Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [History] From University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History is a four-year undergraduate degree blending historical research, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary study. Located in San Francisco, California, the programme welcomes international students through F-1 visas. Annual cost: approximately US$88,913 tuition and living expenses. Application intakes: Fall (September), with Early Decision and Regular Decision tracks. Entry requires high school transcript, standardized tests, and English language proficiency.

The History major trains graduates to analyze primary sources, construct evidence-based arguments, and understand global contexts. USF emphasizes close mentorship with faculty and small seminars—unusual for a mid-size university. Ideal applicants combine curiosity about human societies with strong writing skills and intellectual independence. The programme prepares students for graduate study, archival work, policy research, law, teaching, and roles in nonprofits where historical perspective drives strategy.

• Small seminars with direct faculty mentorship—under 20 students per upper-level course.
• Flexible electives spanning African, Asian, European, and American history.
• Opportunities for undergraduate research projects and honours thesis completion.

Also Check: University of San Francisco Admission

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History Fees and Living Costs 2027

The four-year degree combines tuition, on-campus housing, and ancillary fees. Below is the annual breakdown and estimated living expenses for international students in San Francisco.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.18 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition covers full-time enrolment (12–18 credit hours per semester).
• On-campus housing is guaranteed for three years; senior-year housing varies by lottery.
• Health insurance is compulsory for international students and covers in-network providers in the Bay Area.
• Books and materials vary by coursework; History majors typically spend INR 1.5–2 Lakhs annually.

Cost of Living in San Francisco for Bachelor of Arts History Students

Cost Reality for History Majors: On-campus residence keeps living costs lower than off-campus housing in expensive San Francisco; expect to budget an additional INR 5–8 Lakhs annually if living privately in the city centre.

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History Admission

USF admits international applicants with strong secondary school transcripts and demonstrated intellectual maturity. Below are intake windows and academic requirements for the History major.

Academic eligibility: secondary school GPA typically 3.5+ (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent. Standardized tests—the SAT or ACT—are required. USF’s current acceptance rate of approximately 70 percent reflects a moderately selective admissions process. History majors compete within the broader applicant pool; no separate subject-based cutoff applies at admission, though strong writing samples support candidacy.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following tests.

• TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score 80 (reading, writing, listening, speaking components all required).
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band score 6.5 (no component below 6.0); prepare for 12–16 weeks of structured study if starting from beginner level.
• Duolingo English Test: minimum score 105; lower-cost alternative completed online within 1–2 hours.

Tip for Indian Students: IELTS coaching is widely available in India; many Indian applicants find IELTS more accessible than TOEFL iBT. Start preparation 3–4 months before your target application deadline. A score of 7.0+ (IELTS) or 95+ (TOEFL) is competitive.

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History Application

The application process for Fall 2027 intake opens in September 2026. Deadlines are binding or non-binding depending on your choice.

• Early Decision is binding; accept only if financial aid meets your family’s budget.
• Regular Decision allows comparison across multiple offers before committing.
• International credential evaluation (WES or similar) required for non-US secondary transcripts; factor 4–6 weeks processing time into your submission plan.

Application Strategy for Indian Applicants: File Regular Decision unless your family finances are certain. Indian students often use the March–May window to compare scholarship packages from multiple universities.

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History Scholarships

USF offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to international undergraduates. Most awards range from US$5,000 to US$25,000 annually, reducing net cost significantly.

• Presidential Scholarship: US$15,000–US$25,000 per year (INR 14.28–23.80 Lakhs); targets top-tier applicants with 3.8+ GPA and strong test scores.
• Dean’s Scholarship: US$10,000–US$15,000 per year (INR 9.52–14.28 Lakhs); recognises strong academics and extracurricular contributions.
• International Award: US$5,000–US$10,000 per year (INR 4.76–9.52 Lakhs); available to all international applicants regardless of financial need.
• Departmental scholarships for History majors vary; apply once admitted and in good standing.

Realistic Scholarship Math: An average merit award of US$12,000 (INR 11.43 Lakhs) reduces annual cost from INR 82.51 Lakhs to INR 71.08 Lakhs—a meaningful but incomplete offset. Family savings, education loans, and part-time work (capped at 20 hours/week on-campus for F-1 students) are necessary to bridge the gap for most Indian families.

Also Check: USF Scholarships for International Students

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History Salary and Placements

History graduates from USF pursue diverse careers spanning education, cultural heritage, public policy, law, and nonprofit work. Average starting salary for bachelor’s graduates across all disciplines at USF is approximately US$45,000–US$52,000 annually (INR 42.85–49.53 Lakhs), with significant variation by field.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, California Department of Education, and USF Career Services reporting (2025–2026).

• Most History graduates pursue graduate study (MA in History, Law, Public Administration) within 5 years—initial salary is a stepping stone.
• Starting salary varies by employer sector (nonprofit, public, private) and geographic location; Bay Area salaries run 15–25% higher than national average.
• Take-home income after federal and California state tax (approximately 25–35% combined) reduces gross salary; use an online tax calculator to estimate net income.

ROI Reality for History Majors: The bachelor’s degree alone may not support high earnings; however, graduates report strong job satisfaction and advancement to six-figure roles within 10–15 years, especially those pursuing law, consulting, or nonprofit leadership.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

United States Visa and Work Rights for History Students

International students from India studying in the US are sponsored on an F-1 visa, which permits full-time study for the duration of the degree. Upon graduation, graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work permit that extends eligibility to the US labour market.

• F-1 student visa valid for the full degree duration (typically 4 years); no time limit on how long you can study.
• On-campus work permitted up to 20 hours per week during academic term; full-time during official breaks.
• Off-campus work available via Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or OPT after graduation.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation: History graduates qualify for 12 months of OPT (extendable to 24 months if designated STEM, though History is typically classified as non-STEM).
• H-1B skilled worker visa requires employer sponsorship; typical threshold salary is US$60,000+ (INR 57.10+ Lakhs); History careers (teaching, nonprofit, cultural sector) typically fall below this threshold, making onward work visa sponsorship unlikely.
• Spouse and dependent visas (F-2) are available; dependents cannot work but may study.

Visa Reality for History Majors: The US F-1 and OPT pathway is designed for study and short-term work experience; permanent residency or long-term skilled-worker visa sponsorship is rare in History-specific roles. Most Indian graduates return home or seek further study (Master’s or law school) to remain in the US.

Also Check: Post-Study Work Visa Options in USA

University of San Francisco Bachelor of Arts History Ranking 2026

University of San Francisco ranks 115th in the US News & World Report National University Rankings 2026. This reflects the institution’s overall academic quality and reputation across all disciplines.

A dedicated subject-level ranking for History programmes at USF is not published by QS, THE, FT, or ARWU. The university’s standing in the national rankings, combined with small seminar sizes and faculty expertise in multiple historical regions, signals strength in the History discipline without a formal subject ranking.

Honest Take on Rankings: A mid-tier national ranking does not diminish the quality of USF’s History education; undergraduate teaching quality and mentorship often exceed what rankings capture. Employers and graduate schools value USF History graduates based on transcript, writing portfolio, and letters of recommendation—not ranking tier alone.