Academy of Art University: $28,024 Tuition

$28,024Tuition

4,131Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,008Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University transforms aspiring creatives into working professionals through intensive, hands-on training in San Francisco's active arts scene. The school enrolls 4,131 students who dive into everything from fashion design to digital media across a sprawling urban campus. Notable graduates include VR pioneer Chris Milk and fashion designer Jeremy Scott, who've taken the school's practical approach to major creative industries.

Students pay an average net price of $39,778 annually, while graduates earn a median of $39,008 ten years after starting school. The math gets tighter when you consider the typical $31,000 in student debt and monthly loan payments of $329. Only 35.88% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, suggesting many graduates struggle financially despite an 83.5% employment rate.

The school accepts most applicants and maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, creating smaller studio environments despite its size. However, only 40.5% of students graduate within six years, and just 67.25% return for their second year. The diverse student body is 57.81% women and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 28.84% of students from California seeking the San Francisco creative experience.

Academics & Faculty

Academy of Art University operates as a for-profit institution focused entirely on art and design education. The school accepts most applicants and emphasizes hands-on creative training across visual arts disciplines. Students work with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for project feedback and mentorship. However, only 40.5% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenging nature of creative programs and the school's open admissions policy. The university is particularly known for fashion design, with alumni like Jeremy Scott making their mark in luxury fashion. Other strong programs include animation, graphic design, and photography. The for-profit structure means coursework stays current with industry trends and technology.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 20.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.5%
Retention Rate: 67.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,008
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Master	$88,417
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.	Master	$66,077
Architecture.	Master	$57,318
Architecture.	Bachelor	$53,810
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.	Bachelor	$48,823
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Bachelor	$48,432
Design and Applied Arts.	Master	$45,340
Communication and Media Studies.	Master	$44,971
Music.	Master	$44,942
Visual and Performing Arts, General.	Master	$38,289

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

San Francisco's fog rolls through Academy of Art's 40+ buildings scattered across the city, meaning you'll need layers year-round rather than heavy winter coats. The school houses 1,488 students on campus, representing about 36% of the total enrollment of 4,131. Most students live in converted hotels and apartment buildings that double as residence halls, creating an urban campus experience unlike traditional college quads.

Weekends often revolve around the city's art scene, from galleries in SOMA to vintage shopping in the Mission. The school's 12 varsity sports teams, including a strong golf program, compete in NCAA Division II with 243 total athletes. Studio culture dominates daily life, with many students spending late nights in animation labs or fashion design workshops. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors often work alongside students on real industry projects. With 71% of students from out of state, the residence halls buzz with diverse creative energy, though the $23,746 room and board cost reflects San Francisco's expensive housing market.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,488 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1929

Campus Safety (2023)

34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Arson	8	2	4
Burglary	6	1	0
Robbery	0	0	7
Aggravated Assault	0	0	2
Fondling	1	1	0
Stalking	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–57°F
July Avg: 54°–66°F
Annual Precipitation: 22.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The Academy draws creative students from across the country, with 71% coming from outside California to pursue hands-on arts training in San Francisco. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's accessibility to aspiring artists from diverse economic backgrounds. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for art schools where design and visual arts programs traditionally attract more female students. The student body is diverse, with students of color comprising nearly half the population. This mix creates a creative community where different perspectives fuel artistic collaboration in the city's active arts scene.

Men: 42.2%
Women: 57.8%
White: 25.8%
Black: 11.7%
Hispanic: 20.0%
Asian: 6.5%
In-State Students: 28.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.8%

Location

Academy of Art University sits in downtown San Francisco, California, spreading across multiple buildings throughout the city rather than occupying a traditional campus. The school operates in one of America's most expensive metropolitan areas, where the median rent often exceeds $3,000 monthly. San Francisco's tech industry boom creates internship opportunities but also drives up living costs . The city's famous fog, steep hills, and active arts scene provide inspiration for creative students, though housing near campus remains challenging to find. Over 71% of Academy students come from out of state, drawn to the city's cultural diversity and creative energy. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Academy of Art University with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Francisco, California 94105

Academy of Art University building, New Montgomery Street

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,008
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,625
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $329/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $31,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Academy of Art University?

Academy of Art University accepts most applicants who apply, following the typical open-enrollment model of for-profit institutions. The school focuses more on hands-on creative training than selective admissions. With 4,131 enrolled students, AAU draws aspiring artists and designers who want immediate access to professional art education.

How much does Academy of Art University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $39,778 annually after aid, with tuition set at $28,024 for all students regardless of residency. The total cost of attendance reaches $52,708 when including room and board at $23,746. Only 41.76% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with $31,000 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Academy of Art University?

Academy of Art University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction in studio-based courses. The school emphasizes hands-on creative training across its art and design programs. However, the retention rate stands at only 67.25%, reflecting the challenging nature of intensive creative education.

What do Academy of Art University graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $39,008 ten years after enrollment, with 83.5% finding employment in their fields. One year after graduation, median earnings start at $29,577 before rising to $48,625 by the five-year mark. The school's focus on practical creative skills helps students enter competitive design and media industries.

Where do Academy of Art University students live on campus?

The university houses 1,488 students across multiple buildings throughout San Francisco, taking advantage of the city's active arts scene. With 71% of students coming from out-of-state, many rely on campus housing in one of America's most expensive cities. The urban setting provides access to galleries, studios, and creative internships.

Does Academy of Art University offer athletic scholarships?

Academy of Art University awards $4,457,415 in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports as an NCAA Division II school. The program supports 243 total athletes, which is unusual for an art-focused institution. This combination of creative and athletic programs sets AAU apart from traditional art schools.