Douglas Olsen
Academy of Art University (AAU or ART U) is a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California. It was founded in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, a painter and editor for Sunset Magazine. The school offers over 900 art and design classes, 22 schools, and 14 STEM programs. AAU had 6,320 students in the fall of 2024, and it claims to be the largest privately owned art and design school in the United States. The university has a 100% acceptance rate and a graduation rate of 43-45%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1929 |
| Founder | Richard S. Stephens |
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Type of institution | Private for-profit art school |
| Number of schools | 22 |
| Number of art and design classes | Over 900 |
| Number of STEM programs | 14 |
| Number of teachers (full-time) | 121 |
| Number of teachers (part-time) | 485 |
| Number of students | 6,320 |
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 43% to 45% |
| Ranking in 2025 edition of Best Colleges | Regional Universities West, #105-115 |
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What You'll Learn
Academy of Art University had 6,320 students in fall 2024
Academy of Art University (AAU or ART U), a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California, had 6,320 students in fall 2024. It was founded in 1929 as the Académie of Advertising Art by Richard S. Stephens, a painter and editor for Sunset Magazine. AAU is one of the largest universities in the nation dedicated solely to educating creatives, with 22 unique schools of instruction in art, design, film, communications, and technology. The university offers over 900 art and design classes and 14 STEM programs. Students can study online or on campus in San Francisco and can choose from a variety of degree options, including certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
The university has a "No Barriers" admission policy, with an acceptance rate of 100%. It offers housing, free transportation between campus buildings, and a thriving student social network. AAU is also the only higher arts education institution in the US with an NCAA Division II athletics program. The school's sports teams, the Urban Knights, compete in 14 sports in NCAA Division II. AAU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has received specialized accreditation for its interior architecture and design programs, as well as its Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture programs.
In addition to its academic programs, AAU owns and operates the Academy of Art University Automobile Museum, which features a collection of 200 vintage cars. The university has been participating in the NY Fashion Week event bi-annually since 2005 and hosts an annual spring show highlighting student work from its 75 disciplines. AAU is also one of the largest property owners in San Francisco, with its main campus located on New Montgomery Street in the South of Market district. In fall 2024, the university had 121 full-time teachers and 485 part-time teaching staff.
AAU has faced legal issues in recent years, including a lawsuit from the city of San Francisco in 2016 over possible violations of city land-use laws. The school was ordered to pay the city millions of dollars in fees and housing concessions and has since sold several student housing complexes. Despite these challenges, AAU continues to operate and serve its students, with a focus on providing a creative and innovative educational experience.
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The university has 22 schools and 900+ classes
The Academy of Art University (AAU or ART U) is a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California. It was founded in 1929 as the Academy of Advertising Art by Richard S. Stephens, a painter and editor for Sunset Magazine. AAU is one of the largest property owners in San Francisco, with its main campus located on New Montgomery Street in the South of Market district.
The university offers over 900 art and design classes across 22 different schools, providing an educational path for students seeking a degree, enhanced skills, or simply the thrill of making art. AAU's 22 schools of instruction cover art, design, film, communications, and technology, with 14 STEM programs. The school's core philosophy is that students learn by doing, with a hands-on, project-based, portfolio-directed curriculum. This curriculum focuses on the intersection of 21st-century technology and the foundational principles of art and design, underpinned by the interdisciplinary, collaborative approach of a STEAM education.
AAU's online programs offer immersive classroom experiences, both in real-time and on-demand, taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. The university's "No Barriers" admission policy opens its doors to all who believe in their artistic potential, providing housing, free transportation between campus buildings, and a thriving student social network.
In fall 2024, AAU had 121 full-time teachers, 485 part-time teaching staff, and 6,320 students, claiming to be the largest privately owned art and design school in the United States.
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AAU has a 100% acceptance rate
The Academy of Art University (AAU) has a 100% acceptance rate, making it an open admission school for all. AAU is a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California, with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1929. AAU is one of the largest private art and design schools in the United States, with a main campus located on New Montgomery Street in the South of Market district. The school offers over 900 art and design classes, 22 different schools, and 14 STEM programs, providing a wide range of educational paths for its students.
AAU's "No Barriers" admission policy reflects its belief that artistic potential should not be limited by academic records. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, applicants are required to submit official transcripts, showcasing their academic performance. The school also offers a unique opportunity for aspiring artists and designers to pursue their dreams, with or without a portfolio, for undergraduate admissions. AAU's core philosophy centres around learning by doing, emphasizing hands-on, project-based learning. This approach is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, labs, and classrooms.
The university fosters a vibrant artistic community, with its students and alumni organizing numerous art shows and gallery exhibitions. AAU's strong alumni network of over 100,000 professionals provides valuable connections and opportunities for graduates. The school's diverse student body represents 112 countries, contributing to a dynamic and creative campus environment. AAU's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is evident through its acceptance rate and support for international students, veterans, and their dependents.
In addition to its academic offerings, AAU is the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. with an NCAA Division II athletics program. The university's eSports lounge and participation in the NY Fashion Week further showcase its dedication to providing a well-rounded educational experience. AAU's open admission policy and diverse range of programs have contributed to its large student population, with 6,320 students enrolled as of fall 2024.
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AAU is a private for-profit art school
The Academy of Art University (AAU or ART U), founded in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, is a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California. It is one of the largest universities dedicated solely to educating creatives, with 22 unique schools of instruction in art, design, film, communications, and technology. AAU offers over 900 art and design classes, 14 STEM programs, and associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in about twenty-two subjects. The university has a “No Barriers” admission policy, with an acceptance rate of 100%. AAU also offers housing, free transportation between campus buildings, and a thriving student social network.
The school is one of the largest property owners in San Francisco, with its main campus located on New Montgomery Street in the South of Market district. In fall 2024, AAU had 121 full-time teachers, 485 part-time teaching staff, and 6,320 students. The university claims to be the largest privately owned art and design school in the United States. AAU received regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2007. The school's graduation rate for "full-time, first-time" students was 45% according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics in 2019.
AAU's core philosophy is that students learn by doing. Its curriculum is hands-on, project-based, and portfolio-directed, focusing on the intersection of technology and the foundational principles of art and design. The school offers both online and on-campus programs, with immersive classroom experiences in real-time and on-demand. AAU's online programs have been available to students worldwide for over 25 years. The university also has a robust support infrastructure for veterans and their dependents and is considered military-friendly.
As a student at AAU, you can pursue your athletic goals alongside your creative ones. The university is the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. with an NCAA Division II athletics program. The school's sports teams, the Urban Knights, compete in 14 sports in NCAA Division II. AAU's eSports program and eSports lounge are symbols of innovation, where artistry and gaming converge.
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AAU's graduation rate is 43-45%
The Academy of Art University (AAU) in San Francisco, California, is a private for-profit art school founded in 1929. It is one of the largest universities in the US dedicated solely to educating creatives, with 22 unique schools of instruction in art, design, film, communications, and technology. AAU has around 6,320 students, claiming to be the largest privately owned art and design school in the country.
AAU's graduation rate has been a cause for concern, with its accreditor expressing worry over low rates. In 2017, only 37% of students who enrolled in 2010 had graduated. The six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students in the class of 2015 was 38%, and by the eight-year mark, 43% had completed their degrees. This is slightly lower than the national average for first-time undergraduates attending full-time, which is 46.43% after six years and 47.82% after eight years.
The graduation rate for first-time, part-time students in the class of 2015 was much lower, at 6% after six years and 8% after eight years. The national average for this group is significantly higher, with a six-year graduation rate of 21.59% and an eight-year rate of 23.72%. AAU's six-year graduation rate for online-only students was 6% in mid-2015, and only 3% for part-time students.
AAU's overall graduation rate, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, is 45%. This rate considers students who completed a four-year degree within six years. The university's freshman retention rate, the percentage of first-time full-time students who return for their second year, is 70%, which is similar to the national average of 70.57%. AAU's low retention rate may indicate that many students plan to transfer after one or two years.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2024, there were 6,320 students enrolled at the Academy of Art University.
There are 22 different schools and 14 STEM programs at the Academy of Art University.
In 2011, there were 18,000 students enrolled at the Academy of Art University.
