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Academy of Art University vs Ashford University

Academy of Art University is a private for-profit university in San Francisco, CA, and Ashford University is a private for-profit university in San Diego, CA. Ashford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $31,266 a year against $40,613 at Academy of Art University. About 38% of students graduate at Academy of Art University, compared with 10% at Ashford University. Ten years after enrolling, Academy of Art University alumni earn a median of about $39,008, against $35,404 for Ashford University.

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private (for-profit)

Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private (for-profit)
Location
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,587
20,152
Acceptance rate
Not reported
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
Not reported
3.2–3.7
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
$31,266
Full cost / yr
$48,036
$37,594
In-state tuition
$30,736
$11,960
Out-of-state tuition
$30,736
$11,960
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$37,668
$31,009
$30k - $48k
$36,340
$31,862
$48k - $75k
$43,874
$33,319
$75k - $110k
$43,953
$32,953
Over $110k
$44,082
$33,593
Outcomes
Graduation rate
38%
10%
Freshman retention
75%
35%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,452
$33,397
Median earnings (10 yr)
$39,008
$35,404
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$31,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
32%
First-generation students
41%
54%
International students
12%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Ashford University?
Ashford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,266 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,613 at Academy of Art University. 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 Ashford University?
Before aid, Ashford University costs about $37,594 a year and Academy of Art University about $48,036. 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 Ashford University?
Ashford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $31,009 there, against about $37,668 at Academy of Art University. 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 Ashford University?
Ashford University is the larger of the two, with about 20,152 undergraduates against 3,587 at Academy of Art University.
Does Academy of Art University or Ashford University have a better graduation rate?
Academy of Art University has the higher graduation rate, at about 38% against 10% at Ashford University.
Do graduates of Academy of Art University or Ashford University earn more?
Academy of Art University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $39,008 ten years after enrolling, against about $35,404 for Ashford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Academy of Art University and Ashford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Academy of Art University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ashford University 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?

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