Founded in 1964 in honor of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy University is a nonprofit private university with three campuses in the San Francisco Bay area and a member of the National University System. John F. Kennedy University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the same body which accredits the other major universities and colleges in the western United States.
With nationally recognized programs, John F. Kennedy University offers innovative and flexible higher education opportunities that enable students to achieve success both personally and professionally. JFKU is based on a practitioner-scholar model. The faculty members integrate their professional experience in a one-on-one teaching approach and include practical, real-world experience as a key component of many of the academic programs.
Student demographics
| Total enrollement | 1,600 |
| Undergrad | 300 |
| Grad | 1,300 |
| Female | 75% |
| Male | 25% |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Average class size | 15 |
19 countries represented on campus
Top five: Canada, India, Mexico, Japan, Thailand
ESL program and/or support services
The ESL program is a total of 8 levels. Each level is one month long and students take one level per month. Students are placed in the program based off of TOEFL/IELTS scores or an English placement test administered on campus. Tuition is $600 per level ($1,215 each for the final two levels). Total estimated cost (tuition + living) for the entire 8-month program is $17,066.
Student Housing options
JFK University oversees home stay arrangements through Diablo Valley Homestay for the Pleasant Hill area and San Jose Homestay for the San Jose area. Our offices assist students with the application process and monitor the quality and sustainability of each living arrangement. Assistance is also provided to students who wish to live in an apartment, house, or other housing arrangement off campus. No on-campus housing is currently available.
Application deadlines
The application deadline is three months prior to the first day of class each quarter. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
- Priority deadline for Fall PsyD intake is January 15th
- Priority deadline for Fall MA Museum Studies intake is February 15
Admission requirements
Undergrad: 2.0/4 GPA, faculty interview, 45 quarter units of transferrable lower division general education experience from another university or college, TOEFL 80 or higher/IELTS 6 or higher.
Grad: 3.0/4 GPA (varies by program), TOEFL 80 or higher/IELTS 6 or higher (100/7.5 for MA in Museum Studies), NO GMAT/GRE required.
All programs require the students to interview with faculty by phone or in person.
Some programs require letters of recommendation, personal statement/essay, academic writing sample, resume, art portfolio, entrance tests (JD.)
International Student visas issued
F1.
Cost of attendance and financial assistance
Application fee: $65 (Bachelor’s/Master’s), $90 (PsyD, JD)
Average annual tuition: $20,160 (Bachelor’s), $21,240 (Master’s), $22,475 (JD), $29,000 (PsyD)
Average annual room and board: $14,000
Average books and materials: $2,200
Student service fees: $348
Total annual (12 months) fees: $36,773 (Bachelor’s), $37,853 (Master’s), $39,115 (JD), $43,438 (PsyD)
Please click here for information about scholarships.