We teach students to develop the habits and mind-set to make a living from their creative genius. We are very proud of our record and especially proud of the talent shown by our graduates. They leave here and go into the world informed, inspired and savvy enough to pursue their dreams and thereby enrich our culture. -Richard S. Stephens, Founder

What We Do: The Academy of Art University, San Francisco, is the largest private art university in the nation and prides itself on its dedication to the career preparation of artists and designers. Students are offered cutting edge curriculums for AA, BFA, MFA and Certificate Programs, fusing state of the art technology with academic excellence. Our graduates enjoy over an 80% placement rate and have been hired by prestigious companies worldwide. As an urban institution, the Academy draws upon and contributes to the cultural wealth of the San Francisco community and fosters a progressive, diverse and creative environment.

The Academy of Art University was established in San Francisco in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, a fine art painter who had accepted the position of Creative Director for Sunset Magazine. Assisted by his wife, Mrs. Clara Stephens, he opened the new school in a rented loft at 215 Kearny Street to teach advertising art. In a few years, a distinguished faculty of practicing art and design professionals was assembled and the school’s philosophy was formulated: hire established professionals to teach future professionals. In 1933 the curriculum was expanded to include Fashion Illustration, and in 1936 a Fine Art Department was added.

In 1951, after graduating from Stanford University, Dr. Richard A. Stephens took over the Presidency from his parents. His vision led to the expansion of the Academy from an enrollment of fifty students in two rented loft spaces to a 5,200 student body, with continued expansion of department majors available. In 1966 the school was incorporated and granted authority to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education of the State of California. The graduate program was inaugurated in 1977 and approved by 1983.

Dr. Elisa Stephens, the granddaughter of the school’s founder, succeeded her father as President of the Academy of Art University in 1992. Dr. Stephens has been committed to expanding the Academy’s curriculum to stay current with new technologies and industry trends, as well as making state-of-the art facilities and resources available to Academy students. In 2004, the name of the school was changed from Academy of Art College to Academy of Art University in recognition of its depth, scope and quality.

Today the University has approximately 9,000 students, making it the largest private school of art and design in the country. Students now have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Associate of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture or a Certificate Program, with over 30 areas of academic emphasis.