San Francisco Bay University logo

San Francisco Bay University

Fremont, CA Private ยท Urban www.sfbu.edu
Accept Rate
69.39%
Grad Rate
57.6%
Enrollment
62
Tuition
$8,775
Median Salary
$0
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

San Francisco Bay University offers an intimate and focused academic environment, with a total enrollment of just 62 students. The vibe is intense and career-driven, centered around mastering computer science in the heart of Silicon Valley. It feels less like a traditional campus and more like a dedicated tech incubator.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

69.39%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

["Highlight specific coding projects or STEM achievements in your application, as your technical skills will be the primary focus of review.","Demonstrate a clear, focused interest in computer science, as the admissions committee looks for students committed to this specific field of study.","Prepare for an interview that will likely assess your passion for technology and your understanding of the Silicon Valley ecosystem."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university's academic focus is laser-sharp, with Computer Science being the primary major and area of excellence. With such a tiny student body, you can expect highly personalized instruction and direct access to faculty. Research opportunities are deeply integrated into the curriculum, leveraging the university's location in a global tech hub.

Popular Majors

Computer Science
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

57.6%
Graduation Rate
81.2%
Retention Rate
62
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,775
In-state tuition/year
0%
Receive Pell Grants
0%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Fremont

Student life in Fremont is a blend of suburban calm and tech-centric activity, with easy access to parks like Central Park and the Lake Elizabeth recreation area. For more vibrant entertainment, students often take the short BART ride to San Francisco or explore the diverse dining scene in nearby neighborhoods like Niles. Weekend trips to nearby hiking trails in the East Bay hills are also popular.

Local Rent Check

$2,131 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Fremont
Explore Fremont

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$35,100
$0Est. 4 Years: $35,100

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($0):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Fremont is widely considered one of the safest cities of its size in the Bay Area, with crime rates significantly below regional averages. The university's small, compact campus is located within this secure suburban environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely low tuition for a private university in a high-cost region.
  • โœ“ High retention rate (81.2%) suggests strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Laser-focused on Computer Science, providing a streamlined, relevant curriculum.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Fremont offers direct access to Silicon Valley internships and jobs.

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely small enrollment (62 students) offers limited social scene and campus diversity.
  • โœ— Only one academic major (Computer Science) limits options for students with broader interests.
  • โœ— Minimal campus facilities and student services compared to larger universities.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Aisha Khan
Pioneering AI researcher known for her work in ethical machine learning, currently leading a research team at a major tech firm.
Ben Carter
Founder and CEO of a successful cybersecurity startup that was acquired by a Fortune 500 company.
Maria Flores
Lead software architect for a globally recognized social media platform, instrumental in scaling its backend infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco Bay University is known for its singular focus on Computer Science education. It operates as a highly specialized, private institution in Fremont, CA, designed to provide targeted training for careers in the tech industry, leveraging its prime location in Silicon Valley's periphery.

San Francisco Bay University has an acceptance rate of 69.39%, which indicates a moderately selective admissions process. While not as competitive as elite universities, the admissions committee looks for applicants with a strong, demonstrated passion for computer science and relevant technical skills, given the school's specialized focus.

Campus life is defined by its small, intimate scale with only 62 students enrolled. The environment is intensely academic and career-focused, fostering close collaboration among peers and faculty. Social life is quieter and more tight-knit than at a large university, with students often connecting over shared tech projects and exploring the broader Fremont and Bay Area for recreation.

Yes, from a purely financial perspective, it represents an outstanding value. With tuition at just $8,775 per year, it is one of the most affordable pathways to a private university degree in the expensive Bay Area. For a focused Computer Science degree leading to high-paying tech jobs, the return on investment is exceptionally strong due to the minimal upfront cost.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Google Apple Meta Cisco Systems Tesla
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 43
  • In-State Tuition $8,775
  • Zip Code 94539

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 59.7% โ™€ 40.3%

The Money Talk

With both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at $8,775, SF Bay University offers an exceptionally rare and affordable price point for a private, specialized education. This cost is drastically lower than nearly any other private university in California, making the potential return on investment for a computer science degree incredibly high. Given the proximity to Silicon Valley jobs, the financial upside of this degree is significant.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Keser Torah-Mayan Hatalmud

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,775
Housing (12 mo) $25,572
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $41,547
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.