gradeC+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?Data Sources
Academics
gradeC+
Value
gradeD+
Diversity
gradeA+
Campus
gradeB
Athletics
gradeB
Party Scene
gradeA minus
Professors
gradeB minus
Location
gradeA+
Dorms
gradeB
Campus Food
gradeB+
Student Life
gradeA minus
Safety
gradeB
About
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
About Academy of Art...
- Large Online Program
- Private
- SAT/ACT Optional
Athletic Division
NCAA Division II (without football)
Athletic Conference
Pacific West Conference
- California
- San Francisco
From Academy of Art University
Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is the largest private accredited art and design school in the nation. Located in San Francisco, the epicenter of culture and technology, Academy of Art University has a diverse population of more than 16,000 students from around the world. Academy of Art University believes that all students interested in studying art and design should have the opportunity to do so, and its no-barrier admissions policy makes this possible. We welcome students from all over the world for our 30 programs and various degree levels.
Academy of Art University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
See All Academy of Art University Rankings
Admissions
Application Deadline
Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
Rolling Admissions
Acceptance Rate
100%
SAT Range
No data available —
ACT Range
No data available —
Application Fee
$50
SAT/ACT
Neither required nor recommended
High School GPA
No data available —
Accepts Common App
No
Read More About Admissions
Will You Get Into Art U?
Test Scores and High School GPA for Academy of Art University
See Other CollegesYouTube Video
Cost
Net Price
$35,616/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$8,868/ year
National
$7,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
83%
Find Private Student Loans
Find College Scholarships
Find college scholarships
Academics
Professors
gradeB minus
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
10:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
81%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.277 responses
79%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.277 responses
57%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.277 responses
Read More About Academics
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Computer Graphics
119 Graduates
Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects
101 Graduates
Drafting and Design (CAD/CADD)
88 Graduates
Graphic Design
46 Graduates
Cinematography and Video Production
44 Graduates
Fashion and Apparel Design
42 Graduates
Apparel and Textile Science
37 Graduates
Photography
35 Graduates
Fashion and Apparel Merchandising
29 Graduates
More
See All Majors
2023 Spring Show
The Academy of Art University's Annual Spring Show displays the incredible talent and collections from our Art & Design programs live. Hundreds of guests, including press, retailers, and buyers, attend this exclusive event each year. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the creativity and innovation as an AAU student. Get ready to be inspired!
Online
Programs Offered Entirely Online
Total number of complete undergraduate programs offered online or through distance learning.
73
Offers Online Courses
College offers distance education courses.
Yes
Online Certificate Programs
Total number of certificate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
12
Online Associates Programs
Total number of associate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
27
Online Bachelor's Programs
Total number of bachelor's degree programs offered online or through distance education.
34
Explore All Online Majors
How Students Learn
Based on class setting of student enrollment.
Mix of Online and on Campus
37%
On Campus
8%
Online
55%
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
2,189Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
2,366
Undergrads Over 25
43%
Pell Grant
46%
Varsity Athletes
12%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on
27 responses
Artistic
74%
Outgoing
15%
Stressed
11%
Read More About the Students
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
47%
Poll
65%
of students say they don't have Greek life.37 responses
Poll
46%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.37 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on
196 responses
Tough but rewarding
21%
Here you will find the tools to become great.
18%
Creativity and passion at its finest
13%
You HAVE to be passionate or you won't like it
11%
Creative
11%
The pursuit of happiness begins here.
8%
Your wallet matters
6%
More
Read More About Campus Life
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$38,600/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
44%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
81%
National
83%
33%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.3 responses
Read More About Life After Graduation
Academy of Art University Reviews
Rating 3.89 out of 5 2,498 reviews
Rating 4 out of 5
It's been a balance between exciting and unpleasant. I am very grateful to be enrolled in a new institution where I can continue my path as a professional artist and animator. However, for a first semester, one of the courses was a let down. Whenever I left the class, it felt like I hadn't learned anything. As a fully online student, during lecture, I felt disengaged with the rest of the class. The semester was also stressful because several financial and academic changes hit unexpectedly and I was ready to tear my hair out! I have hopes my next term will be better, but boy did I have a difficult time.
- Sophom*ore
- 9 days ago
Rating 5 out of 5
Personally, I'm loving being a student at AAU!
I am a full time student taking classes entirely online, which has been a life saver for me. With my remote location and anxiety struggles, there's no way I would have been able to attend any school in person, and Academy of Art is one of the very few colleges that offer an art degree online. This alone was a huge selling point for me when deciding what I wanted to do with me future.
I knew I needed an "in between" step from graduating highschool to entering into the industry, and taking classes here has accomplished that 100%--the classes are accessible for complete beginners in the field, and the pacing of each week is just enough to push you without breaking you. I've had only great interactions with the instructors, and they have been a vital part in improving my drawing skills. The homework usually gives us a ton of creative freedom.
- Senior
- 4 months ago
Rating 5 out of 5
I came into college all on my own, knowing next to nothing. My advisors were so kind to me from the very begginging when i applied to this school. They helped me understand the finances and their systems. They still continue to help me today when I have any questions or financial issues!
- Sophom*ore
- a month ago
