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Academy of Art University

San Francisco, United States

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Official site ↗
Tuition from ₹24.16 L per year, 34 courses
Courses 7
Founded 1929
Students 6637

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.

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Bachelor's (16)

CourseDurationTuition
BA in Communications and Media Technologies 4 years ₹26.79 L
Bachelor of Architecture 5 years ₹26.79 L
Bachelor of Fine Arts 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA Game Design 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA Graphic Design 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Advertising 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Animation and Visual Effects 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Fashion Design 4 years ₹48.3 L
BFA in Game Art 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Illustration 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Industrial Design 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Interaction and UI/UX Design 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Interior Architecture and Design 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Landscape Architecture 4 years ₹26.79 L
BFA in Visual Development 4 years ₹26.79 L
BS in Game Programming 4 years ₹26.79 L

Master's (18)

CourseDurationTuition
M.Arch Architecture 3 years ₹28.19 L
MA in Interior Architecture & Design 2 years ₹24.16 L
MA in Landscape Architecture 2 years ₹24.16 L
Master of Arts (MA-AI) Degree AI Marketing and Design 18 months - 24 months ₹31.96 L
Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA-ARH) 1 year ₹48.33 L
Masters of Fine Arts in Graphic Design 42 months ₹24.16 L
MFA in Advertising 3 years ₹32.22 L
MFA in Animation and Visual Effects 3 years ₹32.25 L
MFA in Communications and Media Technologies 2 years ₹24.16 L
MFA in Fashion Design 2 years ₹32.22 L
MFA in Fine Art 3 years ₹32.25 L
MFA in Game Development 3 years ₹32.22 L
MFA in Illustration 3 years ₹24.16 L
MFA in Industrial Design 3 years ₹32.22 L
MFA in Interaction and UI/UX Design 3 years ₹32.22 L
MFA in Interior Architecture and Design 3 years ₹32.22 L
MFA in Landscape Architecture 3 years ₹28.19 L
MFA in Visual Development 3 years ₹32.22 L

At a glance

Type
Private
Living expenses
UG USD 10,191 / PG USD 18,702
Course duration
18 months - 3 years
Campuses
1

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNot required
  • LORNot required
  • EssaysNot required
  • CVNeeded for few courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • USD 50 - 150

Type of deadline

  • Regular

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Fall15ᵗʰ Sep 2026
  • Spring9ᵗʰ Feb 2026
  • Summer19ᵗʰ Jun 2026

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Available for some courses.

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Campuses

Academy of Art University Campus Main

79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105

Campus page ↗

Scholarships at Academy of Art University

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

Amberscholar Scholarship both

Amount: ₹47.13 L · Deadline: 2026-08-31

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

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.

Academy 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

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.

Academy 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

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.

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.

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.

Common questions

How can I apply to the Academy of Art University MFA course?

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

Is it possible to get into Academy of Art University's MBA programme without work experience?

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

What is the undergraduate population at the university?
Over 6000 students are enrolled in the undergraduate level at the university.
What is the student-faculty ratio of the university?
The student-faculty ratio at the university is 14:1.
What are the job opportunities after doing MIM from Academy of Art University, USA?

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.

Is it difficult to get into the university?
No, it’s fairly easy to get into the university.
Is there a deadline to apply to the university?
The deadline for the application to the university is on a rolling basis.
What is the application fee to apply for the university?
The application fee to apply for the university is $50.
What are the deadlines to submit applications for Indian students at Academy Of Art University?

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.

 
What scores do I need to have to get a scholarship at Academy of Art University?

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:

  1. Graduate Scholarship: Having a high GPA is helpful, even though there is no specific minimum as such
  2. 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.
  3. HEST for Indian Students: You should get a good score on the HEST exam, usually above the 50th percentile.
  4. 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.

Can you get a scholarship for the Academy of Art University?

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 

Is Academy of Art University Expensive?
The approximate tuition fee of the Academy of Art University is $30,000.
What is the application fee for Academy of Art University?

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)

What is the most preferred course by Indian students at Academy of Art University?

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 -

  1. Illustration Program: As per student reviews, the programme is good and students have a good time at the university.
  2. 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.

What are people's opinions on the Academy of Art University for MIM?

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.

What is the best programme offered at Academy of Art University?

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.

What is the rank of Academy of Art University in the world?

Established in 1929, the Academy of Art University is a private institution following a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, the university is ranked in the category of Regional Universities West, holding the position between 105 and 115. As per other rankings, the Academy of Art University holds a global rank of 4,844. In the US News Best Colleges ranking, the Academy of Art University falls between 105th and 115th out of 120 in the category of Regional Universities West. Also, in 2021, the university secured the 7th position for best critical thinking skills in the Best Online Bachelor's in Art and Art History category.

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