What Is It Known For?
Richard S. Stephens worked as Art Director at Sunset Magazine when he noticed a gap in creative education. He and his wife, Clara, decided to fill that void by opening the Academy of Advertising Art in 1929 with 45 students. Their timing proved perfect as the advertising industry was expanding rapidly.
Nearly a century later, that small San Francisco startup has become the Academy of Art University, now serving over 6,300 students annually. The school has evolved from its advertising roots to cover design, communication, and visual arts across multiple degree levels.
Degrees & Certifications
The university provides 129 different creative programs that range from short certificates to advanced master’s degrees. You can pursue studies in:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Communications & Media Technologies
- Motion Pictures & Television
- And Many More!
How long you study depends on which level you select. Associate programs take about two years to complete. Bachelor’s degrees require four years of full-time study. Master’s programs vary from one to three years based on your chosen specialization.
Class Schedules
You have flexibility in how you structure your education. Classes run during days, evenings, and weekends to accommodate working students. Online options let you complete your entire degree remotely or mix virtual classes with campus-based learning. The university also offers intersession courses between regular semesters.
Rather than formal externships, you’ll gain real-world experience through internships and industry projects that the university facilitates through its professional connections.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Academy of Art University holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school also maintains additional specialized accreditations for specific programs that you can review on its website.
Acceptance Rate
The Academy of Art University has a 100% acceptance rate. This means that they follow an open admission policy.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The school charges per unit rather than flat semester fees according to their 2025-26 catalog. Domestic students pay $1,301 per undergraduate unit and $1,477 per graduate unit starting fall 2025. International students pay more at $1,682 per undergraduate unit and $1,857 per graduate unit.
Tuition rates can change during your time at the Academy of Art University. Their net price calculator helps you estimate total program costs based on your degree requirements and financial circumstances.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Advertising
- Communications & Media Technologies
Professional Services
- Art Education
- Graphic Design
- Interior Architecture & Design
- Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media
Skilled Trades
- Landscape Architecture
Campus Locations
San Francisco 79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105
Reviews
Based on a large sample of over 40 reviews, the Academy of Art University has a predominantly negative reputation, with an estimated score of 2.1 out of 5 stars.
The reviews are highly polarized, with a few positive comments but a vast majority of highly critical feedback. The school does not consistently respond to reviews, and the overall sentiment shows a negative momentum, with recent and past comments highlighting similar, significant issues.
Common Praises
Some Quality Instructors: A few reviews note that some professors are passionate and knowledgeable about their craft, particularly those who are active in the industry. These teachers can provide valuable connections and lessons.
Hands-on Experience: The school’s focus on practical, hands-on work is mentioned as a benefit, with one reviewer praising the opportunity to create a “thesis-production” piece. Specific programs like Industrial Design and Paramedic are noted for providing a solid foundation.
Transferability of Credits: One review notes that credits were successfully transferred to another college, which can be a relief for students looking to move to another institution.
Positive Exceptions: A small number of reviewers have had positive experiences with staff, finding them helpful and accommodating. One person had a positive experience with the school’s classic car museum.
Common Criticisms
Extremely High Cost & Financial Scams: This is the most prevalent and severe criticism. Reviewers describe the school as “money hungry” and a “scam,” with tuition and fees being astronomically high. Students report being pressured to take out large loans, being charged fees for dropping classes or making advisor appointments, and having financial aid messes that result in unexpected bills.
Rude & Unprofessional Staff: The staff, particularly in admissions, financial aid, and advisement, are widely accused of being rude, unhelpful, and predatory. Stories include recruiters being overly aggressive and unprofessional, advisors telling students to “fall for the scam,” and departments that are “unethical” and “don’t care” about student well-being.
Lack of Student Support: The school is heavily criticized for its lack of support for students. Reviews mention that instructors are unresponsive to emails, there are no mental health counselors, and advisors are too busy to provide adequate attention. The online student portal is also described as disorganized and difficult to navigate.
Low Quality of Education: Many reviewers feel that the education is a “rip off” for the price. They state that the curriculum teaches basic skills that can be found for free on platforms like YouTube. The high cost of supplies is also a common complaint.
Poor Communication & Disorganization: The school is frequently described as “disorganized.” Reviewers mention lost paperwork, departments not communicating with each other, and a general lack of a coordinated effort to assist students.
Momentum
The momentum for the Academy of Art University is largely negative. The criticisms are consistent over time, from a decade ago to just weeks ago, indicating long-standing and unresolved issues. Recent reviews continue to highlight the same problems—financial greed, poor staff, and a lack of support—suggesting that these are not isolated incidents but a systemic part of the school’s operations. The small number of positive reviews are overshadowed by the sheer volume and severity of negative feedback, particularly the detailed accounts of financial and administrative misconduct.