Since 1929, artists and designers have called Academy of Art University their home. Founded in San Francisco and family owned, it is one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the nation.

We are first and foremost a professional school—a specialized place that helps you master your craft as you prepare for professional roles as artists and designers. Our hands-on, no-nonsense curriculum is taught by some of the finest minds working in today’s creative and innovative industries. They will help you develop your talent and acquire skills sought by the creative marketplace. All are welcome here. Our inclusive admissions policy is rare among art schools. We’ve found that our students’ potential doesn’t depend on their past elsewhere, but on their future with us. Find your place and your purpose at Academy of Art University, as you prepare for your professional career.

Acting

Advertising

Animation & Visual Effects

Architecture

Art Education

Art History

Communications & Media Technologies

Fashion

Fine Art

Game Development

Graphic Design

Illustration

Industrial Design

Interaction & UI/UX Design

Interior Architecture & Design

Jewelry & Metal Arts

Landscape Architecture

Motion Pictures & Television

Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media

Photography

Visual Development

Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media

The Commodore

Dorm Double with attached full bathroom (DDFB)

Clara Gil Stephens

Dorm Private with attached full bathroom (DPFB)

Dorm Private with no attached bathroom (DPNB)

Edgar Degas Apartments

Private Room within unit (APRU)

Double Studio with kitchen (ADSK)

Double converted living room (ADCL)

Leonardo da Vinci Apartments

Private Studio with kitchen (APSK)

Dorm Private with attached full bathroom (DPFB)

Private Room within unit (APRU)

Double Studio with kitchen (ADSK)

Double Room within unit (ADRU)

Double converted living room (ADCL)

Triple Studio with kitchen (ATSK)

The Da Vinci Villa

Dorm Private with attached full bathroom (DPFB)

Dorm Double with attached full bathroom (DBFB)

Dorm Shared with attached full bathroom (DSFB)

Museums

ASIAN ART MUSEUM 

MUSEUM OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA 

DE YOUNG MUSEUM 

THE BERKELEY MUSEUM 

SF MOMA 

EXPLORATORIUM

Theaters & Concert Venues

THE FILLMORE 

THE WARFIELD 

SHN ORPHEUM THEATER 

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 

BILL GRAHAM CIVIC AUDITORIUM

THE FOX THEATRE 

SFJAZZ 

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA