| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
The Academy of Art University (AAU) is a private, for-profit art school in San Francisco, California, USA. Founded in 1929, it is one of the largest private art and design schools in the country. The university offers a range of programs in art, design, fashion, and media-related fields.
Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1929
Type: Private, For-Profit
Campus: Urban
Accreditation: WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
Motto: "Built by Artists for Artists"
AAU offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in various creative fields, including:
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Fashion Design
Animation & Visual Effects
Industrial Design
Photography
Interior Architecture & Design
Game Development
Film & Television Production
Advertising & Marketing
AAU has a strong online education program, allowing students to pursue degrees remotely. The online courses are designed to offer flexibility while maintaining the same quality as in-person classes.
Many AAU graduates have worked for top companies like Pixar, Disney, Nike, and Lucasfilm.
Fine Art (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture)
Illustration
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture & Design
Landscape Architecture
Animation & Visual Effects
Game Development
Motion Pictures & Television (Film Production, Directing, Screenwriting)
Writing for Film, TV & Digital Media
Acting
Multimedia Communications
Music Production & Sound Design
Fashion Design
Fashion Journalism
Fashion Marketing & Management
Costume Design
Styling
Photography
Advertising
Communications & Media Technologies
Social Media
Web Design & New Media
UX/UI Design
Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
Mobile App Development
Visual Development
Associate’s (AA)
Bachelor’s (BFA, BA, BS)
Master’s (MFA, MA, M.Arch, MS)
Certificate & Continuing Education Programs
Online Learning Available for Most Programs
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Animation & Visual Effects (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Game Development (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Graphic Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Illustration (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Fine Art - Painting & Drawing (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Photography (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Interior Architecture & Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Industrial Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Fashion Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Fashion Marketing & Management (BA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Film & Television Production (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Acting (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Music Production & Sound Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Web Design & New Media (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Advertising (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
UX/UI Design (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Augmented & Virtual Reality (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Motion Pictures & Television (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Writing for Film, TV & Digital Media (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Visual Development (BFA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
|
Social Media (BA) |
4 Years |
$29,992 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Animation & Visual Effects (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Game Development (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Graphic Design (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Illustration (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Fine Art - Painting & Drawing (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Photography (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Interior Architecture & Design (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Industrial Design (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Fashion Design (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Fashion Marketing & Management (MA) |
2 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Film & Television Production (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Acting (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Music Production & Sound Design (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Web Design & New Media (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Advertising (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
UX/UI Design (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Augmented & Virtual Reality (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Motion Pictures & Television (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Writing for Film, TV & Digital Media (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Visual Development (MFA) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Social Media (MA) |
2 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Communications & Media Technologies (MA) |
2 Years |
$31,720 |
|
Architecture (M.Arch) |
2-3 Years |
$31,720 |
Diverse Programs – Over 40+ creative degree programs in art, design, fashion, film, game development, and more.
No Portfolio Requirement – Unlike many other art schools, a portfolio is NOT required for admission (except for some graduate programs).
Flexible Learning – Offers both on-campus and online programs.
Career-Focused Education – Strong industry connections with companies like Pixar, Disney, Nike, and Lucasfilm.
San Francisco Location – A global hub for art, design, fashion, and technology.
International students can enroll in:
Associate’s (AA) – 2 years
Bachelor’s (BFA, BA, BS) – 4 years
Master’s (MFA, MA, M.Arch, MS) – 2–3 years
Certificate & Continuing Education Programs
Popular Programs:
Animation & Visual Effects
Game Development
Fashion Design
Graphic Design
Film & Television Production
Interior Architecture & Design
Photography
UX/UI Design
Application Form – Apply online on the official AAU website.
English Proficiency – Required if English is not your first language:
TOEFL: 61 (IBT)
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 95+
Passport Copy – Required for visa purposes.
Proof of Finances – Bank statement showing funds for tuition and living expenses.
Transcripts – High school (for undergraduate) or bachelor’s degree (for graduate).
Portfolio (Optional) – Not required for most undergraduate programs, but some graduate programs may request it.
Select a degree program from 40+ creative fields such as Animation, Fashion, Game Development, Graphic Design, and more.
Decide between on-campus or online learning.
Degrees Offered:
Associate’s Degree (AA) – 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree (BFA, BA, BS) – 4 years
Master’s Degree (MFA, MA, M.Arch, MS) – 2–3 years
Certificate Programs
Apply Online at.
Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable).
Deadlines: AAU has a rolling admissions policy, meaning you can apply anytime, but early application is recommended.
For Undergraduate (AA/BFA/BA/BS) Applicants:
Completed Application Form
High School Diploma or Equivalent (Translated if not in English)
English Proficiency Test (For International Students) – TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.
Government-Issued ID (Passport for International Students)
No Portfolio Required (optional for some programs)
For Graduate (MFA/MA/M.Arch/MS) Applicants:
Completed Application Form
Bachelor’s Degree Transcript (Translated if not in English)
English Proficiency Test (For International Students)
Resume (Recommended)
Statement of Purpose (Recommended for some programs)
Portfolio (Only for MFA & Some Design Programs)
English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL (iBT): 61+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 95+
PTE: 50+
Once all documents are submitted, AAU will review your application.
Admission decisions are typically made within 1–2 weeks.
If accepted, you will receive an Official Acceptance Letter and further instructions.
After acceptance, you must confirm enrollment by paying a deposit (varies by program).
International students must also submit financial proof for the F-1 student visa process.
Only for international students applying for on-campus study
Receive I-20 Form from AAU after confirming admission.
Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350) at.
Schedule a Visa Interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate in your country.
Attend the Visa Interview with required documents (I-20, admission letter, financial proof, passport, etc.).
Receive F-1 Student Visa and prepare for travel to the U.S.
After admission, register for classes via the AAU student portal.
Attend the New Student Orientation (online or on-campus).
Start your studies at AAU in San Francisco or online!
AAU follows a rolling admissions policy, meaning students can apply anytime. However, there are three main intake periods:
Intake |
Application Deadline (Recommended) |
Semester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall |
August |
September |
|
Spring |
December |
January |
|
Summer |
May |
June |
Note:
There is no strict deadline since AAU offers rolling admissions, but applying early is recommended for visa processing (for international students).
Online programs have flexible start dates throughout the year.
AAU has open admissions for most undergraduate programs, meaning a portfolio is NOT required (except for some graduate programs).
Educational Qualification: High school diploma (or equivalent).
Minimum GPA: No specific requirement.
English Proficiency (For International Students):
TOEFL (iBT): 61+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 95+
PTE: 50+
Portfolio: NOT required (optional for some art-based programs).
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Minimum GPA: No strict requirement, but 2.5+ recommended.
English Proficiency (For International Students):
TOEFL (iBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 105+
PTE: 58+
Portfolio: Required for MFA & some design programs.
Statement of Purpose & Resume: Recommended for some programs.
If you are an international student, you must also:
Submit a valid passport copy.
Show proof of finances (bank statement covering tuition & living expenses).
Obtain an F-1 student visa (for on-campus study).
Receive an I-20 form from AAU for visa processing.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD) |
Available for International Students? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Emerging Artist Scholarship |
New students with strong artistic potential |
Up to $3,000 |
Yes |
|
Spring Forward Scholarship |
New students enrolling in the Spring semester |
Up to $2,000 |
Yes |
|
Summer Scholarship |
New students enrolling in the Summer semester |
Up to $2,000 |
Yes |
|
Alumni Tuition Benefit |
AAU graduates continuing for a Master’s degree |
15% tuition discount |
Yes |
|
Transfer Student Scholarship |
Undergraduate students transferring from another college |
Up to $2,000 |
Yes |
|
Athletic Scholarship |
Student-athletes joining AAU sports teams |
N/A |
No (Only U.S. citizens) |
|
Teacher Grant Scholarship |
Students in the Art Education program |
Up to $1,000 |
Yes |
|
Military Veteran Benefits |
U.S. military personnel, veterans, and dependents |
N/A |
No (Only U.S. citizens) |
|
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) |
U.S. citizens with financial need |
N/A |
No |
Residence Hall |
Room Type |
Features |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bluxome Lofts |
Shared Room |
Private bathroom, kitchen, modern loft design |
$13,000 – $16,000 |
|
Commodore Hall |
Shared or Private Room |
Historic building, study lounge, game room |
$15,000 – $18,000 |
|
Edwin Hall & Studio |
Shared or Private Room |
Art studio space, community lounge |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Howard Brodie Hall |
Shared Room |
Modern amenities, laundry facilities, near transit |
$13,500 – $16,500 |
|
The Monroe |
Private Room |
Fully furnished, kitchen access, close to classes |
$18,000 – $20,000 |
|
Third Street Dorms |
Shared Room |
Large social spaces, study rooms, fitness area |
$14,500 – $17,500 |
Note:
Costs depend on room type (private or shared) and semester length.
Housing costs do NOT include meal plans (students cook their own meals).
Security deposit is required upon booking a room.
AAU is located in the heart of San Francisco, a city known for its art, culture, and technology. Students get access to museums, galleries, theaters, and creative hubs, as well as opportunities for internships and networking with top companies like Pixar, Disney, Apple, and Lucasfilm.
Key attractions near campus:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Golden Gate Park & Bridge
Alamo Square (Painted Ladies)
Chinatown & Fisherman’s Wharf
AAU has a strong artistic and design-focused community, bringing together painters, designers, filmmakers, animators, photographers, and fashion stylists under one roof. The university regularly hosts:
Art exhibitions & student showcases
Fashion shows & industry networking events
Film screenings & animation festivals
Guest lectures by top artists and designers
Students can display their work in galleries across San Francisco, gaining exposure and recognition.
AAU offers on-campus housing with modern amenities, lounges, and study areas. Students can also rent off-campus apartments in the city. The university provides a free shuttle service to connect housing and academic buildings.
Dorm life includes:
Shared & private rooms
Study lounges & recreation areas
Community events & student meetups
AAU has several student-led clubs and organizations, catering to different interests:
Art & Design Clubs – Sketching, digital art, fine arts
Film & Animation Clubs – Storytelling, animation workshops
Gaming & Esports Clubs – Game design, gaming tournaments
Fashion & Styling Clubs – Fashion design, trend forecasting
Photography & Media Clubs – Photo walks, video production
International Student Club – Support for international students
Volunteer & Social Impact Clubs – Community service and activism
AAU has strong industry connections and offers career services to help students build their professional paths. Services include:
Portfolio & Resume Reviews
Internships & Job Fairs
Workshops on Freelancing & Networking
1-on-1 Career Counseling
Many students land internships and jobs with major brands like Nike, Marvel, DreamWorks, Tesla, and Google.
AAU has competitive sports teams and recreational facilities for students who enjoy an active lifestyle. Available sports include:
Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, & Volleyball
Track & Field
Esports & Gaming Teams
The university also has fitness centers and gym facilities available for students.
AAU hosts annual events that bring students, faculty, and industry professionals together, including:
Spring Show – Showcasing student work to recruiters & industry leaders
Fashion Show – A high-profile event featuring student designers
Film & Animation Festivals – Screening student projects
Gallery Exhibitions – Featuring fine arts and photography
AAU has a large international student community, providing cultural exchange programs, networking events, and dedicated support services for students from different countries. International students can join:
International Student Club – Helps students adapt to life in the U.S.
Multicultural Events & Festivals – Celebrating global cultures
Language Exchange Programs – Improving English skills through peer interactions
For students studying remotely, AAU offers interactive online classes, virtual art critiques, discussion forums, and online student groups to ensure a strong sense of community and engagement.
Online students can:
Participate in live-streamed workshops & guest lectures
Join online clubs & creative groups
Submit work for virtual exhibitions & competitions
Career Services & Placement Support at AAU
AAU's Career Development & Placement Center (CDPC) helps students build successful careers through:
Internships & Job Opportunities – Connections with top companies in various industries.
Portfolio Development – Assistance in creating industry-ready portfolios.
Career Fairs & Networking Events – Meet recruiters from major companies.
Resume & Cover Letter Assistance – Professional guidance on job applications.
Workshops & Industry Panels – Learn from experts through guest lectures.
Alumni Network – Connect with successful AAU graduates.
Top Companies Hiring AAU Graduates
AAU graduates have been recruited by leading companies in animation, gaming, design, film, and advertising, including:
Animation & Film:
Pixar
Walt Disney Animation Studios
DreamWorks Animation
Warner Bros.
Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
Game Development:
Electronic Arts (EA)
Ubisoft
Blizzard Entertainment
Riot Games
Rockstar Games
Graphic Design & Advertising:
Apple
Google
Nike
Facebook/Meta
Adobe
Fashion & Retail:
Louis Vuitton
Gucci
Levi’s
Macy’s
Gap
Photography & Media:
National Geographic
Vogue
The New York Times
CNN
Film & TV Production:
Netflix
HBO
Paramount Pictures
Universal Studios
Internship & Job Placement Statistics
90%+ of students complete internships before graduation.
High placement rates in creative fields, especially in animation, graphic design, fashion, and gaming.
Many graduates start as freelancers before securing full-time positions.
Note: Placement success depends on skills, portfolio quality, and networking.
Internship Programs
AAU helps students secure paid and unpaid internships at top companies. Internships provide:
Hands-on industry experience
Professional networking opportunities
Resume & portfolio enhancement
Internships are available in:
Graphic Design & Advertising
Film & Animation Studios
Game Development Studios
Fashion Brands & Retailers
Photography & Media Agencies
How to Improve Job Prospects at AAU?
Build a strong portfolio – Essential for creative industries.
Take advantage of internships – Gain industry experience.
Network with professionals – Attend career fairs & alumni events.
Develop industry-relevant skills – Keep up with the latest tools & trends.
The Academy of Art University (AAU) has an open admissions policy, meaning it accepts most applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Admissions)
No SAT, ACT, or GRE required
No portfolio required for most undergraduate programs
Flexible admissions for international students
The Academy of Art University (AAU) is located in San Francisco, California, USA. Unlike traditional universities with a single campus, AAU has multiple buildings spread throughout downtown San Francisco, including academic buildings, art studios, student housing, and exhibition spaces.
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery St,
San Francisco, CA 94105,
United States
Key Locations of AAU Buildings:
Administrative & Admissions Office – 79 New Montgomery St
School of Animation & VFX – 180 New Montgomery St
School of Fashion – 625 Polk St
School of Fine Art & Illustration – 60 Federal St
Film & Television Production Studios – 466 Townsend St
Industrial Design & Architecture Studios – 601 Brannan St
Photography Studios – 180 New Montgomery St
Student Housing – Multiple buildings across the city
AAU Shuttle Service: The university provides free shuttle buses connecting classrooms, dorms, and other facilities.
Nearby Attractions in San Francisco:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman’s Wharf
Union Square
Chinatown
