The Best Business Schools in San Francisco for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools in San Francisco
- Santa Clara University ranks #1 in the San Francisco area on a 95.0 Program Score, with an 88% graduation rate.
- Public and private schools split this list evenly.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, San Jose State University, ranks #4.
- Programs analyzed
- 120
- Schools ranked
- 8
- Tuition range
- $6,084-$60,639
- Average graduation rate
- 62%
We analyzed 120 accredited business programs in San Francisco and the surrounding metro and ranked 8 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 8 ranked schools runs from $6,084 to $60,639 a year, a $54,555 spread for the same credential.
Santa Clara University leads with a 95 Program Score on an 88% graduation rate, at $60,639 a year. Across all 8 ranked business schools in San Francisco the average graduation rate is 62%, ranging from 29% to 88%. 4 of the 8 are public and 4 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below.
The Top Business Schools in San Francisco at a Glance
Santa Clara leads at 95.0, and Silicon Valley closes the chart at 70.1. Longer bars rank higher.
How the Business Schools in San Francisco Are Scored
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 8 Best Business Schools in San Francisco, Ranked for 2027
The 8 best Business Schools in San Francisco, ranked by outcomes.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 88%
- Admit rate
- 48%
- In-state
- $60,639
- Out-of-state
- $60,639
Santa Clara University's accounting major prepares students for CPA certification, with an accounting and information systems STEM-designated option.
- 88% graduation rate
- Program Score 95
- $60,639 in-state tuition
- STEM-designated accounting and information systems option
Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business offers a bachelor's degree in accounting. The department describes the major as developing students' ability to create, interpret and analyze financial information for business decisions, and as preparing them for CPA certification. A second option, the Accounting and Information Systems major, is STEM designated and combines the courses required for both an accounting major and an information systems major, aimed at specialists who bridge IT and accounting or finance. The school says it emphasizes small class sizes, faculty mentorship and contact with alumni and professionals. Students can join the Accounting Association, attend accounting career fairs and events with professionals, and compete for department awards and scholarships. The school also reports AACSB accreditation.
Federal data show an 88% graduation rate and a 48% admit rate. In-state tuition is $60,639, identical to the out-of-state figure of $60,639. The program earns a Program Score of 95 out of 100, the basis of its ranking here. It fits students who want a CPA-oriented accounting degree in a small-class setting, with a technology-focused alternative, and who can afford private-university tuition.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- In-state
- $59,950
- Out-of-state
- $59,950
A management major with two concentrations, event management and human resources, that focuses on the human side of business.
- 70% graduation rate
- Program Score 90.4
- $59,950 tuition for all students
- Event management or HR concentration
The University of San Francisco offers a bachelor's degree in management that centers on human behavior in the workplace. Students study theoretical frameworks and practical applications for leading people, with the goal of building self-awareness and social intelligence. They can specialize by choosing one of two concentrations, event management or human resources. Faculty bring research experience in organizational sciences, including gender diversity and organizational behavior in the U.S. military. Starting in the first semester, students can join the Horizon Collective, which pairs them on interdisciplinary projects in sustainability, AI and health. The program describes its focus as leadership that weighs community alongside quarterly results.
USF graduates 70% of its students and admits 62% of applicants. Tuition is $59,950 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, since the school is private. The program earns a Program Score of 90.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want to work in people-centered roles such as human resources or events, and who want a concentration chosen within a general management foundation.
Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 78%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $51,316
- Out-of-state
- $51,316
A business administration bachelor's with six concentrations, including artificial intelligence, and a school-reported 95% placement rate.
- 78% graduation rate
- Program Score 84.1
- $51,316 tuition
- Six concentrations including AI
The Business Administration program at Dominican University of California sits in the Barowsky School of Business, which the school describes as recently accredited by AACSB. Students choose from six concentrations: Management, Financial Management, Accounting, Marketing, Global Business and Artificial Intelligence. The AI concentration covers machine learning and cloud computing, and its courses can count toward a 4+1 path to an MS in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, sustainability and global responsibility. The school reports that from 2019 to 2023 an average of 95% of graduates who sought employment or graduate school found placements or started a graduate program. A school-specific career services office works with employers and recruiters on internships and jobs.
Federal data shows a 78% graduation rate at Dominican and an 83% admit rate. In-state and out-of-state tuition are both $51,316. The program earns a Program Score of 84.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a broad business degree with room to specialize, including those interested in data and AI. The price is high for a bachelor's degree, so families should compare net cost across schools.
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $6,084
- Out-of-state
- $18,684
San Jose State University's business administration degree offers an Aviation Management specialization built around airport planning and general aviation operations courses.
- 69% graduation rate
- Program Score 83.4
- $6,084 in-state tuition
- Aviation Management specialization
San Jose State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Aviation Management specialization, which the school says prepares students to work at a public or private airport or a general aviation company. The specialization pairs aviation courses such as Introduction to the Aviation Industry, Aircraft Systems, Air Traffic Control, General Aviation Operations and Management, and Airport Planning and Management with business coursework in finance, project management, microeconomics, and management and organizational behavior. Students also choose one elective from human resource management, procurement and supply management, operations and supply chain strategy, environmental issues, or entrepreneurship. The page links to four-year roadmaps and course articulation for transfer students.
SJSU graduates 69% of its students, and the school admits 85% of applicants, so entry is not highly selective. Annual tuition is $6,084 for California residents and $18,684 for out-of-state students, a gap that matters for anyone weighing a move to San Jose. The program earns a Program Score of 83.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a business foundation but already know they want to work in airports or aviation operations, and who are comfortable at a large public university with an enrollment above 37,000.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 96%
- In-state
- $6,084
- Out-of-state
- $18,684
A B.S. in Business Administration with nine concentrations, from accounting to business analytics, in a college of ten departments.
- 50% graduation rate
- Program Score 75.7
- $6,084 in-state tuition
- Nine concentrations
San Francisco State University offers a B.S. in Business Administration through the Lam Family College of Business, which is organized into ten departments including accounting, finance, management, marketing and information systems. The catalog lists nine concentrations: Accounting, Business Analytics, Decision Sciences, Finance, General Business, Information Systems, International Business, Management and Marketing. The college also runs a Student Success Center that provides on-site academic counseling for business students. The course list includes an entrepreneurship sequence, with an introduction to the entrepreneurial process, a small business course in which student teams create an actual startup, and electives in social entrepreneurship and growth strategies for established small businesses. The catalog also describes courses in business communication, ethics and environmental sustainability.
San Francisco State reports a 50% graduation rate and admits 96% of applicants. In-state tuition is $6,084, compared with $18,684 for out-of-state students. The Program Score of 75.7 out of 100 is the basis of this program's ranking. The degree fits students who want a broad business foundation with the option to specialize, at a large public campus of about 22,500 students.
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 97%
- In-state
- $6,084
- Out-of-state
- $18,684
Students pick from specialization options that include entrepreneurship, human resources, IT management and operations and supply chain management, several with online self-support versions.
- 48% graduation rate
- Program Score 75.2
- $6,084 in-state tuition
- Online self-support options
California State University-East Bay (Cal State East Bay) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through its Department of Management. The program is built on a set of core courses that give a general business perspective, and every student must choose an area of specialization. Options include entrepreneurship, general management, human resources management and organizational behavior, information technology management, and operations and supply chain management. General management, HR, IT management and operations and supply chain management also have online self-support versions. The department also offers a separate Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, a STEM program covering AI, machine learning and data pipelines.
Federal data shows a 48% graduation rate and a 97% admit rate. In-state tuition is $6,084, compared with $18,684 for out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 75.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Cal State East Bay enrolls about 12,326 students. The program fits students who want to tailor their electives to a career path, and working adults who need an online option. Business electives let students deepen their chosen option or explore other subjects, which suits those who are still deciding between specialties.
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Public
- Grad rate
- Graduate only
- Admit rate
- Graduate only
- Tuition
- Varies by program
A 12-month online health care administration master's with three on-campus sessions and a quality improvement project at your own workplace.
- Program Score 74.0
- Graduate in 12 months
- Online with 3 campus sessions
- Workplace quality improvement project
The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership (MS HAIL) at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) is an online graduate program for people who already work in healthcare. Students can enroll in fall or spring and graduate in 12 months. The degree requires 13 courses totaling 36 units, three on-campus sessions that include a one-day orientation, an administration practicum, an evidence-based quality improvement project carried out at the student's workplace, and a comprehensive examination. Coursework covers health systems research, healthcare finance and economics, leadership, and health policy. The page says applicants must be employed in a healthcare organization and stay employed during the program, and that two years of professional or management healthcare experience makes an applicant competitive. A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and three letters of reference are required.
Federal graduation and admit rates are not published for this program, so its place in the ranking rests on its Program Score of 74.0 out of 100. The format fits working healthcare professionals who want a leadership credential without leaving their jobs, and who can travel to campus three times. Because the quality improvement project is done inside the student's own employer, the program is not a good match for anyone between healthcare jobs.
University of Silicon Valley
San Jose, CA · For-profit
- Grad rate
- 29%
- Admit rate
- 51%
- In-state
- $21,480
- Out-of-state
- $21,480
A business administration bachelor's focused on media, games and esports, where students take three courses per term instead of four.
- 29% graduation rate
- Program Score 70.1
- $21,480 tuition
- On campus or 100% online
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Silicon Valley (USV) is offered on campus or 100% online and centers on the creative economy. The school says students combine core business skills with applied work in industries such as media, games and esports. Course highlights include Business for Creative Industries, Digital Marketing and Media Strategy, and Project and Product Management. Learning outcomes cover analyzing information for decisions, leading teams and projects, professional communication and ethical practice. The page lists project manager, business analyst, marketing specialist, product manager and digital media specialist as career paths. USV students take three courses per term rather than the traditional four, a pace the school says allows deeper learning and a better balance with work and life.
Federal data shows a 29% graduation rate at USV and a 51% admit rate. Tuition is $21,480 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 70.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students drawn to creative industries who want an online or on-campus option and a lighter course load each term. The 29% graduation rate is low, so prospective students should ask about retention and support before enrolling.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools in San Francisco
The median school on this list graduates 69% of its students. The highest rates belong to Santa Clara University (88%) and Dominican University of California (78%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Santa Clara University88% graduation rate
- #3 Dominican University of California78% graduation rate
- #2 University of San Francisco70% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools in San Francisco?
On this list, 1 school admits fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Santa Clara University at 48%.
- #1 Santa Clara University48% admitted
- #8 University of Silicon Valley51% admitted
- #2 University of San Francisco62% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools in San Francisco
Enrollment on this list runs from 477 at University of Silicon Valley to 37,661 at San Jose State University. Of the 8, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 3 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools in San Francisco Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $130,087 | $50,570 |
| #2 | University of San FranciscoUniversity of San Francisco | $104,390 | $30,496 |
| #3 | Dominican University of CaliforniaDominican University of California | $88,913 | $35,567 |
| #5 | San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco State | $73,775 | $9,803 |
| #6 | California State University-East BayCalifornia State-East Bay | $77,567 | $6,858 |
| #7 | University of California-San FranciscoCalifornia-San Francisco | $192,159 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $73,775 at San Francisco State to $192,159 at California-San Francisco.
The highest-ranked school in the table, Santa Clara (#1), reports $130,087, so the highest score and the highest pay are not the same school.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at California State-East Bay, $6,858 a year, and most at Santa Clara, $50,570.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What Business Schools in San Francisco Cost
Tuition across the 8 ranked schools runs from $6,084 to $60,639 a year. San Jose State University anchors the low end at $6,084 a year, while Santa Clara University sits at the top at $60,639. The cheapest public option among the business schools in San Francisco is San Jose State University at $6,084; the cheapest private is University of Silicon Valley at $21,480.
Over the four years the credential takes, that is roughly $24,336 in tuition at San Jose State University against about $242,556 at Santa Clara University. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to San Francisco from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Which Business Major to Choose in San Francisco
Business school covers a dozen different degrees, and the business schools in San Francisco do not all offer the same ones. Across the 120 accredited programs analyzed here, the fields with the deepest coverage in San Francisco are business administration (17 schools), accounting (7 schools), human resources (7 schools), finance (6 schools), marketing (5 schools). A school ranked highly overall is not automatically strong in the major you want, so check the field before the name.
Accounting is the one track bound to a license: most states now license CPAs on either 150 credit hours and one year of experience or a bachelor's and two years, so the choice between a fifth year of school and a longer apprenticeship shapes the course plan from the first year rather than the last. 7 of the schools analyzed in San Francisco run one.
Public and Private Business Schools in San Francisco
4 of the 8 ranked business schools in San Francisco are public and 4 are private, and that split drives most of the $54,555 tuition spread above. The public rate is a residency benefit: San Jose State University charges $6,084 in-state and $18,684 out of state, so where a student already lives changes this ranking more than any other single factor.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Why Study Business in San Francisco
The 8 ranked schools sit across 5 towns in the metro, among them Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Rafael, and the table names the city of each, so check the commute before assuming a suburban campus is the convenient option. None of the 8 runs a confirmed online option, so students who cannot be on campus daily will need to look beyond this list.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools in San Francisco: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best business school in San Francisco?
By Program Score, Santa Clara University ranks first among the 8 ranked business schools in San Francisco, with a 95 score and an 88% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Can you study business part-time in San Francisco?
Yes. Evening, weekend and part-time formats are common across the business schools in San Francisco, and in a metro this size most schools run at least one. The tradeoff is length rather than content: the same credential takes longer while you keep working. Ask each school for the completion rate of its part-time cohort specifically, since it often differs from the headline graduation rate this ranking uses.
How much does a business degree cost in San Francisco?
Tuition among the ranked San Francisco schools runs from $6,084 to $65,127 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes San Francisco living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many business schools in San Francisco does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 120 accredited business programs across San Francisco and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 8 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers the wider Bay Area, so some schools sit well outside the city line; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth studying business in San Francisco instead of online?
None of the 8 ranked schools is confirmed online, so in San Francisco the campus route is the one this list offers. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into, and at $6,084 in-state, San Jose State University is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.