Established in 1864, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public land-grant medical school. It holds accreditation from Western Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Universities and Colleges (WSCUC) and operates under the affiliation of the University of California. UCSF has an impressive endowment of $5.5 billion as of 2022 and a substantial budget amounting to $8.0 billion in 2020. Committed to excellence, UCSF provides exceptional educational programs and research opportunities. Located in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, the university occupies an urban campus spread across 195 acres (79 ha). The university's colors are UCSF Teal and Navy Blue. It is guided by Chancellor Sam Hawgood and Vice-Chancellor Daniel Lowenstein. Notably, a dedicated faculty of 3,000 academic staff members ensures quality education. Regarding student enrollment, UCSF proudly accommodates 3,132 postgraduates as of Fall 2019.
Tuition Fee & Cost of Living at University of California, San Francisco
In this section, we will explore the financial obligations associated with enrollment in a program at UCSF, as well as the cost of living in the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Fee Type | Annual Fee (USD/year*) | Fall Fee (USD/year*) | Winter Fee (USD/year*) | Spring Fee (USD/year*) |
Tuition | 11,700 | 3,900 | 3,900 | 3,900 |
Source: https://registrar.ucsf.edu/
Whether you are interested in healthcare, biomedical research, or any other field, UCSF has programs to meet your educational needs. Let's take a closer look at some of the programs offered at the University of California, San Francisco:
PG Programs
|
Program |
Degree |
Duration (Years) |
Fees (USD/year)* |
|
Economics |
Master of Science |
2 |
66,492 |
|
Finance |
Master of Finance |
1-2 |
66,492 |
|
Law |
Juris Doctor |
3 |
66,492 |
|
Statistics |
Master of Statistics |
2 |
66,492 |
|
Physics |
Master of Science |
2 |
66,492 |
|
Chemistry |
Master of Science |
2 |
66,492 |
|
Psychology |
Master of Psychology |
2 |
66,492 |
|
Energy Science & Engineering |
Master of Science |
2 |
66,492 |
Source: https://catalog.ucsf.edu/
*Tuition Fees are subject to change- might vary each year/intake
By exploring and understanding the top majors offered at UCSF, students can make informed decisions about their academic journey and future prospects. This section will discuss the top majors available at UCSF, focusing on their significance and potential career opportunities.
UCSF offers many research opportunities across diverse disciplines, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences. Here are some prominent research facilities available at UCSF:
UCSF offers an enriching campus life that fosters innovation and exploration. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities, extensive libraries, and welcoming study spaces.
UCSF offers support for a range of sports, such as badminton, basketball, futsal, volleyball, racquetball, squash, and pickleball. UCSF students and Fitness and Recreation members can participate in these sports free of charge. Non-members can also join the activities by purchasing a Day Pass.
For students, seminars help them gain knowledge and see concepts from a professional’s perspective. At UCSF, there are tons of seminars conducted each month. The following are some of the top ones: Get Away Today - UCSF Employee Discount SF Giants Games - UCSF Discount MBA Dissertation Openhouse Lactation Support Group Neurological Surgery Grand Rounds MarinHealth Introduction to Qigong for Cancer Survivors and Chronic Illness National Chicken Day Demo Session: Get to Know the Revamped & Improved UCSF CLE Core and More: For People with Cancer July 4 Celebration @ Mount Zion Cafe Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Staff and Faculty Meeting
The following are the key deadlines associated with spring 2024:
Content | Deadline |
Program: Healthcare Administration | March 28, 2024 |
Program: Interprofessional Leadership | March 28, 2024 |
All other programs | April 8, 2024 |
Study List Filing | February 5 - April 19, 2024 |
Withdraw & Receive a Full Refund | First day of instruction |
Apply for Reduced Fee Enrollment | March 28, 2024 |
Apply for Part-Time Enrollment | March 28, 2024 |
Apply for Filing Fee Status | March 28, 2024 |
Name Changes | April 19, 2024 |
Residency Reclassification | Effective Fall 2024, July 15, 2024 |
In the following section, we will outline the key stages of the application timeline, the documents you need to prepare, and the deadlines you should be aware of.

Explore admission requirements and programs at UCSF. Start at least one year in advance.
Prepare for any required standardized assessments (e.g., MCAT, GRE, etc.) Start at least six months before deadline.

Request official transcripts from previous institutions and begin drafting your statement of purpose, or essays. Start at least three months before deadline
Submit your application online before the program's deadline. Ensure all required documents and materials are provided.

The admissions committee will inform you of your final admissions decision. This may include an offer of admission, waitlist status, or denial.
If accepted, submit your acceptance by the specified deadline in your acceptance letter. Complete all required registration procedures, including submitting official transcripts, immunization records, and other requested documentation.
The following table illustrates the key requirements that must be met for a student to get admitted to UCSF:
|
Name |
Details |
|
|
GPA |
2.5-3.5+ |
|
|
ACT English Language Arts (ELA) |
Score 24 or higher |
|
|
SAT Writing and Language |
Score 31 or higher |
|
|
AP Examination (English Language and Composition |
or |
Score 3, 4, or 5 |
|
IB Standard Level Examination (English Language A only) |
Score 6 or 7 |
|
|
IB Higher Level Examination (English Language A only) |
Score 5, 6, or 7 |
|
|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
Score 6.5 or higher |
|
|
TOEFL (Internet-based test, iBT Home Edition, or iBT Paper Edition) |
Minimum score of 80 or better |
|
|
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
Minimum score of 115 |
UCSF's health sciences programs, including dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and public health, are recognized for their exceptional quality and have contributed to its top rankings in health sciences education. The following table illustrates the same:
|
Year |
QS Ranking (By Dentistry Subject) |
Times Higher Education |
US News |
|
2023 |
6 |
- |
- |
|
2022 |
9 |
45 |
#16 in Best Global Universities |
|
2021 |
7 |
51-60 |
- |
|
2020 |
9 |
350 |
- |
2023 UNIVERSITY RANKING
2022 UNIVERSITY RANKING
2022 UNIVERSITY RANKING
The following table shows the salaries earned by UCSF alumni.
|
Field of Study |
Employment Rate |
Median Salary |
||
|
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences |
100% |
106,420 |
||
|
Biomedical/Medical Engineering |
85% |
92,630 |
||
|
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions |
100% |
81,110 |
||
|
Health and Medical Administrative Services |
100% |
113,850 |
||
|
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies |
100% |
201,550 |
||
|
Public Health |
92% |
52,940 |
||
|
Registered Nursing |
Nursing Administration |
Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing |
100% |
119,130 |
Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Some of them are shown below.
On-Campus Accommodation
|
Location |
Year |
Room Type |
Price Range (USD/month) |
|
Aldea San Miguel / Parnassus |
2023-24 |
Jr. 1 Bedroom (single occupancy) |
2185 |
|
Avenue Houses / Parnassus |
2023-24 |
Shared Double Room in a Group House |
625-689 |
|
Avenue Houses at 145 Irving Street |
2023-24 |
Single Room in a Shared 2 Bedroom Apt |
1369-1403 |
|
Mission Bay |
2023-24 |
Single Room in a 4 Bed 2 Bath |
1152-1237 |
Off-Campus Accommodations
|
Accommodation |
Price (USD/month) |
|
Avalon Sunset Towers |
2877 - 5395 |
|
The Tidelands |
3184 - 4725 |
|
Parkmerced |
2650 - 7276 |
|
The Ambassador |
5605 - 7400 |
It is important to consider that the cost of tuition, fees, and charges can vary based on factors like residency status, academic program, and enrollment status. However, according to the official website, the tuition amount is $11,700.
When aiming to gain admission into the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), it is crucial to begin by conducting thorough research on the specific programs that capture your interest. Maintaining a competitive GPA, typically no less than 3.0 (B), is essential. If standardized tests like the MCAT or DAT are obligatory, adequately prepare for them. Finally, submit a comprehensive application package consisting of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, as well as any other necessary documents.
UCSF, a public institution, is an exclusive hub for health science and life science studies. As a distinguished part of the University of California system, it aligns its mission with the larger objective of California's public land-grant research university system.