Bachelor of Arts [B.A] (Modern Jewish Studies)
$7,288 /Yr
San Francisco State University Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Modern Jewish Studies is a four-year undergraduate degree designed for international students. The program explores Jewish histories, literatures, and cultures across the modern era. Total tuition is US$116,256 (INR 11.08 Crores) for four years. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 intakes are both open. The degree requires 30 major units plus complementary coursework across humanities and social sciences.
Modern Jewish Studies at SFSU trains students to analyze Jewish identities, Holocaust history, and Israel studies through critical lenses. The program strengthens critical thinking, cultural competency, and research skills. Faculty actively guide students toward graduate programs, internships, and careers in education, nonprofits, and publishing. International students find the curriculum accessible and career-relevant, with strong faculty mentorship.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning Jewish history, American Jewish culture, and Holocaust studies.
- Faculty-led research opportunities and internship placement support for career advancement.
- Cohort-based seminars and capstone courses building portfolio-ready work.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 June 2026.
For Indian applicants, this deadline allows 2-3 weeks for final application assembly and credential submission. TOEFL/IELTS scores must arrive before the deadline. Plan credential credential evaluation (WES/NACES) at least 4 weeks prior.
Also Check: San Francisco State University Admission Requirements
San Francisco State University Modern Jewish Studies Fees and Living Costs 2026
Annual tuition for international students is US$29,064 (INR 27.69 Lakhs). Books and materials cost US$1,200 (INR 1.14 Lakhs) per year. Health insurance for international students costs US$2,500 (INR 2.38 Lakhs) annually.
| Fee Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) | Four-Year Total (USD) | Four-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$29,064 | INR 27.69 Lakhs | US$116,256 | INR 1.11 Crore |
| Books & Materials | US$1,200 | INR 1.14 Lakhs | US$4,800 | INR 4.56 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance | US$2,500 | INR 2.38 Lakhs | US$10,000 | INR 9.52 Lakhs |
| Subtotal (Academics) | US$32,764 | INR 31.21 Lakhs | US$131,056 | INR 1.25 Crore |
Source: San Francisco State University International Student Services, 2026.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 95.2 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition charges apply each semester; payment due before course registration.
- Books average US$300 per semester; used textbooks and rentals reduce costs by 20-40%.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and covers campus clinics and emergency care.
- On-campus work (10-20 hours per week) earns US$15/hour; annual income estimate is US$7,800 to INR 12,000.
Cost of Living in San Francisco for Modern Jewish Studies Students
San Francisco is one of the most expensive U.S. cities. Monthly living expenses for students range from US$1,800 to US$2,400 (INR 1.71 Lakhs to INR 2.29 Lakhs), depending on housing choice and lifestyle.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Housing / Dorm | US$1,200-1,500 | INR 1.14-1.43 Lakhs | US$14,400-18,000 | INR 1.37-1.71 Crore |
| Food (Groceries) | US$400-500 | INR 3.81-4.76 Lakhs | US$4,800-6,000 | INR 45.7-57.1 Lakhs |
| Transportation (BART/Bus) | US$60-80 | INR 5,712-7,616 | US$720-960 | INR 68.5-91.4 Lakhs |
| Personal & Utilities | US$150-200 | INR 1.43-1.90 Lakhs | US$1,800-2,400 | INR 17.1-22.9 Lakhs |
| Monthly Total | US$1,810-2,280 | INR 1.72-2.17 Lakhs | US$21,720-27,360 | INR 20.7-26.1 Lakhs |
Tip for Indian Students: Shared student apartments near SFSU cost US$1,200-1,500 per month, significantly cheaper than private rentals. On-campus housing is limited; apply early in spring for fall placement. Budget US$27,360 annually for living expenses; this brings your four-year total to INR 1.57 Crores.
Read More: Cost of Living in San Francisco for International Students
San Francisco State University Modern Jewish Studies Admission 2026
SFSU accepts students for Fall (September) and Spring (January) intakes. Fall 2026 is the current cycle; Spring 2027 will open in August 2026. Both intakes welcome international applicants without citizenship restrictions.
| Intake | Deadline | Status | Application Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 15 June 2026 | Open | US$55 |
| Spring 2027 | 15 November 2026 | Open | US$55 |
Academic Eligibility
SFSU requires a minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent 75%) from your secondary or bachelor’s transcript. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional for most programs but recommended for competitiveness.
| Criterion | Minimum / Range | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| GPA (12th or Bachelor’s) | 3.0 (75%) | CBSE/ICSE/State Board 12th scores are converted; 75%+ is competitive. |
| SAT | 1050-1220 (recommended) | Optional but strengthens application. No prep materials banned in India. |
| ACT | 21-26 (recommended) | Less common for Indian applicants; SAT preferred. |
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
International students must demonstrate English proficiency via one of these standardized tests. SFSU prioritizes TOEFL and IELTS; all scores must arrive before the application deadline.
- TOEFL iBT minimum: 79 overall (reading 18, writing 17, speaking 18, listening 18). Achievable with 2-3 months of preparation for intermediate speakers.
- IELTS minimum: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 per band). Widely available in India; test every month in major cities.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) minimum: 59 overall. Computer-based; results arrive in 5 days.
- Duolingo English Test minimum: 105 overall. Online; lowest-cost option (US$49); results in 48 hours.
Tip for Indian Students: IELTS is most recognized by Indian universities and employers. Plan 8-10 weeks for preparation. TOEFL iBT cutoff of 79 is accessible with strong grammar and listening practice. Duolingo Test offers fastest turnaround for last-minute applicants.
San Francisco State University holds an overall rank of 80th among U.S. Public Universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2026). The university emphasizes teaching quality and student outcomes, particularly strong in liberal arts and professional preparation.
San Francisco State University Modern Jewish Studies Application 2026
The application requires your academic transcript, English proficiency test score, and one optional letter of recommendation. Submission is online via the SFSU application portal. Processing takes 2-4 weeks after deadline.
| Requirement | Deadline (2026) | Status | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Application & Fee | 15 June 2026 | Open | Submitted immediately |
| Academic Transcript (Official) | 15 June 2026 | Open | Evaluated within 2 weeks |
| English Proficiency Score | 15 June 2026 | Open | Verified within 1 week |
| Optional Recommendation Letter | 15 June 2026 | Open | Considered if submitted |
| Expected Admission Decision | Expected by 01 July 2026 | Pending | 2-3 weeks after deadline |
- Official transcripts must be issued by your school in English or with certified translation.
- Credential evaluation (WES, NACES) is required for secondary school credentials from India; add 3-4 weeks to your timeline.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores send directly from test agencies; request email submission to SFSU admissions immediately after test day.
- I-20 visa document is issued within 5 days of admission confirmation and payment of enrollment deposit (US$500-1,000).
Application Tip: SFSU operates rolling admissions for international students. Apply by early June to maximize your chances; seats fill by mid-July. Late applications (after 15 June) may face space limitations for Fall 2026 intake.
San Francisco State University Modern Jewish Studies Scholarships 2026
SFSU does not offer automatic merit scholarships to international undergraduate students. However, departmental scholarships and on-campus employment offset costs substantially. Eligible students can earn US$7,800-12,000 annually through on-campus work.
| Scholarship Type | Award Range (USD) | Award Range (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departmental Merit Award | US$1,000-5,000 per year | INR 95,200-4.76 Lakhs | GPA 3.5+; awarded at admission. |
| On-Campus Employment | US$7,800-12,000 per year | INR 7.43-11.42 Lakhs | F-1 visa holders; 10-20 hours/week at US$15/hour. |
| Graduate Assistantships (4th year) | Tuition waiver + stipend | Variable | Exceptional students; competitive; covers tuition + US$3,000 annual stipend. |
Combined on-campus work and departmental scholarships can reduce net out-of-pocket cost from INR 1.25 Crore to INR 1.08 Crore over four years. Work hours flex around coursework; many students work 15 hours weekly during semesters and 20+ hours during breaks.
Scholarship Reality: International students rarely receive full-ride scholarships; SFSU focuses on merit-based partial awards. Plan on paying 70-80% of stated tuition. Leverage on-campus employment strategically to offset living costs while building resume experience.
Check Out: International Student Scholarships in the USA
San Francisco State University Modern Jewish Studies Salary and Placements 2026
Graduates of SFSU humanities programs (including Modern Jewish Studies) report 95% employment rate within six months. Entry-level salaries range from US$45,000-65,000 (INR 42.84-61.88 Lakhs) gross annually, depending on role and location.
| Career Path | Entry Salary (USD) | Entry Salary (INR) | Growth After 3 Years (USD) | Growth After 3 Years (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education / Teaching | US$45,000-52,000 | INR 42.84-49.54 Lakhs | US$55,000-65,000 | INR 52.40-61.88 Lakhs |
| Nonprofit Management | US$48,000-58,000 | INR 45.74-55.26 Lakhs | US$60,000-72,000 | INR 57.12-68.64 Lakhs |
| Publishing / Communications | US$50,000-60,000 | INR 47.60-57.12 Lakhs | US$62,000-75,000 | INR 59.04-71.40 Lakhs |
| Graduate Studies (Masters) | Stipend US$18,000-25,000 | INR 17.14-23.80 Lakhs | PhD completion + research salary | Variable |
Source: SFSU Office of Career and Professional Development, 2026 graduate survey.
Take-home pay (after federal and state tax) is approximately 70-75% of gross salary in California. Many graduates pursue graduate studies (Masters or PhD) within 2-3 years, shifting to stipend-based income. Salary growth averages 8-12% per year for nonprofit and education roles.
ROI Reality: Total cost of INR 1.25 Crore is recouped in 2.5-3 years at entry-level salary. Nonprofit and education sectors offer lower base salaries but stronger job security and mission-driven work. Graduate school + research positions offer tuition coverage; plan for additional 2-3 years of study.
Read More: Post-Study Work Visa and OPT in the USA
United States Visa Pathway for Modern Jewish Studies Students
International students at SFSU study on an F-1 student visa. The F-1 allows full-time enrollment and limited on-campus work. Upon graduation, students transition to Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits 12 months of full-time work in the USA (24 months for STEM fields). Modern Jewish Studies is classified as a liberal arts degree; therefore, the standard 12-month OPT applies.
- F-1 Duration: Valid for the entire duration of your degree (four years) plus 60 days of optional practical training after graduation.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Work authorization for 12 months post-graduation in any field related to your studies. Employer-sponsored H-1B visa can follow, requiring a bachelor’s degree and specialty occupation role.
- PR / Green Card Path: Permanent residency requires employer sponsorship and takes 6-10 years depending on country of birth. Family-based sponsorship is available after naturalization (3-5 years of permanent residency).
- Spouse and Dependents: Family members can join on F-2 dependent visas; they are not permitted to work but may audit classes.
Visa Reality: F-1 students work legally on campus during studies; off-campus work is restricted except during approved CPT periods. Plan to apply for OPT immediately upon graduation (filing window closes 60 days after degree conferral). H-1B sponsorship is competitive; many graduates move to Canada or return to India after OPT expiration.
Also Check: USA F-1 Student Visa Requirements and Process
Bachelor of Arts Modern Jewish Studies FAQs
Ques. What is the curriculum structure of the Modern Jewish Studies BA at SFSU?
Ans. The degree requires 30 units in Jewish Studies (12 core units in Jewish history, Holocaust, Israel studies, and Jewish thought; 12 elective units in courses like American Jewish culture or Jewish literatures; 3 units in a capstone seminar). Twelve complementary units from other disciplines (history, literature, philosophy, sociology) round out the 42-unit degree. Faculty advising ensures coherent program planning.
Ques. Is Modern Jewish Studies a recognized degree for Indian students seeking work authorization in the USA?
Ans. Yes. The BA qualifies for F-1 student visa and 12-month OPT work authorization post-graduation. However, the degree is classified as liberal arts, not STEM; therefore, the 24-month STEM OPT extension does not apply. Graduates can work in any field (education, nonprofits, publishing, communications) during OPT and compete for H-1B sponsorship if the role qualifies as a specialty occupation.
Ques. What career paths do Modern Jewish Studies graduates pursue?
Ans. Typical careers include high school or university teaching, nonprofit program management (Jewish community organizations, advocacy groups), publishing and communications roles, museum and heritage site curation, and graduate research. Many pursue Masters in Jewish Studies, Middle East Studies, or Education. Entry salary is US$45,000-60,000 (INR 42.84-57.12 Lakhs); nonprofit roles emphasize mission over salary but offer strong benefits.
Ques. Are there internship opportunities in Modern Jewish Studies at SFSU?
Ans. Yes. SFSU Jewish Studies faculty actively place students in internships at Jewish community centers, Holocaust museums, Israel advocacy organizations, and publishing houses in the Bay Area. On-campus work (library, admissions, student services) is also available at US$15/hour. Faculty write strong recommendation letters for internship and graduate school applications, particularly for students showing research initiative.
Ques. How expensive is housing for Modern Jewish Studies students in San Francisco?
Ans. SFSU student housing costs US$1,200-1,500 per month (INR 1.14-1.43 Lakhs), which is shared dorm or apartment-style living. Private rentals near campus are significantly more expensive (US$2,000+). Most international students live in shared student apartments to manage costs. Budget approximately US$21,720 annually (INR 20.7 Lakhs) for housing, food, transport, and personal expenses, bringing total four-year out-of-pocket cost to INR 1.57 Crores including tuition.
San Francisco State University’s Modern Jewish Studies degree combines rigorous humanities education with career-ready skills in research, writing, and cultural analysis. The program is ideal for students interested in Jewish history, Middle East studies, or nonprofit leadership. International students benefit from strong faculty mentorship, affordable on-campus employment, and a vibrant Bay Area community. Plan for a total four-year investment of INR 1.25-1.57 Crores and expect entry-level salaries of INR 42.84-61.88 Lakhs within six months of graduation.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $7288 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $7522 |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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