Academy of Art University
About Academy of Art University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Academy of Art University is a for-profit art and design school in San Francisco, California. It offers programs in fine arts, animation, architecture, fashion, and game development. The university accepts most applicants and is one of the largest private art schools in the country.
Founded
1929
Location
San Francisco, California
Students
5,441
Institution
For-Profit
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
34.3%
Below national average
Tuition
$30,736
Per year
Avg Net Price
$40,613
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$39,008
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 24
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
34.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.4%
4-Year Grad
7%
6-Year Grad
36%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
15.6%
$/Student
$14.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 7% graduation rate is below average, but 75.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$30,736
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$32,766
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$48,036
After Financial Aid
$40,613
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$37,668
Receive Grants
41%
Take Loans
49.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $48,036/yr, including $32,766 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $40,613.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Academy of Art University fund their education.
While in School
41%
Get Grants
Free money
49.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,550
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$31,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$329/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $31,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Academy of Art University.
Gender
56.4%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,587
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,854
Graduates
40.8%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
44.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 40.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 11.5% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,587
Students
for-profit
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Academy of Art Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$39,008
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Software and Media Applications
$45K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Graphic Communications
$27K
74 grads
1yr Earnings
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
$49K
73 grads
1yr Earnings
Design and Applied Arts
$21K
63 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$23K
56 grads
1yr Earnings
Apparel and Textiles
$28K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $39K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Academy of Art University
How much does Academy of Art University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Academy of Art University?▾
How much do Academy of Art University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.