Private for-profit Institution

Academy of Art University — San Francisco, California

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Annual Tuition $28,024

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 4,131

Active Students

Avg. Salary $39,008

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location San Francisco, California

Institution type Private for-profit

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/28/1983

Academic Mission & Environment

"Academy of Art University stands as a pillar of higher education in San Francisco, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,131 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Academy of Art University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Academy of Art University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts

36.4%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

20.1%

Enrollment Share

Communications Tech

14%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech

12.6%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science

8.6%

Enrollment Share

Communications

3.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Academy of Art University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications Tech College

The Communications Tech program at Academy of Art University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Academy of Art University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at Academy of Art University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Academy of Art University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Academy of Art University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Academy of Art University maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42.2%

Women Enrollment 57.8%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Academy of Art University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Academy of Art University.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Academy of Art University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $28,024

Out-of-State Tuition $28,024

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 41.8%

Median Student Debt $31,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $28,024, graduates see a median starting salary of $39,008, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Academy of Art University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $39,008

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 40.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $39,778

Median Salary (6yr) $30,452

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Academy of Art University in San Francisco?

4,131 Students

Gender Comparison

42.2% Men

57.8% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

67.3%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.5%

Asian

6.5%

Black

11.7%

White

25.8%

Unknown

14.3%

Hispanic

20%

Two or More Races

6.1%

International

14.7%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 25

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First-Generation 40.8%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 73.6%

🎖️

Veterans 0.9%

💍

Married Students 14.5%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 51%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$74,015
Average Family Income	$37,907
Median Family Income	$22,550

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

61.2%

38.8%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the San Francisco Campus Environment

Located at 79 New Montgomery, Academy of Art University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Academy of Art University compare?

Direct Comparison Academy of Art University vs California Institute of Integral Studies →

Direct Comparison Academy of Art University vs California College of the Arts →

Direct Comparison Academy of Art University vs California College →

Direct Comparison Academy of Art University vs California-San Francisco →

Common Questions about Academy of Art University

Is Academy of Art University a good college in San Francisco, California?

Academy of Art University is a recognized institution in San Francisco with an enrollment of 4,131 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is Academy of Art University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $39,008 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Academy of Art University cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Academy of Art University is approximately $28,024. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $28,024. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Academy of Art University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Academy of Art University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 73.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Academy of Art University good for Visual & Performing Arts and Computer Science programs?

Academy of Art University reports program activity in Visual & Performing Arts and Computer Science. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Academy of Art University?

Graduates of Academy of Art University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $39,008, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Academy of Art University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Academy of Art University's official admissions website.

Does Academy of Art University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Academy of Art University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Academy of Art University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Academy of Art University earn a median salary of $39,008 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Academy of Art University a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare Academy of Art University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is Academy of Art University located and what is the campus like?

Academy of Art University is located at 79 New Montgomery in San Francisco, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,131 learners.

Who typically attends Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA?

The student body at Academy of Art University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 40.8% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Academy of Art University with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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