5 Best For-Profit Colleges in the US

4. Academy of Art University

Annual Fee: $32,460

Enrolled Students (fall 2021): 7,843

Average Rank: 7

The Academy of Art (AAU or ART U), a private art college in San Francisco, was founded in 1929 as the Academy of Advertising Art, with a primary focus on advertising art. Since then, 25 subjects have been covered by the school’s associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Academy of Art University has established a strong reputation in the fashion industry over the past few decades and has been granted official accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Since 2005, the school has participated in NY Fashion Week, showcasing student work. Additionally, 200 historic automobiles are housed in the Academy of Art Institution Automobile Museum, which is owned and run by the university. 

The school is claimed to be the largest art and design school in the US with a total undergrad enrollment of 5,363 students and a graduate enrollment of 2,480 students (Nov 2021). The school charges a tuition fee of $32,460. According to the US News, the school secures a position of 88 for the year 2022-23 in the Regional Universities West ranking list.