20 Best Mfa Programs In San Francisco, CA (2022 Updated)

Third-year clarinet student here at the conservatory! I've learned some of my greatest lessons in this building, about music and life. Deep friendships and fond memories come from my experience in this school. Faculty, staff, and students come together to provide one of the finest arts-education spaces in the country. Love it!Ivan Ferguson

I came here for an event for The San Francisco Guzheng Music Society. The location has fantastic acoustics and architecture. The room we were in fit just the right amount of people so that the music projected beautifully and the performance was easily seen by all in the theater.Deanna

Comfortable seating for a conservatory. The main performance room is cozy and intimate. The students that run the box offices are very friendly. Big bonus, they have enough bathrooms do there's not a huge line at intermission on the ladies room.Christina Collada

This historic art school is a unique incubator for visual artist's for over 100 years. In addition to exhibits of student's work in hall galleries throughout the buildings the Diego Rivera gallery contains a huge mural by the famous Mexican painter. Other lovely smaller murals are found in hallways in the original Spanish mission style building. The new building houses another art gallery, an auditorium, a cafe and patios boasting panoramic views of the bay, Marin and the North Beach neighborhood. In the massive areas below are painting, ceramics, and sculpture studios as well as media production rooms. The old building is a Warren of passageway s connecting photo labs printmaking and drawing classrooms and a lovely library with its own mural. Entering through the two massive red arching wooden doors you find yourself in a arcade of arches surrounding a bricked patio with a tiled octagonal fountain at it's center. This is the portal to another world. A world full of creativity, imagination and timeless possibility. From Minor White and Ansel Adams to Richard Diebenkorn and Richard Shaw it has provided education to thousands of major artist's from all over the world. Worth many visits as it is ever changing and full of surprises.Toby Kahn

It was once a great school. The professors, teachers and staff were the best but make no mistake, that was then. Now, after SFAI has fired a majority of those people it is well… kind of the bones of what was and nothing more. I was a student there in spring 2020 when they kicked out a bunch of students because of their financial issues. Little to no help was provided to transfer and they weren’t and still aren’t the least bit remorseful. I am sad for this school. However, if you are looking for good views and a historic building with ghosts possibly roaming the halls reminding you of the creative community that use to exist, this is your place.Marguerite Bradley

Everything about the board for this school needs reformation, I’m happy to say I’m going back this fall for studio classes once more and putting my best foot forward as I come back from some having a newfound agoraphobia. Sfai is a conceptual art school that’s excellent at healing the students when enough support is present. I am looking forward to the future and showing up for myself as one of the students who never wanted to leave in the first place. I’m the luckiest bleep alive. And I will create even more art.SoCaliForeign

I'm a male, late 20's student at USF, and this has been my experience: 1) Rigorous – Having had a decent amount of life experience before coming here, I expected it to be easy. I was wrong. As someone who has always been good at math, the math classes were all challenging and required a lot of time and effort to do well in. The same goes for their science classes. I had attended another, easier university before coming here, and the difference was huge. 2) Political/Religious – Being a catholic university in the middle of a very liberal city, there is a good chance that someone will at some point try to shove religion or liberal politics down your throat, with a higher probability of the latter. As someone who doesn't care for politics, I'd prefer if they were left out of the classroom. 3) Small class sizes – All but one of my classes have been under 30 people, with many being less than 20. There are personal, 1-on-1 classes for music lessons in guitar, piano, vocals, etc. There are ample staff to handle any problem and any and all issues I've had were solved quickly. Compare this to a state school with class sizes in the 100's and there is really no comparison. 4) Expensive – With an annual price tag of about 50k, plus the astronomically high San Francisco cost of living, it is incredibly expensive to go to school here. I came here largely because I had a full-ride scholarship, and would have seriously considered other options if I didn't. 5) Amenities – There are several large libraries, excellent quiet study areas, private music rooms with instruments, and the campus itself is quite beautiful. With the tuition comes a free public transit card and gym access, at a very nice gym. 6) Overall quality – The quality of the school overall is very high. I can't say how it compares to the likes of top schools like Stanford, but many of USF's professors have come from those big name schools. The combination of talented, intelligent professors and personal 1-on-1 attention make it a great place to learn and study.Tyler D

I transferred out of the University of San Francisco real quick. The school is expensive, the education is ok but the material is too easy, and the social life is garbage unless you're undoubtedly liberal. The professors were very nice and helpful, but anyone from the administration building is out to get you, ultimately this place is just a big money pit. They'll find a way to fine you and take your money even if you haven't done anything wrong.Alex Douthat

Beautiful campus in the heart of the city but otherwise, a school filled with professors that don’t really care, poor accommodations for students with disabilities, extremely expensive, campus police focuses more on giving you parking tickets and people’s conduct rather than ensuring vehicles are not broken into. Did I mention is extremely expensive and they will not accommodate you well if you need to take time off for medical/family issues.Jake Bilyak

I attended MILLS for my 2 year grad program in dance, earned my M.A. I love Mills with all my heart, especially seeing how there is a great and supportive ESA (emotional support animal) community. I thank Mills for letting me live in ESA hall with my ESA. I love the supportive community here at Mills. I consider all of the undergrads who go here to be LUCKY and FORTUNATE AF because where I went to undergrad, the school was awful and not emotionally or spiritually supportive. Again, love this place. Just wish I can relive my experience here again.袁子盁

Mills is a private predominantly women's liberal arts college in East Oakland. Access to the campus is restricted by a security gate, security patrols and perimeter fences. They have a strong reputation for producing school teachers, but not for STEM majors.946 Towguy

Doing one of my long walks, I end up at at the corner of Mills College only to find a bully operating maintenance gate on the perimeter of Campus. And a campus employee who unwilling to open the gate for a pedestrian wishing to walk through campus.Bjon Farber

I am currently a full time student and I have had it with this university. Half of the professors are excellent, while the other half clearly show up for a paycheck. The care for individual students has declined significantly over my time there. Access to advisors is nearly impossible now and they respond at least a week later. Further more are the fees they pile on to students. After Covid 19 hit and all classes went online, they still were charging “facility” fees and equipment fees, which in all fairness could be refunded but they were charging them upfront then expecting students to reach out for a refund. And on top of all of that is the mandatory student health insurance plan that you can not waive even if you have your own insurance. They are acting like a for profit business that tries to nickel and dime people the entire way. I gravely do not recommend this Academy. Avoid it at all costs. Am I happy with the with knowledge and skills gained? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely not!Vero V

After making it explicitly clear to every recruiter that called and texted me that no, I was not in fact going to enroll here, nor was there any chance of me enrolling here… They STILL sent me a very nice book in the mail out of the kindness of their heart. One of the nicest books I've received for free, all sorts of pleasant little stories to read and pictures to look at. It's a book about an art academy, with many happy students, what sports the students like to play, lovely descriptions of the surrounding San Francisco scenery and cultural vibe, stories about an instructor's life in the studio. The print job was quality. Beautiful. Overall a very therapeutic read. For the price point, you definitely get more than you pay for so I would recommend it to a friend for sure. *Please don't tell them I beg you, after all their kindness, but… I skipped the boring parts. I'm sorry. But I promise I didn't throw it away. I recycled it.Chloe Holt

This school is just a complete hot mess. I am a current online fashion stylist student and I can honestly say that the best thing about this school is the staff. You have to pay a registration fee each semester for classes and apparently it goes up every year. I was told that after all my grants, scholarships, and federal aid, I would only have to pay $18 out of pocket. But just yesterday I received a bill of over $1000. I recommend that you find a more reputable school because I amAbreasha Washington

I used to crash classes here and love that a school like this exists and I am very happy that many pioneers in various fields are finding a more public voice here. I was recently interested in obtaining a masters and encouraged to apply late (Pauline Reif) with the promise that I would be seen for that semesters admission. After submitting and paying non refundable application fees I was told I was late (which I had clearly known!) and none of my subsequent emails have been responded to. For a school focused on cutting edge psych and interpersonal dynamics, my experience with admissions was a FAR cry from what I hoped they stood for. I really hope they button up their program, modern and non-mainstream schooling is important, and I find that system wide integrity is even more crucial amongst those who walk on the outskirts.Mike D

I had a very mixed experience with this school. It was well worth the effort, but the school was not supportive when they needed to be which was ironic since many of the programs are focused on learning how to provide holistic psychotherapy. I would think an organization that focused on that subject would be filled with people capable of providing great support. Rather I found, after a few years, that it is very disorganized and in some serious need of an administrative overhaul.Marni Sweetland

Cutting edge graduate institution & doctoral program in the field of integral studies, psychodynamic psychotherapy & multidisciplinary consciousness studies. 🏦 Expanding the study of the psyche to include the transpersonal domain is a radically important undertaking for us at this time.⛲ The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is at the vanguard of the transpersonal movement and a leader in the field of holistic studies.🕉Chris Hutnik

If I could give them a minus star, I would be happy to do that. Do not waste your time nor your money, this so called "art school" is good for nothing. From teachers to admins, everything is a constant unpleasant situation to deal with. Teachers really DO NOT TEACH anything, students have to find out and learn everything mostly by themselves; teachers are stuck up, they thing they are the biggest deal and that the students are nothing unless they get to have a favorite one. None of the students here study and work, most of them come from rich families that pay for them to do "something in life" and that something will certainly be nothing because hardly one gets to have a decent, paying job after being ripped off for years. For rich people this is certainly not important but not for poor or middle class people that want to advance in life and make big efforts to get loans and on top of that pay monthly tuition. We ended up investing about $85,000 for a basically useless degree. They break their student's spirit, they belittle, ignore, degrade them; make them feel they are not entitled to any success if they are not the star of the class. My child worked extremely, extremely hard to try to make his dream come true but ended up completely sick and hopeless. Lastly, teachers steal student's ideas and nothing you can do about it because they have students sign an agreement before beginning of classes. First they tell them that those ideas are worthless, of course. Look for better options. California is full of excellent and transparent schools, colleges and universities let CCA out, it isn't worth it !!!Gabriela Saez

This is a soulless school, with excellent faculty sprinkled occasionally throughout. They present a great and forward thinking image on the outside, and on the inside try to cheat students and faculty alike. Their first priority is outside appearance, and one of their last is the students. Trying to get things fixed here when they inevitably screw up your schedule or take away your scholarship or any number of other things mid-semester is like going to the DMV, if the DMV was worse than it already is and charged you $30-45 thousand a year. This is a greedy institution so disorganized their financial aid documents even say "Please return to the Financial Aid Office by 12/31/1967." CCA is only slightly better than Academy of Art University in terms of being concerned about your education experience or personal well-being. Go somewhere else.Christian Hawkins (C. Grey Hawkins)

Well when I went there it was known as Rock ridge elementary School LOL and then it changed to arts magnet elementary School and that's when it became divided and kindergarteners were going to the same classes as the high school and college students which was actually really cool I met a lot of good friends and learned a lot of neat stuff education should not only be free but you should be able to learn what you want to learn which is what I enjoyed the most by going to classes with older students and being treated as an equalum bad at shuk nac tic

Root Division is an organization committed to supporting artists through subsidized studio spaces and arts education programming. They curate incredibly thoughtful and creative shows, tours, and events. The people who work here clearly care a lot about the bay area community. They've safely continued their events again, so I'd recommend checking one out. ESPECIALLY Auction, where you can bid on local artworks while supporting local artists. If you're interested in enjoying art and want to meaningfully contribute to the local art scene while you do, this is a place to keep your eye on.Nimah Gobir

I really enjoyed the beginners drawing class I took at Root Division. For three hours a week I was in an oasis away from the usual pressures of life, learning the basics drawing with a great teacher and an interesting set of classmates, while we sipped wine and beer. As someone who had never taken any art classes before it was quite astounding to be able to draw recognizable portraits and still life renditions by the end of the course.Éamonn O'Brien-Strain

I took a private lesson at Root Division from Robert Minervini. Rob is a fantastic teacher and I learnt a lot during the session. I wish I had found this site long time back. Absolutely recommend this if you are ever in SF!Pooja Srinivas

Review is an outsider's view of the campus. I recently visited USF on an informal walking tour. I was immediately struck by how beautiful the campus was and the surrounding neighborhood very nice (I had no idea!) There are some really gorgeous structures on campus and it's located in the middle of a neighborhood, but doesn't overwhelm it, nor detract from it. When I visited, it was very warm and there were lots of students enjoying the outdoors. I was particularly glad to see an ethnically diverse student population, not something you always find at other universities. In all, USF is an impressive looking school – small, urban and clean. I look forward to returning for a formal tour with my daughter this summer. 5 stars.Taylor Lyon

The biases are enormous with regulations and the military. Check the travel records many agree. Being able to complete my degree in peace is a luxury.Siren De

This is one of school building from Academy of Art — School of Illustration. This building is kind old but make poeple feel very sweet.Shih-Han Lee

I was lied to by doctors there I was told by Dr. Hakimi "Even if I wanted to I cannot refer you dermatology cannot refer to infectous disease".That's a lie.And when a doctor Dr.Wei comes in and splits your hair apart looks says " I don't see anything" is she trying to insult my intellegence? What were dealing with is microscopic. I have lab findings of nematode in my gut and in my well water. Yet I was sent to a specialist whom did not even look at my labs. Went by my age and that I'm a female that that's when morgellons usually hits a person for some reason females at my age. Offers Risperdal or abilify without looking at my labs. I sent my case to a teaching hospital in Pakastani and they agree parasite. They deal with this stuff Dailey in other countries. My regular dermatologist whom refered me to ucsf is now trying to refer me to UC Davis infectous disease. It's sad because I had such high hopes for ucsf. My primary tried to get me to Stanford infectous disease but my insurance didn't cover it. I think morgellons is a serious disease. And if a person is going to be labeled with it than lab work should be done and lab work should be looked at. Not a dx by a person's sex and age. It's pt neglect and is the doctor working for a drug company or the pt? Apparently the drug company in this case. I am saddened deeply because I had high high hopes for ucsf.Sabrina Cesena

UCSF is absolutely amazing! From my very first stay here to my very last brain surgery. All the staff are wonderful and very caring for their patient's. Dr. Edward Chang and his entire team saved my life. On July 12 I had an Anterior temporal lobectomy on my right side. I am today 42 days seizure free!!! I may have epilepsy, but it doesn't have me. If you have epilepsy, don't give up! Get a second opinion. Be seen at UCSF. I am beyond thankful for my wonderful Neurosurgeon Dr. Edward Chang. He is not only brilliant, but very caring as well. Keep up the amazing work UCSF!Caroline Wolfe

pretty bad. I had testic issues and they basically said, you’re hurting, but we don’t know why… now you’re going to be discharged. Everything is still the same. I don’t go to the hospital often. Is this how it works?! If they don’t know they just pass you on????!!! At least radiologist was very friendly but they rushed to get me out. Maybe bc of military coverage. I’m still hurting (hard core) and have no idea why.Cam Kirsch

I was really excited to attend but overall it wasn’t much different than community college at least for Gen ed. my excitement peaked week 4 and by week 11 of the semester I realized what was ahead of me and how the school is kind of a crazy mess. Having ethnic studies tie their bodies to the Muni tracks and an on campus anti abortion protest with bloody pictures was definitely a bit much And not made better by the pleasant Marchant booths the fallowing week. My department I’ve heard is basically a mess though unfortunately. My CC was state if the art and this place has some buildings that are authentically 1950’s and untouched it’s kind of scary so I try not to think about earthquakes given that Fine Arts, the library and Humanities are probably the safest buildings on campus. It feels impossible and hopeless here because almost nobody lives near campus and everyone commutes so it always feels dead. This factor makes it very hard to feel/get connected on campus to any degree and make friends. Don’t get fooled by impacted programs it doesn’t exactly mean they are “good” it just means the school is cheap and hasn’t built new buildings like it probably should have(Cinema, science and kin departments that’s you!). Go here if they have a good program for your major that’s what’s important, not location, student life etc.Alex Merenkov

I knew people who loved it at SFSU and knew people who hated it here. Personally, I had a great experience at SF State. Obviously a negative experience was having to go online due to covid in my third year but I was still able to have a good experience here overall for undergrad. I wouldn't trade my time and memories here for anything and I'm thankful for all the opportunities SF State was able to offer me and the friends I made along the way. College is what you make of it and I had a really good time here. Class of 2022Zachary Lacanlale

I just attended Class of 2022 commencement. I was extremely disappointed. This is the first graduation I’ve ever been to that never called out student names. The commencement speaker sounded like a political campaign. I’m sorry but the families and friends that came to watch our loved one graduate, want them to be celebrated even for a quick few seconds and not sit through speech after speech from strangers.Cerita Gaddi

This review is from the perspective of a new student trying to take a single summer online class. I registered for the class in late spring, but it didn't even show up in Canvas (their online learning platform) until the summer session actually started. The instructor hadn't "published" the class, meaning I couldn't attend. I contacted him (Higginbotham is his name), on the day the class started, and he told me that the class didn't actually start until two days later. He assured me that the materials would be available and the class would be up and running by then. Two days later the class is still not listed as published, and the school's help desk can't help me either. The help desk diverts me to someone in India — are you freakin' kidding me? You aren't Amazon, why can't I speak to someone at the college? I consider myself a pretty tech savvy person, but I can't figure out how to attend my class at this school.Patrick Lindsay

CCSF is a great place to start a career or to get back to finish an education. They offer many opportunities and financial support to all students regardless of race or status. They have many programs that will help students to transfer to four year institutions or specialize in a certain career. The academic counselors are great people who really care and go the extra mile to help students to succeed on their careers. Many professors are great people and they make sure that their students are understanding the concepts. If their students are struggling on the class they are willing to help them out. It is a shame that CCSF does not get the credit it deserves.Rodrigo Cruz

Went to the bookstore to pickup items purchased online. Tip: the pickup window is outside of the bookstore to the left, and NOT inside the bookstore. I had an issue with my digital pickup, where Cengage Access code wasn't working, so I informed the representative, and he is supposed to get back to me via phone. There isn't any parking in front of the bookstore, because it's reserved for staff. Be prepared to park across the street, and walk a couple of minutes.Leonard Suguitan (Len)

I was a student here, until they raised tuition and housing cost yet again. The school claims to give huge amounts of aid then revokes it if you get outside scholarships, and has hidden costs you will not find until after you attend. And I am sad to say, no one will help you if you find yourself in a position like mine where you have to leave after a semester. Not only that, but they won't refund my housing deposit because I am leaving before summer and many of my credits are not transferable to other schools. It is a beautiful campus, many of the teachers are very kind, but the huge flaws completely negate all this, I am sad that I turned down other schools to attend here. One of my biggest life regrets.Aaly Stanley

Let's be honest. This was your second choice. It's not the "best college in the world" or the "most beautiful campus in the world". Spent two years here and they were two years spent better elsewhere. Please, the is an extension of high school feeding mainly commuter students. Find your education and college experience elsewhere. You will thank me.Nick Chessar

My son Cameron Williams is playing varsity basketball for Sacramento high School there. His stay in the dorms at saint Mary's is awesome. Go Sacramento High School!SHe

Dr. Gonzalez (the implant specialist) at the University of Pacific messed up my teeth. First off, he gave me advice that made me teeth much worse. Which further led to an infection!! Then he went through with the procedure and didn’t even acknowledge that he did anything wrong. The whole team didn’t say anything about my infection when it’s clearly marked on the X-Ray! These people are supposed to be professionals. After I let them know that my teeth were infected, I made an appointment. The day before my appointment they cancelled it! This happened two more times, for a total of THREE cancelled appointments! They refuse to acknowledge that they messed up my teeth and are NOT giving my money back! I have to go somewhere else and spend $10,000 on a specialist. SHUT THEM DOWN.Adrienne Qiu Yi Lee

I had really wanted to re-establish my care here but they never returned my calls after months and months of trying. I even managed to get x-rays but that took a lot of effort and after that nothing. No one would give me an appointment. I don’t know what happened but I finally gave up. Very disappointing.Lisa Wetmore

(Translated by Google) This time I was not enthusiastic, one space, a dance-exhibition, this time it was not worth the hassle to get to the place, maybe other times there will be a different exhibition, it is worth checking (Original) הפעם לא התלהבתי, חלל אחד, תערוכת-מופע מחול, הפעם לא היה שווה את הטרחה להגיע עד למקום, אולי בפעמים אחרות תהיה תערוכה שונה, רצוי לבדוקמיכל גולדמינץ

More people should know about this terrific museum associated with CCA. Graduate students put together interesting and provocative exhibits, in addition, to the artists featured. Admission is FREE! It also is in a cool neighborhood near the Center for the Book and other cool places to walk to.Michelle Lemaster

Amazing small art space showing the best contemporary artists. Definitely check out! There are also lectures and performances too, so check online to see the schedule. They also have great limited edition works for sale online.Will Palley

A wonderful and unique space in Bayview. I learned to blow glass years ago in NYC and didn't even realize SF has its own place for local glass artisans and the wondering public to gather. I went to their monthly Hot Glass Cold Beer event this month and WOW. Michael Recchiuti was there blowing sugar, Pine Street Brewing was serving up all you can drink beer in hand blown glasses we were able to pick out, and a local artist crafted a life-sized baby out of blown glass. Oh and there was awesome live music and a cool crowd, all for $25. Sign up for classes at the event and get 10% off! I see glassblowing occupying my life again in the not too distant future. Check.It.Out.Cheryl Young

A brilliant resource for glass art in San Francisco. Classes for beginners to experts; events (e.g., a fantastic "Hot Glass Cold Beer" about once a month – less often, and virtually, during covid); community. I learned to blow glass here, and have returned, after the SFSU glass program was shut down. They have hot shop (blown glass); casting; fusing; flameworking; cold shop; more. Also: an excellent place for a team outing/event.john wilkes

Amazing beginner class classes. Highly recommended. I do have to complain about the most recent "hot glass, cold beer" event rip off. This once wonderful event has fallen victim to its own success. Advertised as $25 for a hand blown glass and open beer taps. Instead, an hour after doors opened they were giving solo cups and had run out of beer. The party was basically just a big line of thirsty people.Tony Gentilcore