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Private for-profit, 4-year

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, California · www.academyart.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$30,736

$63,502 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

3,644

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

13.1%

4-year; 6-year rate 42.6%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The Academy of Art University, located in San Francisco, California, is a prestigious private art and design school that has gained a reputation for its comprehensive range of creative programs. Founded in 1929, the university offers over 100 degree programs across various disciplines, including fine arts, graphic design, fashion, animation, and architecture. Its urban setting provides students with a vibrant cultural backdrop, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich artistic scene of San Francisco. The university prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge studios, galleries, and workshops, which foster an innovative learning environment.

The Academy of Art University emphasizes a hands-on approach to education, with a strong focus on creating a portfolio-ready experience for its students. This practical orientation is complemented by a faculty composed of industry professionals, ensuring that students receive current insights and mentorship from experts in their fields. The university's commitment to student success is reflected in its robust career services, which assist graduates in securing employment in competitive industries. Additionally, the Academy of Art University hosts various events, exhibitions, and showcases that allow students to present their work to the public and network with potential employers. This dynamic environment not only nurtures creativity but also prepares students to thrive in the fast-paced world of art and design.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art University, being a private institution, has experienced significant changes in various metrics over the years. One of the most alarming trends is the increase in tuition costs. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students rose from $19,130 to $28,024, which represents a staggering increase of approximately 46.5%. This trend mirrors the broader phenomenon of rising college costs across the United States, putting financial pressure on students and families. The escalating expenses could deter potential students from enrolling, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

In tandem with rising tuition, the student population has seen a sharp decline. The number of undergraduate students decreased dramatically from 10,508 in 2014 to just 4,555 in 2023, representing a decline of over 56%. This significant drop raises concerns regarding the university's appeal and competitiveness in the educational market. It may also lead to decreased diversity within the student body, as fewer students may mean less varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates fluctuated but ultimately stands at about 6.8% for 2023, which is alarmingly low. This statistic could reflect both the challenging academic environment and the financial strains students face, which may necessitate extended study periods or lead to dropouts.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, with a slight improvement from 20:1 in 2013 to 15:1 in 2023. While a lower ratio can enhance educational quality, the decreasing number of students may not necessarily justify the faculty size, potentially impacting faculty employment and retention in the long run.

In conclusion, the Academy of Art University faces significant challenges ahead, from rising tuition costs and dwindling enrollment to low graduation rates. These factors not only affect the institution's sustainability but also its mission to provide accessible and quality education to aspiring artists and designers.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
San Francisco, about 35 mi
Nearest international airport
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), about 10 mi
San Francisco, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Elisa Stephens (President)
Phone
8005442787
City
San Francisco, California
Address
79 New Montgomery, San Francisco, CA 94105

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Computer Science#541▼71

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Fine Arts#169

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate874 international (4.6%)
Bachelor's462119 international (25.8%)
Master's584234 international (40.1%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
90
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
39
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
37
Illustration
35
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
27
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
23
Digital Arts
22
Photography
21
Fashion/Apparel Design
21
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
20

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects · Master's72 (46% international)
  • Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General · Master's69 (22% international)
  • Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design · Master's68 (71% international)
  • Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation · Master's52 (65% international)
  • Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other · Master's43 (14% international)
  • Digital Arts · Master's34 (29% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Trends at the Academy of Art University

The graduation data from the Academy of Art University reveals some noteworthy trends in various fields of study. Notably, the fashion-related programs show a distinct edge, particularly in the realm of Fashion and Fabric Consultant, which produced 15 bachelor's degree graduates. This highlights the growing demand for expertise in fashion, possibly driven by the industry's evolution and the increasing significance of sustainable fashion practices.

In stark contrast, many programs in the arts and technology domains, such as Animation, Digital Arts, and Computer Graphics, reported no graduates at the bachelor's level. This raises questions regarding the perceived value of these degrees and whether the programs adequately prepare students for the current job market, which is increasingly competitive and technology-driven.

Moreover, the data indicates a healthy output of master's degrees in various disciplines, with the highest being 91 graduates in the field of Music Theory and Composition. This suggests that advanced studies in the arts continue to attract a robust number of students, reflecting an ongoing commitment to developing higher-level skills and knowledge.

The absence of doctoral graduates across the majority of programs may point to a potential gap in research opportunities in these fields, or it could indicate that students are more inclined to pursue careers directly after obtaining their master’s degrees rather than continuing into doctoral studies.

Overall, the data illustrates a diverse landscape of educational outcomes at the Academy of Art University, with significant concentrations in fashion and performing arts, while other fields seem to struggle with graduate numbers. This could prompt the institution to reassess its program offerings and align them more closely with industry needs to enhance student success and employability.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Visual and Performing artshas 406 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Digital Arts.$29,459
Commercial and Advertising Art.$25,475-$43,892
Fashion/Apparel Design.$25,475-$43,892
Illustration.$25,475-$43,892
Game and Interactive Media Design.$25,475-$43,892
Playwriting and Screenwriting.$27,306
Acting.$27,306
Costume Design.$27,306
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.$39,840-$42,432
Photography.$39,840-$42,432
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.$40,844
Jewelry Arts.$40,844
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other.$40,844
Music Theory and Composition.-
Computer and information sciencehas 252 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Computer Programming, Specific Applications.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.$40,073-$54,681
Computer Graphics.$40,073-$54,681
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation.$40,073-$54,681
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.$40,073-$54,681
Engineering technologieshas 186 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.$59,709-$63,588
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.$59,709-$63,588
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.$59,709-$63,588
Communications technologies has 175 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.-
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.$30,612-$51,760
Human science has 52 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management.-
Apparel and Textiles, General.$33,523
Apparel and Textile Manufacture.$33,523
Apparel and Textile Marketing Management.$33,523
Fashion and Fabric Consultant.$33,523
Communication has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Journalism.-
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.$30,366
Businesshas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Fashion Merchandising.-
Architecture has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Landscape Architecture.-
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.-
Educationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Educational/Instructional Technology.-
Art Teacher Education.-

Students

5,498 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 75.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,644)

White
1,020 · 28.0%
Hispanic
759 · 20.8%
Black
487 · 13.4%
International
421 · 11.6%
Unknown
416 · 11.4%
Asian
260 · 7.1%
Two or more races
243 · 6.7%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Academy of Art University in 2023

The student body at the Academy of Art University in 2023 reflects a diverse landscape of individuals pursuing higher education in the arts. A total of 4,786 students were categorized into four main groups: first-year undergraduate students, continuing undergraduate students, transfer undergraduate students, and graduate students. Notably, the majority of students are continuing undergraduates, making up 3,710 individuals, followed by graduate students at 2,231.

Gender distribution highlights a significant presence of female students across all categories, with first-year undergraduates showing a female percentage of 60.5%. This trend continues with continuing undergraduates at 57.1%, transfer students at 55.3%, and graduate students at 66.4%. Such ratios suggest an encouraging environment for female representation in the arts, which has historically seen gender disparities.

The demographic breakdown among various ethnic groups within the student population reveals a substantial representation of white students across most categories. For instance, first-year undergraduates include 87 white students, while continuing undergraduates comprise 783. This emphasis on diversity is further supported by the inclusion of Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry on campus.

In light of current discussions surrounding inclusivity and representation in higher education, these numbers highlight the ongoing efforts of the Academy of Art University to foster a diverse community. The strong female presence and the varied ethnic representation suggest a progressive approach towards creating an environment where all students can thrive and express their artistic talents.

Age Distribution Among Students at Academy of Art University

The age composition of students at the Academy of Art University reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of higher education. The data indicates a significant presence of younger students, particularly in the 18-21 age range, which constitutes over 60% of the total student body. This reflects a broader trend in many universities where younger individuals are increasingly pursuing higher education immediately after secondary school.

Notably, the highest enrollment is seen in students aged 22-24, suggesting that many students are entering the workforce before returning to academia, a crucial aspect of today’s education landscape that emphasizes lifelong learning. The data also shows a stable number of students in the 25-29 age group, which may indicate a growing trend of adult learners seeking to enhance their skills or change careers.

Interestingly, the proportion of female students surpasses that of male students across all age categories, particularly evident in the older age brackets. For instance, while the total number of male students aged 40-49 is 200, the female count is 253, showcasing the increasing female representation in higher education.

As society becomes more inclusive and diverse, these trends in student age and gender distribution highlight the evolving nature of education and the importance of creating supportive environments for all learners, regardless of age. The continued rise of non-traditional students, particularly those returning to school later in life, signals a shift towards a more flexible educational framework that accommodates varied life experiences and aspirations.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates11.6%

421 in 2025 · 28.0% in 2016

0% 17.5% 35% 2016: 28.0%2017: 28.5%2018: 28.9%2019: 27.8%2020: 25.6%2021: 20.0%2022: 18.7%2023: 17.5%2024: 14.8%2025: 11.6%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students26.4%

489 in 2025 · 53.9% in 2016

0% 30% 60% 2016: 53.9%2017: 54.4%2018: 54.4%2019: 51.8%2020: 48.7%2021: 42.2%2022: 36.2%2023: 34.5%2024: 31.4%2025: 26.4%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Academy of Art University

The data from the Academy of Art University reveals interesting trends in the enrollment of international students over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has fluctuated, with a notable peak in 2015, where they constituted 25.18% of the undergraduate population. However, this percentage has seen a gradual decline in recent years, dropping to 17.45% by 2023.

In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students has shown a more stable trend, starting at 49.02% in 2004 and peaking at 54.38% in both 2017 and 2018. This indicates that the Academy of Art University continues to attract a significant number of international graduate students, who are essential to the institution's diversity and academic richness. However, there is a decline in the graduate international student percentage by 2023, dropping to 34.47%.

These trends could reflect broader shifts in the global educational landscape, including increased competition from other institutions worldwide and changes in visa policies that may impact international student mobility. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely affected enrollment figures, as many students faced travel restrictions and uncertainty regarding international education.

Overall, while the Academy of Art University has experienced fluctuations in its international student population, the consistent attraction of graduate students highlights the institution's strong reputation in the arts and design fields. Future strategies may need to focus on enhancing recruitment efforts for undergraduate international students to reverse the declining trend observed in recent years.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$63,502

Undergraduate tuition
$30,736
Room and board
$32,766
Graduate tuition
$34,768
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 51% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 121%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$156M

Tuition and fees
$147M94.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$8.7M5.6%
Investment return
$0K0.0%

Expenses$155M

Instruction
$63.8M41.3%
Student services
$32.1M20.8%
Institutional support
$24.5M15.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$10.5M6.8%
Academic support
$405K0.3%
Other
$23.2M15.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$75,933peers $68,006

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

2024
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)5847
Soccer3025
Basketball2318
Baseball25-
Softball-25
Volleyball-19
Golf67
Tennis-10
2023
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)6448
Soccer2921
Baseball40-
Basketball2416
Softball-24
Golf78
Volleyball-14
Tennis-9

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here’s a brief introduction to some notable schools surrounding the Academy of Art University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd nationally, Stanford University is renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a national ranking of 15, UC Berkeley is known for its rigorous academics and is a leader in research and public service. It offers diverse programs across multiple disciplines.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is recognized for its strong emphasis on research, vibrant campus life, and top-notch academic programs.

  4. University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th, UC Davis is known for its commitment to sustainability and agriculture, offering a variety of programs that focus on environmental science and health.

  5. University of California-Santa Barbara - With a national ranking of 35, UCSB is celebrated for its research initiatives and beautiful coastal campus.

  6. University of San Francisco - USF, ranked 115th, is a private Jesuit university that emphasizes social justice and community engagement in its educational approach.

These institutions provide a wealth of educational opportunities and are recognized for their distinct contributions to higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Arson
25
Burglary
19
Liquor referrals
16
Robbery
14
Drug referrals
13
Aggravated assault
7

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Academy of Art University

The crime data from the Academy of Art University reveals a fluctuating trend in the rates of reported incidents over the past decade. Notably, the year 2020 stands out with a significant spike in the crime rate, reaching 6.40 per 1000 students, which may correlate with the broader societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such an increase could be attributed to various factors, including heightened stress levels and the challenges posed by campus closures and remote learning.

In terms of specific offenses, gun-related arrests have shown a gradual presence, peaking in 2020, which raises concerns about campus safety and the overall environment for students. The consistent reporting of drug-related arrests and incidents of domestic violence highlights the ongoing challenges many universities face in maintaining a secure atmosphere for their students. These numbers emphasize the importance of implementing effective safety protocols and support systems aimed at reducing these incidents.

Interestingly, the data indicates a decline in crime rates in the years following 2020, with 2023 showing a return to lower levels at 4.30 per 1000 students. This could reflect improvements in campus safety initiatives or shifts in student behavior as the community adjusted to post-pandemic realities.

Overall, while the Academy of Art University has experienced some concerning trends in crime rates, the recent decrease suggests a potential stabilizing effect. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures will be essential in ensuring student safety and well-being moving forward. For further insights into crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Academy of Art University include Jolene Marie Rotinsulu (Indonesian pageant titleholder and disability rights activist), Raven-Symoné (Actress, singer and director) and Lauren Conrad (Television personality, fashion designer and author).

More alumni (14, by field)

Business

  • Andrej Preston 1986–

    Slovenian programmer, founder of Suprnova.org

Arts and media

  • Benji Gregory 1978–2024

    Actor best known for sitcom ALF

  • Vicky Jenson 1960–

    Film director who directed Shrek

  • 40 1983–

    Canadian record producer, longtime Drake collaborator

  • Adenrele Sonariwo 2000–

    Art curator and founder of Rele Gallery

    Also attended: Howard University

  • Marina Niava

    Ivorian film director, producer and writer

  • Dan Brereton 1965–

    Comic book writer and illustrator

    Also attended: California College of the Arts

  • Dana King 1960–

    Television news anchor and sculptor

    Also attended: Ferris State University

  • Scott Christian Sava 1968–

    Animator and director of Animal Crackers

  • Hugues Gentillon 1974–

    Haitian film director, screenwriter and producer

  • Robert Hunt 1952–

    American illustrator and painter

    Also attended: University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Davis

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.