What Verdica's 755 score means for San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University received a composite score of 755 out of 850, placing it in the "strong" band (740–799). This score reflects reliable performance across the dimensions Verdica tracks: accreditation status, student outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
A score in the strong band indicates an education provider that meets or exceeds baseline regulatory expectations and demonstrates measurable institutional stability. Readers should interpret this as a provider with documented accreditation, active Title IV eligibility, and acceptable performance on federal data reporting metrics. The score does not mean the institution is without any areas of concern—notably, the student outcomes sub-score pulls the composite down—but it does signal that the provider is not flagged as high-risk by the regulatory bodies that oversee higher education.
For a business owner, consumer, or partner evaluating San Francisco State University, a 755 score suggests the institution is a lower-risk counterparty on compliance and accreditation grounds. However, the gap between the strong overall score and the notably weaker student outcomes component warrants further due diligence before making enrollment or partnership decisions.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845 / 850. This near-excellent score reflects San Francisco State University's standing with its regional accreditor and any specialized accrediting bodies. A score this high typically indicates current, unrestricted accreditation status with no active sanctions, probation, or showed-cause orders. In the higher education sector, accreditation is the primary quality assurance mechanism; a high accreditation score confirms the institution meets federally recognized standards for educational quality, fiscal stability, and institutional governance.
Student Outcomes: 595 / 850. This score falls into the elevated-risk band and is the weakest component of the composite. Student outcomes metrics—drawn primarily from IPEDS data—track graduation rates, student loan repayment rates, employment outcomes, and earnings data post-enrollment. A sub-600 score in this dimension signals that one or more of these metrics underperforms relative to peer institutions or federal benchmarks. Prospective students or employers evaluating graduate quality should request the specific IPEDS cohort data to understand whether the gap stems from graduation rates, debt burden, time-to-degree, or labor market outcomes.
Compliance: 835 / 850. This excellent sub-score indicates San Francisco State University maintains strong Title IV compliance and accurate federal data reporting. Title IV compliance covers financial aid administration, fraud prevention, enrollment verification, and timely submission of required disclosures to the U.S. Department of Education. An 835 score suggests the institution has not incurred recent Title IV sanctions, has passed federal program reviews, and files IPEDS data without significant corrections or delays.
What regulators in CA track for education providers
California and federal regulators monitor higher education providers through three main channels reflected in Verdica's scoring:
Accreditation is overseen by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACCJC) for most California institutions. Accreditors conduct periodic reviews, require institutions to maintain minimum financial reserves, and enforce standards for instruction, student support, and institutional effectiveness. Violations can result in probation, loss of accreditation, or closure.
Title IV compliance is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. Regulators audit financial aid administration, verify student eligibility, confirm loan counseling completion, and monitor default rates. Infractions range from administrative findings (missing documentation) to fraud investigations and loss of federal aid eligibility.
IPEDS data is mandated federal reporting of enrollment, degrees awarded, costs, and student outcomes. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions trigger correction requests and can result in public flagging of data quality.
Bottom line
San Francisco State University's 755 score places it in the strong compliance and accreditation range, with reliable regulatory standing. However, the depressed student outcomes sub-score (595) is a material concern and warrants inspection of graduation, repayment, and employment data before enrollment or partnership commitment.