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Academy of Art University

#1952 in US ranking San Francisco, CA
Type:
Private for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$51,328
Tuition & fees
$31,384
Avg. aid
$14,230
Receiving aid
74%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
34%
Median salary
$36,424
1 yr after graduation

What are the graduation rates for students at Academy of Art University?

Academy of Art University's reported six-year graduation rate is 34% for the measured first-time, full-time undergraduate cohort. The reported four-year rate is 6%. These rates describe how particular entering groups progressed within fixed time limits; they are not the graduation probability of every student who enrolls.

The six-year figure is below the reported national institutional average of about 51%. The reported first-year retention rate is 75%, a different measure that tracks whether students continue into the next academic year. Transfer students, part-time students, and graduate students may follow different timelines and are not adequately described by a first-time, full-time bachelor's cohort.

Because additional semesters can increase total spending, applicants should ask their intended department how many credits its degree requires, when required courses are offered, and how it supports students who fall behind schedule.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Academy of Art University?

Federal College Scorecard program data report earnings measured one year after completion for some Academy of Art University fields. The figures are medians for the federally aided former students included in each reported program measure, not starting-salary offers or predictions for every graduate.

Examples include about $42,476 for computer software and media applications and $28,222 for design and applied arts. The reported figure for drama, theatre arts, and stagecraft is $18,335. These field categories can cover different occupations, locations, and credentials, so their figures should not be treated as a controlled comparison of otherwise similar students.

One-year earnings leave out much of a creative career's later development and do not show whether someone works in the field they studied. They also do not account for an individual student's tuition, borrowing, or time to completion. Compare the precise program and credential with its costs and available longer-term outcomes before drawing a conclusion about value.

Academy of Art University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation
34%
4-year graduation
6%
6-year graduation
34%

Academy of Art University Retention and Employment

First-year retention, full-time students
75%
First-year retention, part-time students
42%
Employed 1 year after graduation
86%

Academy of Art University Median Alumni Salary Over Time

1 year after graduation
$36,424
4 years after graduation
$50,255
5 years after graduation
$52,913
7 years after graduation
$59,621
10 years after starting college
$44,567

Alumni Salary for Academy of Art University Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Apparel and Textiles

$32,156

Computer Software and Media Applications

$42,476

Design and Applied Arts

$28,222

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

$44,238

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

$18,335

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

$31,710

Fine and Studio Arts

$29,422

Graphic Communications

$27,837

Music

$35,022

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

$28,192

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations

$44,653

Visual and Performing Arts, General

$29,153

Academy of Art University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Visual and Performing Arts

9888186

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

464187

Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

413980

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

263157

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

37643

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

15520

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

5813

Education

606

Architecture and Related Services

011

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

11378191

Visual and Performing Arts

12357180

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

7826104

Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

503080

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

15217

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

9615

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

10010

Education

516

Architecture and Related Services

224

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.