At a glance

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 approximately 14,000 students from around the world. Offering an art school experience like no other, their faculty of professional artists help thousands of students develop a unique combination of artistic ability and business savvy to succeed in careers they love.

Academic programs

The Academy has over thirty facilities that house classrooms, studios, galleries, and residence halls. The students, who are admitted through an open-enrollment policy, aspire to earn A.A., B.A., B.S., B.F.A., B.Arch., M.A., M.F.A., or M.Arch. degrees in more than 30 areas of study; as well as continuing art education and certificate programs for those wishing to tailor programs to meet their specific goals; pre-college art experience programs for high school students; and teacher grants. Classes are available in Acting, Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architectural Design, Architecture, Art Education, Art History, Art Teaching Credential, Automotive Restoration, Costume Design, Fashion, Fashion Journalism, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Product Development, Fashion Styling, Fashion Visual Merchandising, Fine Art, Game Development, Game Programming, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design (Transportation, Toy and Product Design), Interior Architecture & Design, Jewelry & Metal Arts, Landscape Architecture, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music Production for Sound Design & Visual Media, Photography, Social Media, Studio Production for Advertising & Design, Visual Development, Web Design & New Media, Web Development Intensive, and Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media. Students can study on-site in San Francisco or through the Academy's flexible online programs (in most areas of study).

Visit www.academyart.edu to learn more about total costs, median student loan debt, potential occupations and other information. Accredited member WSCUC, NASAD, CIDA (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD), NAAB (B.ARCH, M.ARCH), CTC (California Teacher Credential).

Flexible online learning

Academy of Art University's accredited online degree programs offer the same high level, hands-on education as the San Francisco campus. The Academy's professional instructors have created flexible, cutting-edge online classes to help students achieve their art and design dreams.

Priming for the perfect career

Students study in a professional environment from day one at Academy of Art University, with instructors who are working professionals at the top of their industry. The Academy's career services team works tirelessly to assist students in career development. Graduates go on to work at big name companies like Pixar, Disney, Tesla, Adobe, Apple, Blizzard, DreamWorks, Missoni, EA Games, and many more.

Every year, the Academy goes above and beyond to connect students with industry giants in their fields. Industry leaders are flown in to view student work during the school's annual Spring Show. Twice a year, School of Fashion students showcase their collections at New York Fashion Week. Academy of Art University is the only school invited to this prestigious event. Advertising students win record-breaking numbers of awards including the ADDYs, ANDYs, and Clios, catching the attention of top firms.

Campus facilities and equipment

Academy of Art University takes its facilities beyond the typical art school. From two green screens for filmmakers and visual effects artists to a bronze-casting foundry for sculptors and jewelry makers to, to Cintiq labs and the Oculus Rift System, students have the very best at their fingertips to prepare them for dream careers beyond the Academy.

A creative haven - Campus housing

Students making their homes in Academy of Art University residence halls live in some of the most unique buildings in San Francisco, but more importantly, they become part of a tightly knit artist community. Making friends with students from other countries and other disciplines is part of becoming a whole artist. Being exposed to different cultures opens students' minds to new perspectives, while working with students in other departments broadens practical skills and knowledge.

Tuition, room, board, and fees

Academy students benefit from a curriculum that offers an unprecedented 30 areas of study, a faculty of practicing professional artists and designers who bring their industry success into the classroom, and state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

Tuition is structured to give students the best value and most flexibility during their academic studies. Tuition is calculated on a per unit basis, and lab fees and course fees are assessed per individual class.

The undergraduate tuition rate is $873 per unit (three units per class). The graduate tuition rate is $982 per unit (three units per class). For example, starting in the Fall of 2016, a typical undergraduate tuition for an academic year would be $873 for each unit, over 24 units, which is a total yearly tuition of $20,952.

Estimated expenses per year (Fall '16/Spring '17 undergraduate)

-Tuition ($873/unit) = $20,952
-Tuition Deposit = $100
-Course Fees* (average) = $900
-Materials/Supplies (average) = $1,500

Total = $23,352

*Online courses do not have course fees.

Financial aid

Financial aid is available for those students who qualify. The Academy offers a number of scholarships and grants. Interested students can visit the Academy online or contact a financial aid representative at financialaid@academyart.edu to learn more. Financial aid representatives are committed to helping students achieve their dreams.

Student organizations and activities

Academy of Art University hosts over 40 official student chartered clubs, cultural organizations, and intramural club sports. It is one of the few art and design schools that believe in nurturing the whole artist; this includes developing athletic ability along with artistic talent. The Academy is proud to be the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. to have an NCAA athletics program, with over 16 NCAA Division II sports teams competing in the Pacific West Conference. The Academy has an active international student population, and it also embraces the military by transforming aspiring Servicemembers into professional artists and designers, now boasting a large number of military Servicemembers scholars.

Admissions process

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.

Academy of Art University welcomes:

- Students with All Levels of Experience
- Transfer Students
- International Students
- Continuing Art Education Students
- High School Students for the Pre-college Art Experience Program
- Undergraduate, Graduate, Certificate, and Continuing Education Students (Personal Enrichment)

Requirements:

- AA, BA, BFA, BS, and Portfolio Development Programs: High School Diploma or Equivalent. No Portfolio Required.
- MA and MFA Degree Programs: Bachelor's Degree, Submission of Portfolio, and Statement of Intent.

Students who do not speak English as their first language must be tested on their written and spoken proficiency in order to place them in the appropriate ESL courses, if necessary. ESL requirements can be completed concurrently with regular art and design coursework. Each of the foundation classes runs sections specifically for ESL students, led by instructors who are experienced in language assistance. Applicants may begin classes at the Academy at the start of the spring, fall, or summer sessions. Undergraduate applicants pay a $50 application fee. *Students should be advised that details provided in this profile may change at any time and may be different for international students. In order to receive the most current information, interested students should visit the website (www.academyart.edu) or use the contact information provided below.

Contact:
Address:
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: 415-274-2219
(Toll Free):800-544-ARTS (2787)
Fax:415-263-4130
Website: www.academyart.edu
Email: info@academyart.edu

• Architecture
• Architecture
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Landscape Architecture
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business/marketing
• Fashion Merchandising
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Communication technologies
• Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Recording Arts Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Communication/Journalism
• Advertising
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Communication and Media Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Journalism
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer and information sciences
• Computer Graphics
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer Programming (Specific Applications)
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer Software and Media Applications Related
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Education
• Art Teacher Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Educational/Instructional Technology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering technologies
• Architectural Drafting and CAD/CADD
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• CAD/CADD Drafting/Design Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Drafting and Design Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Family and consumer sciences
• Apparel and Textile Manufacturing
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Apparel and Textile Marketing Management
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Fashion and Fabric Consulting
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Mechanic and repair technologies
• Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Visual and performing arts
• Acting
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Commercial and Advertising Art
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Costume Design
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Digital Arts
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Fashion/Apparel Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Fine Arts Related
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Fine/Studio Arts
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Game and Interactive Media Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Graphic Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Illustration
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Industrial and Product Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Interior Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Metal and Jewelry Arts
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Music Theory and Composition
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Playwriting and Screenwriting
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied2,761
• Accepted2,761
• Acceptance Rate100%
• Enrolled8,303
• Female Applicants1,660
• Females Accepted1,660
• Female Acceptance Rate100%
• Male Applicants1,101
• Males Accepted1,101
• Male Acceptance Rate100%
• Applying
• Application Fee$50
• Required for All Transcript of high school record
  
• Required for Some
• Average high school GPA for first-year freshman
• Application Deadlines
• Type Application Closing Notification Date Rolling Admissions
• Fall freshmen Yes
• Out-of-state Fall freshmen Not Reported
• Early decision plan Not Reported
• Other early decision plan Not Reported
• Transfer Yes
• Test Scores Accepted
• Test Average School Accepted 25th Percentile* 75th Percentile*
• * 25th and 75th percentile is the score that 25/75 percent of students score at or below.

• Tuition
• In-state tuition *$26,190
• Out-of-state tuition *$26,190
• In-district tuitionN/A
• * Tuition costs are based on a full academic year typically extending from September to June.
• Fees
• Full-time student fees$300
• Room and board *$15,792
• Room only *Not Reported
• * Room and board charges vary according to board plan selected (i.e., 12-meal plan, 19-meal plan, etc.) and student level (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
• Other Payment Considerations
• Guaranteed tuition plan offeredNo
• Tuition pre-payment planNo
• Tuition payment plans offeredInstallments
• Student groups that qualify for full or partial waiver of tuitionNot Reported

• Gender
• Total Undergraduate Students8,303
• Male Student Percentage43%
• Female Student Percentage57%
• Race/Ethnicity
• Hispanic/Latino11.77%
• Black or African American6.58%
• White or Caucasian19.78%
• American Indian or Alaska Native.46%
• Asian7%
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.72%
• Two or more races3%
• Unknown or International Student22.2%
• Other Student Statistics
• International Breakout28.51% representing 103 other countries
• Out-of-state Students41% out-of-state student

• Housing
• College-owned housing available Yes
• Housing Requirements Not Reported
• Housing options Coed housing , Female-only housing, Male-only housing
• Percentage of undergraduate students who live in college-owned housing 15%
• Student Activities
• Student-run campus newspaper Yes
• Drama / theater group Yes
• Student-run radio station Yes
• Student-run television station Yes
• Marching band No
• Choral groups Yes
• Student Services
• Legal services No
• Health clinic No
• Personal / psychological counseling No
• Women's center No
• Student Organizations
• Greek fraternities Yes
• Greek sororities Yes
• Local fraternities No
• Local sororities No
• Other organizations No
• Most popular organizations Tea Time Animation, Beyond the Front Row, Children's Book Club, Comic Book Club, Empower
• Campus Security and Safety
• 24-hour emergency telephone / alarm services Yes
• 24-hour patrols by trained officers Yes
• Students patrols Not Reported
• Late-night transport / escort services Yes
• Electronically-operated dormitory entrances Yes
• Other ID check at all buildings

• Men's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Baseball No Division 2 Yes
• Basketball No Division 2 Yes
• Cross-country running No Division 2 Yes
• Golf No Division 2 Yes
• Soccer No Division 2 Yes
• Softball No No No
• Tennis No No No
• Track No Division 2 Yes
• Volleyball No No No
• Women's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Baseball No No No
• Basketball No Division 2 Yes
• Cross-country running No Division 2 Yes
• Golf No Division 2 Yes
• Soccer No Division 2 Yes
• Softball No Division 2 Yes
• Tennis No Division 2 Yes
• Track No Division 2 Yes
• Volleyball No Division 2 Yes

• Faculty Breakdown
• Total Faculty1,404
• Full-time Percentage19%
• Part-time Percentage81%
• Female Percentage42%
• Male Percentage58%
• Student:Faculty Ratio14:1 or 12,608 students to 1,404 faculty