Academy of Art University
Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (C+) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 40%
Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Academy of Art University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 79% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 4th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (CA wage index 1.21). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Academy of Art University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $45,387 | $73,398 | +25% | #15 of 54 | #18 | $36,750 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $48,978 | $66,783 | -7% | #7 of 9 | #9 | $40,171 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | — | $60,284 | +1% | #16 of 42 | #24 | — |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $25,425 | $54,087 | +7% | #55 of 158 | #96 | $23,473 |
| Graphic Communications | $27,481 | $50,833 | +17% | #17 of 59 | #24 | $31,125 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $23,354 | $46,726 | +7% | #60 of 144 | #91 | $33,812 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $28,494 | $43,084 | +3% | #29 of 68 | #44 | $31,000 |
| Apparel and Textiles | $27,630 | $41,565 | -28% | #56 of 57 | #56 | $25,500 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $20,829 | $38,583 | -25% | #278 of 299 | #284 | $31,500 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $20,798 | $35,870 | -10% | #198 of 255 | #226 | $30,666 |
| Music | — | $33,151 | -23% | #248 of 268 | #258 | $29,910 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Academy of Art University Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $1,127,243
- Avg rent near campus: $5,758/mo — vs ~$1,569/mo campus room rate
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 94103 (4.1% cap, San Francisco)
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🏆 Where Academy of Art University Ranks
Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $27,024 | $27,024 |
| Room | $14,124 | |
| Board | $9,622 | |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $55,579 | $55,579 |
Financial Aid
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Academy of Art University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Academy of Art University?
How much does it cost to attend Academy of Art University?
What is the graduation rate at Academy of Art University?
Is Academy of Art University a good school?
- Outcomes (C+): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (F): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (B): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (B): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (D): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Academy of Art University?
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🎓 Similar Colleges to Academy of Art University
Compare with other 4-Year private for-profit institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology