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Academy of Art University: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses
Authorized Partner - Private University
1 Campus- Estd. 1929
About Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University, is a private university that welcomed its first cohort of students in 1929. The main campus of the university is located in San Francisco, USA. As part of its course catalogue, the university has 34 courses across 7 streams, the most popular being Business & Management Studies, Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ), Architecture & Planning, Mass Communication & Media and Animation. These courses are divided as 16 courses at UG level and 18 courses at graduate level. List of popular courses are B.Arch, MFA, B.E. / B.Tech, BFA and BBA. The UG courses have an average duration of 4 years to 5 years, while that of graduate courses is around 18 months to 3 years. The Academy of Art University tuition fee for the first-year tuition fee for UG courses is USD 28,024 - 50,460. For PG courses, this costs USD 25,272 - 50,544. For students relocating to San Francisco, the annual cost of living is around USD 12,860 - 23,746. Academy of Art University prioritizes applicants with a solid academic track record and thus prospective students are required to satisfy the entry requirements, to have the best possible chance of admission at the institute. The following exam scores are deemed acceptable for admissions by the institute: Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Having a work experience can definitely enhance your application to Academy of Art University's (AAU) Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, it's not an absolute requirement for admission. AAU values diverse backgrounds and understands not everyone starts an MBA programme straight from work. To improve your chances of getting into AAU's MBA programme without work experience you need to have -
1) a strong GPA
2) Competitive GMAT or GRE test scores
3) Strong essays highloghting your motivation for an MBA, career goals, and how AAU's programme aligns with your aspirations. Highlight relevant leadership, volunteering, or extracurricular activities
4) Present your portfolio of your work
5) Letters of recommendation
6) Emphasize transferable skills from internships, freelance work, or personal projects
7) Attend virtual sessions, connect with students or alumni, and ask the admissions office questions. Showing interest can make a positive impression
The applicants who want to take admission to the graduate courses of the Academy of Art University have to follow the below-given application process:
- First of all, complete the application form
- Next, submit the application fee
- Then, submit the additional documents required such as proof of undergraduate degree (official transcripts from college / university), statement of intent, resume, portfolio / demo reel
Also Read: MFA in USA
Academy of Art University courses
The Academy of Art University offers over 34 courses to Indian students across 7 streams at the level. Business & Management Studies, Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ), Architecture & Planning, Mass Communication & Media and Animation are among the most popular streams to choose from. When it comes to specialisations, Game Design, Advertising and Fashion Design are the ones that stand out. B.E. / B.Tech, BBA, BFA, B.J.M.C. and B.Arch are popular UG courses with an overall duration of 4 years to 5 years. At the graduate level, there are 18 courses to choose from. Of these, MS, M.A., M.Arch and MFA are the prominent ones. PG courses can be completed in a duration of 18 months to 3 years.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
There is no specific answer for the most prefered course by Indian students at the Academy of Art University. However, the most sought after courses at the school are as follows -
- Illustration Program: As per student reviews, the programme is good and students have a good time at the university.
- English for Art Purposes (EAP) Program: This is for students who don't meet the university's basic requirements and need to improve their English skills before starting their chosen program.
Also, other popular majors at Academy of Art University are Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects, Drafting and Design (CAD/CADD), Computer Graphics, Cinematography, Fashion, Apparel design, Photography etc.
Online sources suggest that there are mixed reviews regarding the Academy of Art University. Students appreciate the university's resources, faculty, and the quality of education imparted over there. Yet other students think that the cost of attending the university is too high, lack of diversity amongst professors & faculty amongst other things. As per students surveys, many of them said that graduating from Academy of Art University has given a boost to their careers. According to other sources, the university has an overall score of 3.5 stars. Faculty is usually considered to be supportive and students also felt that the curriculum was more immersive & fun than they expected.
The Academy of Art University provides over 900 Art and Design classes via 22 different schools and 14 STEM programs. The university comprises 129 Arts degree programs including Associate degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and certificate courses. The institution offers hard and demanding post-secondary education in a variety of subjects. Some best programs at the Academy of Art University are Game Development; Industrial Design; Illustration; Visual Development; Animation and Visual Effects; Game Programming, Illustration, Graphic Design; and more.
Academy of Art University Admission 2026
Students seeking admission to Academy of Art University have to fill the online application form, submit mandatory documents and pay the application fee. Academy of Art University accepts some exam scores at the time of admission, including English language exams. Some of the exam scores that Indian students have to submit for admission are Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.
- Application fees :USD 50 - 150
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Indian students applying to the Academy of Art University (AAU) don't have specific deadlines just for them. For Undergraduate Admissions, you can apply at any time during the year, but there are specific dates to keep in mind. For Spring Semester, apply the latest by October 15th for a scholarship or financial aid and by 1st of December for a regular admission. April 1st is the deadline for financial aid when it comes to Summer semester and May 15th for normal admissions. For Fall, apply by 1st June for financial aid and July 15th for regular admission process. For Graduate Admissions, most programs have a deadline of March 1st for Fall semester admission. Some programs might have later deadlines for Spring or Summer semesters. You should check programme specific deadlines from the university website.
Academy of Art UniversityAcademy of Art University Scholarships 2024
Academy of Art University offers a range of scholarships and grants for international students every year. The university is also known to provide students with financial aid opportunities and some of the types of financial aid offered are given as follows:
- Federal and State Aid
- Federal Loan Interest Rates
- Federal Work Study
A few of the scholarships offered at the university for international students are given as follows:
- All Star Verified Scholarship
-
Johnny Chen Media Content Writing Annual Scholarship Contest
- Uncommon Goods Scholarship
- The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant
Students can check the Scholarships to Study in USA for International Students 2024
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
As per sources, the Academy of Art University (AAU) has a high acceptance rate and does not need scores from tests like the SAT or ACT for most programs. But you have to keep the below points in mind before applying for scholarhips:
- Graduate Scholarship: Having a high GPA is helpful, even though there is no specific minimum as such
- All Star Verified Scholarship: You need at least a 3.0 GPA if you are in high school or college and a 3.5 GPA if you are in graduate school.
- HEST for Indian Students: You should get a good score on the HEST exam, usually above the 50th percentile.
- Education Future International Scholarship: They want you to have a good academic record with a high GPA.
Most AAU scholarships care a lot about your portfolio, which is a collection of your art. Your scores or grades are not as important. Other requirements for scholarships are proofs of financial crunch, having done some community service, essays and extra curricular activities.
International students at the Academy of Art University are eligible for Achievement Scholarship. A limited number of scholarship awards are available up to USD 5,000 (INR 4L). This scholarship will be disbursed into two disbursements over the academic year of students. Some of the eligibility requirements of this scholarship are given below:
- The recipients must be undergraduate or graduate students at the Academy of Art University
- The recipients must be eligible non-citizen or a US citizen
- The recipients must still be enrolled in minimum 3 classes (9 units) by the published semester start date and should successfully earn a term GPA of 2.0 or greater with a minimum of 9 units completed
- The recipients must still be enrolled in a minimum 3 classes (9 units) by the subsequent semester registration deadline
(USD 1=INR 83.16)
Also Read: Scholarships to Study in USA for International Students
Academy of Art University Popular Courses
18 monthsAcademy of Art University Placements
The Career Services Center at the Academy of Art University offers a range of services to students to fulfill their professional and career goals. Some of the career services provided at the university are given as follows:
- Individualized Support
- Cover Letter and Resume
- Resume Review
- Portfolio Review
- Interview Preparation
Students can also check the Top In-Demand Jobs for Indian Students in the USA
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Online sources don not give out specific details about jobs after finishing a Master's in Management (MIM) programme at the Academy of Art University in the USA. Even though the information mostly talks about the university's art and design programs, its facilities, and the student experience, the university is known for helping its graduates find jobs in prestigious creative companies worldwide. Keep in mind that job opportunities after finishing the MIM programme can be different for each student based on their qualifications, interests, and the university's reputation in a specific field. To get a clearer picture of job opportunities after the MIM programme at the Academy of Art University, it is a good idea to directly contact the university's admissions office or academic advisors.
Academy of Art University Fees
The cost of attending Academy of Art University depends on the course an Indian student applies for. For UG applicants, the first-year tuition costs around USD 28,024 - 50,460. On the other hand, the annual tuition for graduates is USD 28,024 - 50,460. Other expenses are also included in the total cost of attending the university. These are hostel fees, food, books and supplies, and other personal expenses. The Academy of Art University cost of living is USD 12,860 - 23,746.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(7 courses) | INR 22 L - 30 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
B.E. / B.Tech(9 courses) | INR 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
MFA(4 courses) | INR 22 L - 30 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years-42 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
M.Arch(6 courses) | INR 22 L - 45 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
B.Arch(3 courses) | INR 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
BFA(2 courses) | INR 25 L - 45 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 30 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
M.A.(1 course) | INR 22 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
B.J.M.C.(1 course) | INR 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
BBA(1 course) | INR 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Students must pay USD 50 (INR 4K) to apply at the Academy of Art University. After applying and getting shortlisted, students must pay the tuition cost, registration fee, activity fee, material/supply cost, course fees, and more. As per the official source, the estimated total cost of attendance is around USD 40K (INR 33L). Students can check the table below for the estimated cost for undergraduate students:
Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
Application Fee | USD 50/one-time fee (INR 4K) |
Registration Fee | USD 50/semester (INR 4K) |
Enrollment Fee | USD 100 - new applicants only (INR 8K) |
International Student Services Fee | USD 300 - onsite only (INR 24K) |
Student Activity Fee | USD 30/semester, onsite only (INR 2.4K) |
Student Tuition Recovery Fund | USD 0/average one-time fee for students who are California residents or onsite |
Tuition Deposit | USD 2,500 - will go towards tuition upon enrollment (INR 2L) |
Course Fees | USD 1,500/average per semester (onsite students), varies by programme (INR 1.2L) |
Materials/Supplies | USD 531/average per semester (INR 4.4K) |
Tuition | USD 35,112 for 24 units/4 classes per semester (INR 29L) |
Total | USD 39,684/estimated undergraduate expenses for a full-time student for the current academic year (INR 33L) |
(USD 1=INR 83.62)
Academy of Art UniversityStudent profile
Others
65%
Hispanic
17%
Black
10%
Asian
6%
Out of state
52%
In state
37%
Foreign
9%
24 and under
56%
25 and over
43%
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
College comparison
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| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 22.41 L - 29.88 L | -/- | |
| INR 74.62 L | -/- | |
| INR 26.67 L | #1201 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 36.43 L | #9 Guardian, 2026 | |
| INR 11.87 L | #65 QS, 2025 |
CompareAcademy of Art UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Academy of Art University Campus Life
Academy of Art University main campus, is located in the centre of the bustling city of San Francisco, USA. It also has 1 campus, including Academy of Art University Campus. The university is home to students from San Francisco and other countries such as India as well. Known for its cutting-edge facilities, the university offers an inclusive campus life. Along with academics, students can join groups and clubs, sports and athletics. Also students can avail of facilities such as dining, accommodation, theatre, sports centre, health and wellness centre.
Academy of Art University FAQs
Academy of Art University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a year ago
Academy of Art University provides various housing options including 560 Powell, 620 Sutter, 680 Sutter, 1080 Bush, and 860 Sutter. The housing facilities at AAU are designed for international students where they emphasize every need as per the student’s perspective. The Academy of Art University
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
International students must pay the Academy of Art University application fee of USD 50 (INR 4k) for undergraduate or graduate admission. Students can choose a programme from over 129 Arts degrees and check the eligibility criteria. However, admission eligibility is easy and the university accepts e
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
With a 100% acceptance rate, the Academy of Art University is not at all difficult to get into. International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents including a statement of intent, portfolio, authentic transcripts from every institution they have attended, res
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Academy of Art University provides one of the best programs in Music Production. The programme helps students to develop finely tuned skills in areas, such as soundtrack production, composing, editing, mixing, music production, music editing, sound effects, and dialog recording. The students make a
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 years ago
International students who want to take admission to The Academy of Art University must have the proper qualifications and application materials in order to take admission. The Academy of Art University admission requirements for international students are given below:
- The admission requirements for
Contributor-Level 10
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Academy of Art University
Campus Building
Campus Building
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Academy of Art UniversityLocation
| University City | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 8,84,363 |
Academy of Art UniversityCampuses
79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105
Visit official siteAcademy of Art UniversityContact Information
79 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
San Francisco ( California)
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