We’re ready to welcome you to Academy of Art University.

On this site, you can learn more about visiting, applying to, and attending the Academy. See which of our 30+ degree programs fit your interests, and if our flexible online classes fit your schedule.

Our Admissions Specialists are here to help you with the admissions process and can answer questions about financial aid, scholarship opportunities, housing, and more.

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Student Life

Discover life at the Academy and find your artistic home in San Francisco. Get involved in your campus culture, connect with other students, and find support to help you succeed.

Free for all students and staff members, our shuttle service is designed to get you efficiently and safely around our urban campus in San Francisco. Shuttle stops are located near all university buildings - all you need is your Academy student ID card.

Find Your Place. Master Your Craft.

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The next semester is right around the corner.

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Admissions

Getting Started

Embark on a world-class art education. Now enrolling online and in San Francisco.

Athletics Program

Academy of Art University Athletics serves as the lone art institution in the entire NCAA. The Academy’s Athletics became the first program in the history of the NCAA to win a National Championship (Women’s Track & Field) in it’s first year of eligibility. The Knights have since made over 40 postseason appearances including men’s & women’s cross country, women’s basketball, men’s indoor & outdoor track & field, men’s & women’s women’s golf, and women’s tennis.

Learn Online

Our revolutionary online courses provide the same rigorous education that we offer on campus with greater flexibility. Study on your own time, at your own pace. Combine online and on-site classes. FIND OUT MORE

Study Abroad

Complete your Liberal Arts requirements in Europe. Study Abroad: Seminar in Europe introduces you to the art of featured regions within the broader context of European history and artistic culture.

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Real World Partnerships

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Academy of Art University’s Industrial Design students collaborated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to create a Premium Concept Vehicle for the Jeep brand. Students were guided by Mark Moushegian (FCA Advanced Research Design Manager), Tim Anness (FCA Head of Advanced Design), and Tom Matano (ArtU IND Executive Director).

Alumni Success

Jenny Johansson

BFA Fashion Design / Founder, Head Designer, Ragnhild Jenny Johansson “I also learned that perseverance is the only way to be successful. You have to do things over and over and try and fail and try a little more to actually get the best result. My teachers and coaches throughout my time at Academy of Art really helped me understand the importance of always giving it 100 percent.”

Mark Cofer

MFA Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media / Composer and Music Producer, Root House Productions “The Academy of Art helped me prepare for the real world by giving me the tools and knowledge to turn out professional level recordings. After graduating, I was able to get work as a composer for film and TV and create music cues for movie trailers.”

Scott Borerero

MFA Photography / Director of Photography, LE TOTE “Everything that I learned at the Academy really helped put me above the competition in the field that I’m in. It is the school that is going to push you to be the best artist that you can be. Every time I shoot, there’s something that I’m using.”

Alyssa Watson

BFA Fashion Design / Assistant Designer, Adidas Innovation Team “I met a senior design recruiter from Adidas after my first Academy of Art University runway show in San Francisco. A year later, he got back in contact and I forwarded him my latest portfolio. Within a couple of days I was offered a six-month internship at the North American headquarters in Portland.”

Alyce Tzue

MFA Animation & Visual Effects / Director “Those courses taught me to trust the process. Constant questioning and experimenting—especially at the very beginning—is not a bad thing.”

Daryn Labier

MFA Photography / Independent Business Owner, LaBier.co “Do everything you can to make sure that your toolbox has everything in it that you think it’s going to need, and when you think you have everything, go and look for more.”

Company logo of Turenscape
Company logo of Y&R
Company logo of Double Fine
Company logo for Gap
Company logo of SOM Architecture
Company logo of Huang Iboshi Architecture

COMPANIES THAT HAVE HIRED OUR GRADUATES

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Financial Aid

Make sense of the financial aid process with our helpful checklist and worksheets. Find information on veteran affairs work study programs, alternative loan options, and more.

Financial Aid Checklist

Scholarships & Grants

Discover our summer portfolio and teacher grants for high school and community college art teachers.

Find Out More

Important Dates

Summer 2023Fall 2023Spring 2024
Classes BeginJune 19Sept 7Feb 5
Classes EndAug 9Dec 23May 25

* Animation Career Review (animationcareerreview.com) ** The Art Career Project (theartcareerproject.com)

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