University of California, San Francisco Quick Facts
| Duration: 2-3 Years | Courses: 59 | Faculty: 85 |
| Applications (Fall 2024): 319 | Acceptance Rate: 44% | Est. Class Size: 127 |
Program Description
The UCSF PharmD is a multifaceted and compassionate leader in pharmacy, with a scientific mindset and a limitless future.
UCSF’s 3-year, year-round PharmD program prepares ambitious minds for diverse and dynamic careers in pharmacy and beyond. We inspire inquisitive students to think creatively from fresh perspectives and to fearlessly approach new challenges in pharmacy and across health care.
From our home in the San Francisco Bay Area, and at the world’s leading university focused on health, our students care for—and learn from—diverse patient populations and evolve into patient-centered clinicians. UCSF PharmD graduates, equipped with a scientific mindset and an unmatched professional skillset, are transforming health care for patients and communities through pharmacy.
Students are surrounded by individuals who inspire and challenge them to excel.
For more information on our PharmD program, please visit http://pharmd.ucsf.edu
For more information on applying to our program, please visit http://pharmd.ucsf.edu/admissions
For insight into our admissions process, visit our Admissions Director’s blog at http://pharmdadmissions.ucsf.edu
PharmD Program Highlights
- Public Institution
- No Baccalaureate Degree Required
- $100 deposit to hold acceptance
- Conducts interviews of applicants
- Does not participate in Early Decision Program (EDP)
- Minimum Three (3) Letters of Reference are required
- Utilizes the Centralized Criminal Background Check (CBC)
- Does not participate in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service
Location
Location: 513 Parnassus Avenue San Francisco, California 94143-0150
Interactive mapAcceptance Rate for University of California, San Francisco
44%: See other Schools with an acceptance rate under 44%
NAPLEX Pass Rates
First-time NAPLEX pass rates for University of California, San Francisco graduates, by graduation year, compared with the national average.
| Graduation Year | First-Time Pass Rate | National Average |
| 2025 | 93.6% | 86.8% |
| 2024 | 89.2% | 75.9% |
| 2023 | 82.6% | 76.4% |
Source: NABP, NAPLEX Passing Rates for 2023–2025 Graduates (March 2026). First-attempt pass rates. National average covers all graduates of ACPE-accredited programs.
Tuition
| Tuition (In-State): | $46,860 | per year |
| Tuition (Out-State): | $59,105 | per year |
| Mandatory Fees: | $1,771 | per year |
First professional year, 2022–23 academic year (most recent AACP tuition survey); later years may differ — confirm current rates with the school.
Requirements
GPA and Test Scores
| Minimum GPA: 2.8 | Minimum Prerequisite GPA: No minimum | Standardized Tests: Not required (PCAT discontinued) |
| Program Prerequisites | |
| Total number of college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 59 |
| Total number of basic science college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 30 |
| Total number of college QUARTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 88 |
Course Prerequisites Table
| Course Title | Semester Hours |
| General Chemistry with Lab | 8/12 |
| Organic Chemistry with Lab | 8/12 |
| Biology with Lab | 8/12 |
| Physiology | 3/4 |
| Microbiology with Lab (Note: Lab depends on how your school structures the course/lab. Check with us!) | 3/4 |
| Calculus | 3/4 |
| Statistics | 3/4 |
| English Composition | 5/8 |
| Public Speaking or Debate | 3/4.5 |
| Introduction to Psychology OR Introduction to Sociology OR Cultural Anthropology | 3/4.5 |
| Microeconomics OR Macroeconomics | 3/4.5 |
| Humanities and/or Social Sciences (See website for more detailed information: http://pharmd.ucsf.edu/admissions/reqs/academic) | 10/14.5 |
| Total | 60 |
Prerequisite Coursework Policies
Online coursework: Accepted for all prerequisite courses.
Pass/fail grades: Accepted for all prerequisite courses.
Completion timing: July 1, 2027 (You may be in the process of completing the prerequisites when you submit the application as well as planning to complete prerequisite requirements AFTER submitting the application, but all prerequisites must be satisfactorily completed by July 1 of the year of entry into the program.)
Letter of Recommendation Requirements
Three (3) evaluations (letters of reference) are required.
Accepted: Clergy, Co-Worker, Employer, Faculty Advisor, Health Care Professional, Pharmacist, Politician, Pre-Health Advisor, Professor (Any Subject Area), Professor (Liberal Arts), Professor (Math), Professor (Science), Supervisor, Teaching Assistant
Not Accepted: Family Member, Friend
Committee letters: Conditionally accepted (counts as more than one: Varies)
UCSF requires at least 3 letters of reference. If a 4th letter is submitted, we will accept a fourth letter. Although not a requirement, we would like to receive a letter from an individual who could speak about your academic abilities.
Interview Information
Interview Format: Individual applicants with two or more interviewers, Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), Other interview format
Online interview option: Not sure at this time
Interviews are by invitation only and are held in Fall 2026 and Winter 2027. Details about the interview process are available on the web: http://pharmd.ucsf.edu/admissions/interview
More about the interview process
Applying
Deadline
December 1, 2026
Priority application deadline: October 1, 2026
We will offer several interview opportunities during the fall. Applicants who submit their application by the priority deadline, and have their application verified by PharmCAS in a timely manner after submission, will be considered for fall interviews.
First day of classes: July 19, 2027
General School Information
Program
Dual Degree Program? Yes
Part of an academic health center? Yes
Pharmacy observation hours required? Recommended, but not required
Supplemental application requirement? No
Baccalaureate degree preferred for admissions? Not Required
Follows the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines? Yes
Is preference given to in-state applicants vs. out-of-state applicants? No
Pharmacy School Tour Video
International Applicants
Foreign (non-U.S.) citizens considered: Yes
Applications accepted from: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, US Temporary Residents, Canadian Citizens, Foreign (non-US) Citizens with a Visa, Foreign (non-US) Citizens, Other Non-Citizens (e.g. DACA Students)
Foreign transcript policy: Send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER) to PharmCAS AND Send an original foreign transcript directly to the school
TOEFL required: No
Contact Information
Website: http://pharmacy.ucsf.edu
Social Profiles
| Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucsfpharmacy/ |
University of California, San Francisco: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California, San Francisco?
University of California, San Francisco accepts roughly 44% of PharmD applicants, so qualified applicants have a reasonable path in.
What is the tuition at University of California, San Francisco?
Per the AACP’s 2022–23 survey, residents pay around $46,860 for the first year, while non-residents pay about $59,105.
What is the minimum GPA for University of California, San Francisco?
The published minimum is a 2.8 overall GPA, though stronger grades improve your odds considerably.
What is University of California, San Francisco’s PharmCAS deadline?
Applications for the 2026–27 cycle are due by December 1, 2026 through PharmCAS. A priority deadline of October 1, 2026 offers earlier review.
Do you need a bachelor’s degree to get into University of California, San Francisco?
A bachelor’s degree is not required; finishing the prerequisites is what counts at University of California, San Francisco. The PharmD itself is an accelerated three-year, year-round program.
What is University of California, San Francisco’s NAPLEX pass rate?
In 2025, the first-time NAPLEX pass rate was 93.6%, as reported by NABP.