Academy of Art University Athletics

Academy of Art University competes in NCAA Division II, which offers athletic scholarships and moderate competition between academics and athletics. The Urban Knights field 12 varsity sports with 243 total athletes. Only 5.9% of the 4,131 students participate in varsity athletics, reflecting the school's primary focus on art and design education rather than sports culture. The university awards $4,457,415 in athletic scholarships annually. As a San Francisco-based art school, Academy of Art lacks the deep sports traditions found at larger universities. The Knights compete in the Pacific West Conference against other West Coast schools. Basketball and soccer tend to draw the most attention among the limited student body interested in athletics. Most students come here for creative programs, not sporting events.