National survey also ranks University 10th nationwide for educating Asian students

SAN FRANCISCO, June 26, 2007 -- San Francisco State University is one of the nation's top destinations for minority students, according to a survey by Diverse Issues in Higher Education published in the magazine's May 31, 2007 issue.

SF State ranks 16th nationwide among all colleges and universities in awarding undergraduate degrees to minority students, based on graduation data for the 2005-2006 academic year compiled by the U.S. Department of Education. The University awarded a total of 2,334 degrees to minority students in that year, representing 47 percent of the graduating class.

SF State ranks even higher as a destination for Asian American undergraduates, where the University holds the No. 10 spot nationwide.

"The San Francisco State University community is exceptionally proud of the range of opinions, ethnic backgrounds and experiences that our students, faculty and staff bring to this exciting academic community," SF State President Robert A. Corrigan said. "The broad diversity of the campus creates a rich learning environment and prepares students well for succeeding in a global economy."

According to the report, more Asian Americans earn education baccalaureates at SF State than at any other mainland university. SF State ranks second in that category, behind the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Business, health professions and liberal arts programs at SF State also rank high for number of Asian American graduates:
• sixth in health professions and related clinical sciences degrees;
• sixth in business management, marketing and related support services;
• eighth in psychology;
• eighth in ethnic, cultural and gender studies;
• eighth in English degrees.

SF State is the only master's-level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The University enrolls about 29,000 students each year and graduates about 7,000 annually. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communication arts, and ethnic studies -- the University's more than 150,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.