for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of California, San Francisco.
University of California, San Francisco is ranked best in San Francisco for Engineering (Biotechnology). See all rankings for the University of California, San Francisco.
University of California, Hastings College of the Law is ranked best in San Francisco for Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
San Francisco State University is ranked best in San Francisco for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the San Francisco State University.
University of California, San Francisco is ranked best in San Francisco for Natural Sciences (Chemistry). See all rankings for the University of California, San Francisco.
University of California, San Francisco is ranked best in San Francisco for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the University of California, San Francisco.
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 12584
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 6000
- Published:
- 25 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
Research Performance: 40%
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
Quality of Education: 25%
Alumni Employment: 25%
Quality of Faculty: 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 3718
- Published:
- 22 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity
Forbes
- Universities:
- 1098
- Published:
- 30 August, 2022
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges You Can Actually Get Into:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 3103
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 9699
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:
Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 13016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 556
- Published:
- 06 September, 2021
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 735
- Published:
- 23 November, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
Employability (survey) 100%
- Universities:
- 831
- Published:
- 27 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:
Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Universities:
- 348
- Published:
- 10 May, 2022
Urap
- Universities:
- 12002
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Us News
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
- Universities:
- 5248
- Published:
- 24 October, 2022
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 12584
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 6000
- Published:
- 25 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
Research Performance: 40%
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
Quality of Education: 25%
Alumni Employment: 25%
Quality of Faculty: 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 3718
- Published:
- 22 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity
Forbes
- Universities:
- 1098
- Published:
- 30 August, 2022
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges You Can Actually Get Into:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 3103
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 9699
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:
Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 13016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 556
- Published:
- 06 September, 2021
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 735
- Published:
- 23 November, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
Employability (survey) 100%
- Universities:
- 831
- Published:
- 27 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:
Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Universities:
- 348
- Published:
- 10 May, 2022
Urap
- Universities:
- 12002
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Us News
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
- Universities:
- 5248
- Published:
- 24 October, 2022
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%