Academy of Art University campus

Built for Students, by Students

Help verify tuition, housing costs, and campus life data

Private for-profit, 4-Year
San Francisco, CA

Academy of Art University

Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in CA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.

Annual Tuition

$28,024

Average Sticker Price

Admission Rate

Open

Open Admission

Graduation Rate

42.4%

Completion Success

Median Earnings

$39,008

10y Career Outlook

About Institution

Academy of Art University is a distinguished Private for-profit, 4-Year institution located in San Francisco, CA. With a competitive tuition profile of $28,024, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 42.4% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.

Investment Return

Estimated College ROI Analysis

Total 4-Year Cost

$112,096

Based on sticker tuition

Estimated Payback

12.4 yrs

Time to recoup investment

Annual Earnings Boost

+$9,008

vs. $30k HS diploma baseline

10-Year Net Gain

-$22,016

Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost

20-Year Net Gain

+$68,064

Long-term projected return on your education investment

Graduation Rate: 42%

Students who don't graduate may still carry debt without the full earnings benefit. Consider program-specific outcomes in the Career Paths section below.

ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Academy of Art University is $31,000.

Student Community

Gender Balance

Women
Men
57.8%
42.2%
FemininityMasculinity

Ethnic Diversity

White
25.8%
Hispanic
20.0%
International
14.7%
Unknown
14.3%
Black
11.7%
Asian
6.5%
Two or more
6.0%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.4%

Security Audit

Safety Rating: 3-Year Aggregate

Incidents

17

Burglary

6

Theft

0

Assault

1

Robbery

0

Rape

2

Arson

8

Murder

0

Financial Outlook

Total Sticker Price

$28,024

Estimated cost before aid.

Net Price By Income

$0 - $30k$37,962
$30k - $48k$37,492
$48k - $75k$40,285
$75k+$44,633

Debt & Financial Aid

Median Debt (grads)$31,000
Pell Grant Recipients41.8%
Using Federal Loans50.5%
Historical 3yr Loan Repayment35.9%

Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.

Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)

Avg. Total Grant Aid$8,868
Pell Grant Recipients42.0%

* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.

Quick Overview

Faculty Ratio

N/A

Retention

67.3%

Success

42.4%

In-State Cost

$28,024

Age 25+ Students

44.3%

Carnegie Class

Master's: Larger

Working at 6yr

2,581 students

Living In San Francisco

Off-Campus Market Estimator

Current Fair Market Rents
🏠

Studio

$2,292

Monthly Average

🏢

1 Bedroom

$2,818

Monthly Average

🏘️

2 Bedrooms

$3,359

Monthly Average

🏢

3 Bedrooms

$

Monthly Average

Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the San Francisco metropolitan area.