Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
•WestStudent Rating
3.5★
Acceptance Rate
50%
Total Enrollment
4,131
Reviews
0
Key Metrics
Academy of Art University is a small for-profit university located in urban San Francisco, CA.
Tuition & Costs
In-State Tuition
$28,024/year
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,024/year
Financial Aid Recipients
65%
Average Aid Amount
$15,000
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
50%
Enrollment
Total Enrollment
4,131
Undergraduate
3,511
Graduate
620
Student Outcomes
Graduation Rate
40%
Average Starting Salary
$39,008
For recent graduates
Rankings
3.5★
Student Rating
Campus Characteristics
Small Campus
Popular Programs
AI Sentiment Summary
Unknown75% confidence
- Students consistently praise the industry-experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, but express serious concerns about the extremely high tuition costs and resulting student debt burden that is difficult to manage post-graduation.
- The open admissions policy receives mixed reactions - while it provides access to diverse students, some feel it results in inconsistent classroom quality and diminishes the value of the degree in a competitive job market.
- Administrative support, advising, and career services are frequently criticized as inadequate, with students feeling unsupported in course planning, graduation timelines, and job placement despite the premium tuition costs.
Based on reviews from Niche, Reddit, RateMyProfessors | Updated Spring 2026
What Students Are Saying
What Students Love
“The instructors are working professionals in their fields, which means they bring real-world experience to the classroom. I've learned so much about the industry and have made connections that will help me after graduation.”
Anonymous|2023
Niche“The facilities are amazing. State-of-the-art equipment, great studio spaces, and being in San Francisco gives you access to so many opportunities in the art and design world.”
Anonymous|2022
Niche“I love the flexibility of the programs. You can take classes online or in person, and the school really works with your schedule. Perfect for someone like me who works part-time.”
Anonymous|2023
Niche“The portfolio development resources are excellent. They really prepare you for the job market and help you build a professional portfolio that stands out.”
Anonymous|2022
Niche“Great diversity in the student body. I've met people from all over the world and it's enriched my experience so much. The creative environment is really inspiring.”
Anonymous|2023
NicheWhat Could Be Better
“The tuition is extremely expensive and they don't offer much financial aid. I graduated with massive debt and I'm struggling to find a job that pays enough to cover my loans.”
Anonymous|2023
Niche“The advisors are not helpful at all. I felt lost trying to plan my courses and nobody seemed to care about helping me graduate on time. Communication is terrible.”
Anonymous|2022
Niche“They accept basically everyone which means the quality of students varies wildly. Some classes felt like a waste of time because we had to wait for students who weren't prepared or serious.”
Anonymous|2023
Reddit“Housing is a nightmare and way overpriced. The dorms are not worth the money and finding off-campus housing in SF is nearly impossible on a student budget.”
Anonymous|2023
Niche“The career services are lacking. They don't do enough to help students find jobs after graduation. For the amount of money you pay, you'd expect better placement support.”
Anonymous|2022
NicheQuick Actions
Campus Environment
Size:small
Setting:urban
Academic Intensity:3/5
Social Scene:2/5
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