Campus Vibe
Known for computer science
Academy of Art University is a private urban institution in San Francisco, California. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A mid-sized campus of 4.1K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
40% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $39,008 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $39,778.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Academy of Art University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
49.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$11,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (68)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
67%
- •67% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History It was founded in 1929 as Académie of Advertising Art, a school for advertising art, at 215 Kearny Street.
- •In 1992, Stephens was replaced by his daughter, Elisa Stephens.
- •The school has been participating in the New York Fashion Week event bi-annually since 2005.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average