History
For nearly 90 years, artists and designers have called Academy of Art University their home. Founded in San Francisco and family owned since 1929, it is the largest private art and design university in the nation.
Education
Academy of Art University prepares aspiring professionals in the fields of design, communication, and the arts by delivering excellent undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate and portfolio programs.
Career
Your career in art and design awaits and our Career Services team is here to support your professional journey. We work with executives, recruiters, creative leaders, and alumni nationwide to cultivate meaningful affiliations that foster connections to a dynamic professional network.
Academy of Art University Key Statistics & Highlights
- 97 Courses
- 283 Academic Staff
- 8,969 Students
- 5,112 Students (female)
Student services
Get help with travel, visa and immigration, employment eligibility, and maintaining F-1 status at the International Student Office. Visa and immigration regulations are constantly changing, so we encourage international students to visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website as well as our website for updates. Students are ultimately responsible for understanding and abiding by the guidelines imposed by their immigration status.
Housing services
Our residence hall communities seek to provide spaces that offer a welcoming, inclusive, and safe living environment. Staff members are committed to offering courteous, professional and efficient service by providing opportunities to prepare residents for success both on campus and as global citizens.
- The Commodore
- Howard Brodie Women's Residence Hall
- Ansel Adams
- Clara Gil Stephens
- Coco Chanel
- Frank Lloyd Wright Hall
- Mary Cassatt Residence Hall
- The Star
- Edgar Degas Apartments
- Fritz Lang Apartments
- Half Moon Lofts
- Johannes Vermeer Apartments
- John Singer Sargent Apartments
- Leonardo da Vinci Apartments
- International House
ICT services
Academy of Art University offers its students access to world-class equipment including, cameras, lighting equipment, photography, studio spaces, green-screen rooms, and telecine studios.
Medical services
At the Academy of Art University we take pride in giving our students the best care possible. Stay happy and healthy with these student health resources.
All F1 students registered in 6 or more credits at the Academy of Art University will be automatically enrolled in the Anthem Student Health Insurance Plan. The plan covers office visits, medical, accident and hospital expenses.
Campus life
Our urban campus in the heart of San Francisco sits at the center of California’s most dynamic cultural, artistic, and technological resources. There is inspiration at every turn. Simply put, it is an extraordinary place to be a college student.
Sports facilities
We are the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. to have an NCAA athletics program—14 varsity athletics teams that represent Academy of Art University in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports.
Student clubs
- American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
- Black Student Union
- Chinese Students Association
- Christian Student Fellowship
- Comic Book Club
- Drama Club
- Drawaholics Anonymous Crew
- Fine Arts Online Club
- Gaming at Academy of Art University
- Improv Club
- Indian Student Association
- Indonesian Student Association (PERMIAS)
- Jewelry & Metal Arts Club
- Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Accreditation
Academy of Art University is accredited in CIDA, CTC, NAAB, NASAD, WSCUC.
Academy of Art University Overview
Academy of Art University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
San Francisco City
Academy of Art University Student Reviews & Awards
3.8
Based on 70 reviews
- 5 Star 23 Reviews
- 4 Star 25 Reviews
- 3 Star 10 Reviews
- 2 Star 8 Reviews
- 1 Star 4 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.0
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.0
- Student Diversity 4.1
- Admission Process 4.1
- Quality of Student Life 4.3
- Career Development 4.0
Medicine
I want to learn more about this program so that I can save many life
commuting
I liked commuting because i would never starve at campus. Parents need to provide funds like transport for students that commute and give them time with friends
Average experience. I gained knowledge. Satisfied
My overall study experience was average. I gained valuable knowledge and improved my academic skills throughout the program. The faculty members were supportive, but there is room for improvement in administrative services, learning resources, and practical learning opportunities. Overall, it was a balanced learning experience.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
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