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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 does Academy of Art University offer in terms of athletics?

Academy of Art University competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Urban Knights and is affiliated with the Pacific West Conference. Varsity athletics are distinct from recreational exercise or student-organized sports.

Its reported sports offerings include basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, baseball, and softball, among others. Team availability and participation requirements depend on the sport. A prospective varsity athlete should speak with the relevant coaching staff about recruiting and eligibility rather than assuming that enrollment alone provides a roster place or athletic aid.

What student groups and Associations are available at Academy of Art University?

Academy of Art University's student organizations give students ways to collaborate outside required classes, especially around shared creative interests. Reported examples include Tea Time Animation, Women in Animation, Legends of Visual Effects, Visionaries Concept Art Club, and ArtU Game Club.

Club names offer a starting point, but activity, membership rules, and meeting schedules can change. Applicants interested in a particular group should consult the current student organization directory or ask student affairs whether it is active. Collaborative projects and peer critique may also occur through courses without constituting a recognized student association.

Who studies at Academy of Art University?

Academy of Art University reports total enrollment of 5,498 students. Its student body includes people entering directly after high school as well as transfer students: the reported intake includes 208 first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates and 334 transfer-in students.

Reported geographic figures indicate that about 30% of students are California residents, 59% come from other U.S. states, and 10% come from other countries. The figures are rounded, so they should not be expected to add to exactly 100%. They describe students' origins, not whether those students attend in person or online.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. That institution-wide ratio does not establish the size of a particular studio, lecture, or online class; applicants can ask a department about the actual sections and critique format in their intended program.

How does student life look like at Academy of Art University?

Student life at Academy of Art University reflects its dispersed city facilities and mix of in-person and other study arrangements more than a traditional residential campus centered on one quadrangle. Orientation, classes, studio work, exhibitions, and student activities provide opportunities to meet peers.

Only a small share of students are reported as living in university housing, so a residential schedule should not be assumed to represent the typical student's experience. Time between buildings, commuting plans, and access to shared workspaces can shape an ordinary week. Students seeking regular in-person collaboration may want to check where their department holds classes and critiques before choosing a schedule.

What libraries are available to students at Academy of Art University?

The Academy of Art University Library supports coursework and research with study space and access to academic materials. The institution reports two campus libraries, and students can reserve study rooms.

For an art or design major, useful library services may include help locating visual references, books, journals, and research materials beyond a general web search. Students studying remotely should check which databases and other digital resources they can access with university credentials. Library opening hours and room-booking rules deserve particular attention for students whose studio work extends into evenings; the reported study areas are not open around the clock.

Academy of Art University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

5498

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

116

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

94 full time, 508 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Academy of Art University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 3,644
Graduate: 1,854

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 2,790
Part-time: 2,708

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 72
Men: 44

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 753
Black or African American: 483
White: 1,003
American Indian or Alaska Native: 20
Asian: 260
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 18
Two or more races: 243
Unknown: 394

Academy of Art University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Baseball

Men–Men

Basketball

Both–Both

Cross-country running

Both–Both

Golf

Both–Both

Soccer

Both–Both

Softball

Women–Women

Tennis

Women–Women

Track and field

Both–Both

Volleyball

Women–Women

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.