# SF State enrollment up for first time in decade

> SF State enrollment rises after pandemic slump, but financial crisis lingers.
- Title: SF State enrollment up for first time in decade · Sfgate
- Summary: SF State enrollment rises after pandemic slump, but financial crisis lingers. SF State's enrollment increased 20% this fall for first time in a decade, but…
- Keywords: sf state, enrollment, pandemic, csu, university, deficit, retention, transfer students, first year students, veteran students, news, local
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/sf-state-enrollment-fall-2026-22474082.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sf state, enrollment, pandemic, csu, university, deficit, retention, transfer students, first year students, veteran students, news, local
## SF State enrollment up
SF State enrollment increased 20% this fall compared with last year, including first-year and transfer students.
## Retention rate rises
SF State saw a 2.5% increase in first-year undergraduate student retention rate this fall.
## Enrollment trend
SF State enrollment dropped to 23,700 in 2023, then fell to 22,357 in 2024 and 20,713 in 2025.
## Enrollment target
SF State's total headcount this fall is 20,824, 111 more than last year.
## Pandemic impact
SF State enrollment has been declining for years due to pandemic-era struggles and rising crime rates.
## City reputation shift
San Francisco's reputation is improving, with events like the Super Bowl and Valkyries boosting student interest.
## Recruitment strategy
SF State hosted receptions for admitted students across the state, increasing attendance by 74%.
## Veteran student growth
SF State saw a 58% increase in new veteran students this fall.
## Financial crisis
SF State still faces a $12.6 million deficit and missed enrollment targets.
## State funding impact
SF State was withheld $6.5 million in state funding last year for missing enrollment targets.
## Enrollment challenges
SF State has discontinued programs like Earth Sciences and cut athletic programs due to low enrollment.
## Long-term outlook
SF State expects enrollment to grow but still faces a $12.6 million deficit for 2026-2027.
## Key takeaway

SF State's enrollment increased 20% this fall for first time in a decade, but the university still faces a $12.6 million deficit and enrollment shortfalls.