Academy of Art University
Illustration
Field of study · San Francisco, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
San Francisco
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Home Tuition
US$32,784 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Illustration at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media. Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
Student life (indicative)
San Francisco and the Bay Area offer a tech-flavoured student life — innovative food and coffee scene, incredible natural surroundings, a famously open and diverse culture, and proximity to Silicon Valley's energy.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
3,587
Staff Ratio
14.0:1
International
11.5%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
38%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Illustration
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Illustration topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Illustration
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
3,587
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
14:1
Students per staff
International Students
12%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle | Creative arts scene
Student Life & City (indicative)
San Francisco and the Bay Area offer a tech-flavoured student life — innovative food and coffee scene, incredible natural surroundings, a famously open and diverse culture, and proximity to Silicon Valley's energy.
- San Francisco and the Bay Area offer a tech-flavoured student life — innovative food and coffee scene, incredible natural surroundings, a famously open and diverse culture, and proximity to Silicon Valley's energy.
What Students Love
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Diverse international food scene
- Strong LGBTQ+ community
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
38%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media. Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
- Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media.
- Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). Bay Area prices are the highest in the US — Silicon Valley's network and tech culture partly justify the cost.
- One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
- Bay Area prices are the highest in the US — Silicon Valley's network and tech culture partly justify the cost.