San Francisco Conservatory of Music The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), established in 1917, stands as one of the world's premier institutions for classical music education. Located in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant arts district, the conservatory offers innovative programs ranging from traditional performance to technology-driven music disciplines. SFCM's faculty includes members of the San Francisco Symphony and other world-class performers, providing students with direct mentorship from industry leaders. The conservatory's state-of-the-art facilities include the Bowes Center, a $80 million building featuring cutting-edge technology, performance spaces, and the first ever 'vertical campus' for music education.
SFCM is renowned for its intimate learning environment, with a student body of about 400 ensuring personalized attention. The conservatory's partnership with the San Francisco Symphony and other Bay Area arts organizations provides students with exceptional performance opportunities. SFCM's Roots, Jazz, and American Music program and its Technology and Applied Composition program represent its commitment to evolving musical landscapes. Alumni include Grammy winners and principal players in major orchestras worldwide. The conservatory's location in one of America's most culturally rich cities offers students exposure to diverse musical traditions and professional networks.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Acceptance Rate
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 41.58%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Admission Requirements
SFCM GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at SFCM utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 0, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| -0.20 – -0.01 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| -0.40 – -0.21 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below -0.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At SFCM, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
SFCM Profile
Name: San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM)
City: San Francisco
URL: https://sfcm.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 94102-6011
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from SFCM Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is USD: 73761. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
17.26% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.58 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SFCM and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At San Francisco Conservatory of Music, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SFCM as your choice in the form.
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Music
Masters Degree Programs
- Music
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
- Music
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
- Music
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Conservatory of Music Admissions
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $73761 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: The acceptance rate of San Francisco Conservatory of Music is 41.58 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to San Francisco Conservatory of Music from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to San Francisco Conservatory of Music each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: The campus culture at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.