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San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Set in the city's performing arts district, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music is known for rigorous, performance-focused study. Students deepen interpretation, ensemble work, composition, conducting, and music technology through close mentorship. Halls, practice rooms, recording studios, tech labs, a solid library, and housing linked to performance spaces shape daily life. It's intense, in the best way.

Student life is lively and collaborative: regular concerts, student-led projects, new music readings, and gigs across town. Advising, wellness support, and career coaching help musicians turn craft into work. The Bay Area's stages, studios, and media scene offer paths to internships, teaching, and scoring. Off campus, cafés, galleries, and parks make quick escapes. The culture prizes preparation, kindness, and honest critique, with public performances woven into the school's rhythm.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, California, 94102, USA
Phone: +1 (415) 864-7326
Website: sfcm.edu
Unit ID: 122506

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $54,550 (Tuition $52,800 + Fee $1,750) · Out-of-state: $54,550 (Tuition $52,800 + Fee $1,750)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 403
Undergraduate: 215
Graduate/Other: 188
Male: 230 Female: 173
Applications:
Total Applicants: 439
Admitted: 228
Enrolled: 54
Acceptance: 51.9% Yield: 23.7%
Staff:
Total: 145 Full-time: 111 Part-time: 34

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (41)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0904 Music Theory and Composition. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
50.0906 Conducting. (BSc, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to master the art of leading bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles in performance, and related music leadership. Includes instruction in score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management, and applications to specific school or professional ensembles.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
50.0907 Keyboard Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0908 Voice and Opera. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master the human voice and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers in concert, choir, opera, or other forms of singing. Includes instruction in voice pedagogy, diction, vocal physiology and exercise, expressive movement, repertoire, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0910 Jazz/Jazz Studies. (Cert2y+, BSc)
A program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of Jazz. Includes instruction in the history of Jazz and related musical styles such as the Blues, Jazz composition and theory, improvisation, Jazz instrument and ensemble performance, and related topics.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0911 Stringed Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individual to master a stringed instrument and performing arts as solo, ensemble and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0913 Music Technology. (Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $90,130 +$5,900 (+7%)
27-2091 Disc Jockeys, Except Radio N/A N/A N/A
27-4014 Sound Engineering Technicians $79,280 N/A N/A
50.0914 Brass Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master a brass instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0915 Woodwind Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master a woodwind instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0916 Percussion Instruments. (Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master percussion instruments and performing art for a variety of musical settings, including orchestral, solo, chamber, commercial, or nontraditional. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$81,532
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$81,532
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,550
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,550
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$20,200 (on) / $17,200 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,782 (on) / $6,100 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,140
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,550
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$54,550
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

21%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$34,237
Avg. Loan
$4,057
Avg. Federal Loan
$3,007
Additional
Students with Any Grant
46
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
26
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
6
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$33,161
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

52%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
74%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
Median Salary After 6 Years
$23,988
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
58.8%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
65.1%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
High 51.6%
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM)

How much does it cost to attend San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM)?

The annual tuition at San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is $54,550 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $81,532 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $20,200 (on) / $17,200 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does San Francisco Conservatory of Music offer?

San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) offers 46 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (41 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for San Francisco Conservatory of Music?

San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) has an 51.9% acceptance rate and a 23.7% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 439
  • Students admitted: 228
  • Students enrolled: 54

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at San Francisco Conservatory of Music?

San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) provides financial aid to 21% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $34,237 and average loans of $4,057.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,578
  • State/Local grants: $9,358
  • Institutional grants: $33,161
  • Federal loans: $3,007

The university supports 46 students with grants and 26 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduates?

San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) graduates earn a median salary of $23,988 after 6 years.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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