Academy of Art University
Higher EducationCalifornia, United States1001-5000 Employees
The Academy of Art University is a private higher education institution located in San Francisco, founded in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens. It provides education for aspiring artists and designers through instruction by practicing professionals and curricula aligned with current industry practices. The university describes itself as the largest accredited private art and design university in the United States, serving more than 18,000 students. Its programs cover a broad range of disciplines, including acting, fashion, game design, graphic design, illustration, and interior and industrial design. A notable feature is its track record of graduates joining leading companies such as Apple, EA, Nike, Pixar, and Zynga; and in May 2026 it announced a partnership with the With Love Halston foundation to showcase student designs inspired by the designer's archives.