University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at UCSF School of Pharmacy reflects the institution's unique character as a health sciences-focused university without an undergraduate population. This graduate-only environment creates a mature, professionally-oriented community where students across health professions train together. Pharmacy students regularly collaborate with medical, nursing, dental, and physical therapy students on interprofessional education initiatives, simulating the team-based care they will practice professionally. Housing options include university-owned apartments at the Aldea and Mission Bay housing complexes, though demand exceeds supply and many students find housing in San Francisco's competitive rental market. The university provides housing assistance services and roommate-matching resources. Most students live in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco, taking advantage of the city's public transportation network to commute to campus locations in Parnassus Heights, Mission Bay, and clinical sites across the city. The UCSF campus community offers numerous student organizations, including the American Pharmacists Association student chapter, specialty interest groups in oncology, pediatrics, and infectious diseases, and community outreach programs. Students participate in health fairs, medication counseling events, and public health initiatives serving San Francisco's diverse communities. The Student National Pharmaceutical Association chapter supports underrepresented minority students and promotes diversity in pharmacy. Despite the demanding curriculum, students find time for San Francisco's cultural offerings, outdoor activities, and social events. The city's restaurant scene, music venues, and proximity to hiking, beaches, and wine country provide welcome diversions from academic intensity. The pharmacy student government organizes social events, formal dinners, and inter-class competitions that build community and relieve stress.
Location & Surroundings
UCSF School of Pharmacy occupies a unique position in San Francisco, with facilities primarily located at the Parnassus Heights campus overlooking Golden Gate Park and the Mission Bay campus in a rapidly developing neighborhood south of downtown. The Parnassus campus, perched on a hill with panoramic city views, houses the main pharmacy school facilities and UCSF Medical Center. Mission Bay, a former rail yard transformed into a biomedical research hub, hosts the new UCSF Medical Center and numerous research buildings. San Francisco's Mediterranean climate offers mild temperatures year-round, with cool, foggy summers and rainy winters. The famous fog keeps summer temperatures moderate but can require layers even in July and August. Students quickly learn to check microclimates before commuting, as sunny Mission Bay may be shrouded in fog while Parnassus remains clear, or vice versa. Public transportation serves the campus well, with UCSF shuttle buses connecting campus locations and MUNI light rail and bus lines providing citywide access. Many students rely on bicycles for commuting, taking advantage of expanding bike infrastructure. Car ownership is unnecessary for most students and complicated by limited parking and high insurance costs. The city offers extraordinary cultural diversity, world-class dining, and easy access to natural beauty including beaches, hiking trails, and wine country. The biotech and pharmaceutical industry concentration in the Bay Area provides exceptional networking, internship, and employment opportunities. Cost of living remains the primary challenge, with San Francisco among the most expensive cities nationally. Student stipends and financial aid calculations attempt to account for this reality, but many students share apartments or commute from more affordable nearby areas.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the UCSF PharmD program runs approximately $42,000 annually for California residents and $54,000 for non-residents, with total program costs including fees, books, and living expenses estimated at $75,000-$95,000 per year. Over four years, total educational investment ranges from $300,000 to $380,000 depending on residency status and lifestyle choices. Financial aid packages combine scholarships, grants, and federal loans to help manage these costs. Approximately 85% of students receive some form of financial assistance, with merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full tuition. The school offers several named scholarships for students with specific backgrounds or interests. Federal student loans constitute the primary funding source for most students, with typical graduation debt ranging from $150,000 to $200,000. Career outcomes for UCSF pharmacy graduates are exceptional, with 98% employed or in residency training within six months of graduation. Starting salaries for pharmacists range from $130,000 to $160,000 in the Bay Area, among the highest in the nation. Approximately 70% of graduates pursue residency training, including PGY1 general practice residencies and PGY2 specialty residencies in areas such as oncology, critical care, and ambulatory care. Major employers include academic medical centers (UCSF, Stanford, UCLA), healthcare systems (Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health), pharmaceutical companies (Genentech, Gilead, Amgen), and retail pharmacy chains. Many graduates eventually move into clinical management, pharmaceutical industry positions, or academic faculty roles. The UCSF alumni network provides robust mentorship and networking opportunities, with graduates holding leadership positions throughout the profession.
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