Is Academy of Art University worth it?
Academy of Art University is a private for-profit, four-year institution in San Francisco, California (large city). It awarded 1,200 degrees and certificates in 2024, most often in animation, interactive technology, video graphics; modeling, virtual environments and simulation; and drafting and design technology.
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Federal data
Federal context for Academy of Art University
Published by the federal government for federally aided students. It does not say which employers hire graduates.
Median earnings 1 year after
$29,577
Median earnings 4 years after
$50,255
Median earnings 10 years after
$39,008
Average net price
$40,613
Completion rate
34%
Completions (2024)
1,200
Years to pay back
3.2 years
Students (undergrad)
3,587
Median earnings after completing, by program
| Program | Credential | Median earnings, 1yr | Median earnings, 4yr | Graduates counted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications | Bachelor's | $45,387 | $73,398 | 136 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | Master's | $55,139 | $87,998 | 129 |
| Graphic Communications | Bachelor's | $27,481 | $50,833 | 94 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | Bachelor's | $23,354 | $46,726 | 85 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians | Master's | $44,643 | $71,613 | 80 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians | Bachelor's | $48,978 | $66,783 | 77 |
| Design and Applied Arts | Bachelor's | $20,829 | $38,583 | 77 |
| Apparel and Textiles | Bachelor's | $27,630 | $41,565 | 57 |
| Design and Applied Arts | Master's | $38,358 | $57,636 | 51 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | Master's | $41,911 | $58,879 | 48 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | Master's | $50,953 | $46,730 | 43 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | Bachelor's | $25,425 | $54,087 | 41 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | Bachelor's | $20,798 | $35,870 | 41 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | Associate | $30,273 | $60,731 | 34 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | Bachelor's | $28,494 | $43,084 | 34 |
Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release, and IPEDS. Earnings cover federally aided students only, so they do not cover every graduate.
Awards conferred, by program
| Program | Award level | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects | Bachelor's | 77 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects | Master's | 73 |
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design | Master's | 69 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation | Master's | 67 |
| Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General | Master's | 64 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation | Bachelor's | 48 |
| Computer Graphics | Master's | 46 |
| Illustration | Master's | 42 |
| Digital Arts | Master's | 31 |
| Photography | Master's | 28 |
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Sources: federal figures for Academy of Art University. Federal figures from College Scorecard and IPEDS. Occupation pay from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS for California. Counts under 10 are not published.
Updated September 18, 2026 · Methodology · Report a problem with this page