Academy of Art University is a private, for-profit institution specializing in arts and design education from its urban campus in San Francisco and through innovative online programs. Established in 1929, the university has grown to become one of the largest private art schools in the country, offering over 30 areas of study across its schools of Architecture, Fine Art, Design, and Communications. The university's urban campus spans multiple buildings in downtown San Francisco, including the 160,000 sq ft 79 New Montgomery building and the Cannery galleries and studios.
AAU offers associate through master's degree programs with particular strengths in illustration, fashion design, and game development that reflect industry demands. The university's 'School of Entertainment' maintains strong Hollywood connections, while its 'School of Fashion' hosts the acclaimed annual Graduation Fashion Show. AAU's online programs provide flexible education options through interactive platforms that replicate studio experiences. The university's emphasis on professional preparation is evidenced by its 'Creative Careers' department that connects students with industry opportunities. AAU's unique approach combines traditional art school training with cutting-edge technology across all disciplines.
Academy of Art University Acceptance Rate
Academy of Art University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Academy of Art University Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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Academy of Art University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Academy of Art University Profile
Name: Academy of Art University
City: San Francisco
URL: www.academyart.edu/
State: California
Type: Private for Profit
Zip: 94105
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from Academy of Art University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Academy of Art University is USD: 47195. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Academy of Art University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
41.76% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 50.49 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Academy of Art University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Academy of Art University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Academy of Art University as your choice in the form.
How much a Academy of Art University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 39008. An average Academy of Art University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Apparel and Textiles
- Architecture
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Programming
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
Frequently Asked Questions About Academy of Art University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $39008 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $47195 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Academy of Art University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.