Overview
Founded in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, the Academy of Art University began as a small commercial art school and has grown into one of the largest private art and design institutions in the United States. It is best known for its strong ties to industry professionals, with many faculty members working concurrently in film, animation, fashion, and design fields, giving students direct exposure to real-world practices. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning animation, game design, fashion, illustration, industrial design, and architecture.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Total students | 7,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | N/A (open admission for many programs) |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $27,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,000 |
| Room & board | $15,000 |
| Average financial aid | $12,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.0 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Animation & Visual Effects
- Fashion Design
- Game Development
- Illustration
- Architecture
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.