Skip to content

Academy of Art University vs Art Center College of Design

Academy of Art University is a private for-profit university in San Francisco, CA. Art Center College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, CA. Students pay an average of about $40,613 a year at Academy of Art University after aid, and about $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. About 81% of students graduate at Art Center College of Design, compared with 38% at Academy of Art University. Ten years after enrolling, Art Center College of Design alumni earn a median of about $71,958, against $39,008 for Academy of Art University.

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private (for-profit)

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private
Location
San Francisco, CA
Pasadena, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,587
2,017
Acceptance rate
Not reported
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
Not reported
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,613
$48,661
Full cost / yr
$48,036
$75,649
In-state tuition
$30,736
$54,170
Out-of-state tuition
$30,736
$54,170
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$37,668
$39,645
$30k - $48k
$36,340
$42,161
$48k - $75k
$43,874
$44,738
$75k - $110k
$43,953
$45,677
Over $110k
$44,082
$61,144
Outcomes
Graduation rate
38%
81%
Freshman retention
75%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,452
$53,562
Median earnings (10 yr)
$39,008
$71,958
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$31,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
22%
First-generation students
41%
24%
International students
12%
44%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or Art Center College of Design?
Academy of Art University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $40,613 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Academy of Art University and Art Center College of Design?
Before aid, Academy of Art University costs about $48,036 a year and Art Center College of Design about $75,649. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Academy of Art University or Art Center College of Design?
Academy of Art University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $37,668 there, against about $39,645 at Art Center College of Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Academy of Art University or Art Center College of Design?
Academy of Art University is the larger of the two, with about 3,587 undergraduates against 2,017 at Art Center College of Design.
Does Academy of Art University or Art Center College of Design have a better graduation rate?
Art Center College of Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 38% at Academy of Art University.
Do graduates of Academy of Art University or Art Center College of Design earn more?
Art Center College of Design alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,958 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,008 for Academy of Art University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Academy of Art University and Art Center College of Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Academy of Art University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Art Center College of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school