Academy of Art University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Academy of Art University
In the heart of San Francisco's creative core, classes often feel like working studios. Academy of Art University is known for hands-on training across art and design, media arts, and creative tech, with critiques and portfolio development baked into the rhythm of the week. The vibe is collaborative and deadline driven, but welcoming. It's the kind of place where critiques run long and coffee runs longer.
Students tap into studios, labs, shops, galleries, and digital suites, plus advising, tutoring, and wellness support. Life outside class leans lively, with student-run shows, film nights, maker meetups, and plenty of city adventures from museums to the waterfront. Career prep has a practical bend through portfolio reviews, mentorship, and connections to local creative companies. And because the campus threads through downtown, the city becomes part of your classroom, with frequent showcases and pop-up exhibitions that keep the work public and the stakes real.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Academy of Art University offers 36 degree programs across 10 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,200 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (14 programs, 406 graduates), Computer & IT (5 programs, 292 graduates), Media Tech (2 programs, 178 graduates), Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 170 graduates) and Human Sciences (4 programs, 72 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Arts (14 programs, 406 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 85 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0410 |
| Digital Arts | 59 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0102 |
| Photography | 54 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0605 |
| Fine Arts and Art Studies | 45 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0799 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 38 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0602 |
| Fashion and Apparel Design | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0407 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 29 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0904 |
| Acting | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0506 |
| Art History and Conservation | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0703 |
| Advertising and Commercial Art | 8 |
|
Master's
|
50.0402 |
| Playwriting and Screenwriting | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0504 |
| Jewelry Arts | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0713 |
| Costume Design | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0510 |
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0411 |
Computer & IT (5 programs, 292 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Environments and Simulation | 120 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0804 |
| Web and Digital Multimedia Design | 77 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0801 |
| Computer Graphics | 75 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0803 |
| Software and Media Applications | 19 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0899 |
| Computer Programming Applications | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0202 |
Media Tech (2 programs, 178 graduates)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation and Interactive Technology | 167 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10.0304 |
| Recording Arts Technology | 11 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10.0203 |
Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 170 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drafting and Design Technology | 89 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15.1301 |
| Architectural Drafting and CAD | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15.1303 |
| CAD and CADD Drafting and Design Technology | 35 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15.1302 |
Human Sciences (4 programs, 72 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apparel and Textile Manufacturing | 26 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19.0902 |
| Apparel and Textile Marketing Management | 19 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19.0905 |
| Fashion and Fabric Consulting | 19 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
19.0906 |
| Apparel and Textiles | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19.0901 |
Business (1 programs, 33 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Merchandising | 33 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1902 |
Communication (2 programs, 29 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
09.0702 |
| Journalism | 2 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
Education (2 programs, 13 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Technology | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.0501 |
| Art Education | 3 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1302 |
Architecture (2 programs, 6 graduates)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape Architecture | 5 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
04.0601 |
| Architectural and Building Sciences | 1 |
|
Master's
|
04.0902 |
Mechanics (1 programs, 1 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autobody and Collision Repair Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0603 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Academy of Art University
How much does it cost to attend Academy of Art University?
The annual tuition at Academy of Art University is $28,024 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $55,579 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $23,746 (on) / $19,431 (off) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Academy of Art University offer?
Academy of Art University offers 36 academic programs across 10 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (14 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (5 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (2 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (3 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Academy of Art University?
Academy of Art University provides financial aid to 4% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $10,427 and average loans of $6,426.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,402
- State/Local grants: $6,058
- Institutional grants: $8,470
- Federal loans: $5,509
The university supports 127 students with grants and 108 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Academy of Art University graduates?
Academy of Art University graduates earn a median salary of $30,452 after 6 years and $39,008 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,463 (25th percentile) to $65,466 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $90,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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