Financial Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete Your Federal Financial Aid in Five Steps

You need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine your eligibility for financial aid in the U.S. Our admissions specialists are here to provide you with guidance at every step in the process, including online access to the forms and decisions you’ll need to make.

Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531

  • To process your financial aid, first apply to Academy of Art University and provide your social security number on your admissions application.

  • Complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. Use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531

    The FAFSA is not automatically renewed. You will need to file a new FAFSA for each school year you want financial aid.

    The deadline for California Resident Applicants (undergraduate only) is March 2. The State deadline for new Cal Grant applicants to submit a FAFSA and GPA Verification to the California Student Aid Commission is March 2. Cal Grants are funded by the State of California. Cal Grants are only for California residents who have been, or will be, a California resident for at least one year by the application deadline, and who do not have a bachelor’s or greater degree. If you’re under 18 years of age, your residency is determined by your parents’ state of legal residency.

    LEARN ABOUT CHANGES TO THE 2024-2025 FAFSA

  • Meet with our Student Financial Intake Team to review your financial options. Contact our office today at 1-415-618-6300 to schedule your discussion. Once we receive your FAFSA, you will need to login to your Student Portal to complete your pending items/ forms.  Some forms will require you to submit via email, fax, or mail:

    Academy of Art University
    79 New Montgomery Street
    San Francisco, CA  94105

    Phone: 1-800-544-2787 ext. 6300 or 1-415-618-6300
    Fax: 1-415-618-6273
    Email: SFSintake@academyart.edu

    If the U.S. Department of Education selects your file for verification, the information on your FAFSA must be verified with the documents you submitted to us.  Our team will review your file and if the information on the documents you provided us is inconsistent with the information you reported on your FAFSA, you may have additional steps to complete before we can determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.  It may be necessary for you or our office to make corrections to your FAFSA.  We will notify you of any corrections made. A corrected SAR will follow from Federal Student Aid.

  • You will be able to review, accept, or decline the financial aid offered to you in the Student Portal.
    Awards may consist of a combination of Federal Grants and Federal Direct Loans. The Financial Aid package awarded to you at Academy of Art University is not transferable to another educational institution.

    If you have any questions regarding your award offer, please contact our Student Financial Services Office at 1-415-618-6190 or SFS@academyart.edu.

    NOTE: If you feel you have experienced a special or unusual circumstance and would like to be reviewed for a Professional Judgment, please contact our Student Financial Services Office.

  • Academy of Art University delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution powered by BMTX, Inc. Financial aid awards are disbursed after school starts and are applied against your tuition account. If funds applied toward your tuition account exceed your tuition balance, a credit balance will be created and you will receive a refund for the amount of credit on your account. Please allow two weeks for processing refunds. Refunds are available by direct deposit or mailed checks.

Types of Financial Aid

Review your options and discover the various types of financial aid available to students at Academy of Art University. Below you will find information on federal loans and grants, work study programs, alternative loan options, and more, for those who qualify.

  • Academy of Art University participates in the following programs:

    Undergraduate Students

     

    Federal Aid Type of Aid
    Pell Grant A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. The amount depends on your financial need as determined by the Department of Education, costs to attend school, and status as a full-time or part-time student.
    SEOG Grant aid that does not have to be paid back
    Federal Work Study Financial Aid earned while working
    Direct Stafford Loans Loans from the government that must be paid back
    Direct Parent Plus Loans Loans that are taken out by parents of dependent students that must be paid back
    Veterans Benefits Academy of Art University is authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify eligible students for Veterans Benefits
    State Aid Type of Aid
    CAL Grant Grant aid awarded to California residents who meet certain financial and GPA requirements

     

    Graduate Students

    Federal Aid Type of Aid
    Federal Work Study Financial Aid earned while working
    Direct Stafford Loans Loans from the government that must be paid back
    Direct Graduate Plus Loans Loans that are taken out by Graduate students that must be paid back
    Veterans Benefits Academy of Art University is authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify eligible students for Veterans Benefits

    Grants

    Federal Pell Grant (Pell) Awarded to eligible undergraduate students (first BA/BS) and eligible education credential candidates seeking an initial credential who are enrolled in at least six units and are not concurrently admitted to a Master’s degree program.

    Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Awarded to eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

    Loans

    Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students receiving loans must be enrolled half-time to be eligible.

    Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. No interest is charged on a subsidized loan while the student is in school. Unsubsidized loans are available to all students regardless of income, less any subsidized amount received. Students are responsible for the interest that will accrue on an unsubsidized loan while in school. Additional information about repayment, deferment, and consolidation of these loans can be found at the Direct Loans web site.

    Parent PLUS Loans (for parents) Federal Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents and stepparents of dependent students. Borrowers must meet credit history and debt burden requirements. Repayment is amortized over 10 years.

    Federal Direct Graduate (Grad) PLUS Loan Federal Direct Grad PLUS loans are available to Master’s students who are enrolled at least half-time. A credit check is required to determine if the borrower has an adverse credit history.

    Please contact the Student Financial Services Office for more information.

    State Aid

    California Grants (Cal Grants) The California Student Aid Commission makes new awards to eligible undergraduate students (based on financial need and GPA) who are California residents, who are enrolled in a minimum of six units, and who meet the application-filing deadline of March 2 (California Grants A and B.) These grants are renewable. Please visit the Cal Grant website for more information. If you attended an out-of-state high school and are now a resident of the state of California and wish to be considered for a Cal Grant award, please complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar (registrar@academyart.edu) before the application-filing deadline of March 2.

  • Congress has passed—and the President has signed—the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 which ties federal student loan interest rates to financial markets. Under this Act, interest rates will be determined each June for new loans being made for the upcoming award year, which runs from July 1 to the following June 30. Each loan will have a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan. Current interest rates for federal student loans can be found here: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates

    Note: The interest rates for federal student loans are determined by federal law. If there are future changes to federal law that affect federal student loan interest rates, we will update this page to reflect those changes.

  • Please use the ELMSelect link below to help you compare alternative student loans:
    https://www.elmselect.com/v4/

  • Federal Work Study is a federal student aid program that provides opportunities for current undergraduate and graduate students to earn money to pay for school through part-time jobs. Students can gain valuable work experience in Federal Work Study positions working for various departments within Academy of Art University or in community service positions with our off-campus non-profit partners.

    Students must meet general federal student aid eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for Federal Work Study. Review the information at the link below for additional information regarding the eligibility requirements for federal student aid:
    https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/eligibility.pdf

    If you are interested in applying for a Federal Work Study position and are eligible based on the information outlined above, complete the FAFSA and course registration and then submit a Federal Work Study Inquiry Form at the link below to request review of your Federal Work Study eligibility:
    https://www.academyart.edu/forms/finances/federal-work-study-inquiry-form/

    Current Federal Work Study job postings are listed at the link below. Do not apply for any Federal Work Study positions until your Federal Work Study Inquiry Form has been reviewed and your eligibility has been confirmed.

    All Federal Work Study job postings can be found at the link below:
    https://academyofartuniversity.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Academy_of_Art_Federal_Work_Study

    The availability of Federal Work Study positions is limited and placement is not guaranteed.

    Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of age, AID- or HIV-positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or other status protected by federal, state, local, or other law. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Manager by calling 415-274-2222 or contact the Human Resources Department at HR@academyart.edu. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Other Financial Aid Resources

Financial Aid Forms & Dates

Get more information about key financial aid dates, forms, and verification worksheets.

Financial Aid Timeline

  1. Apply online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa/.
  2. Within a few days of receiving your FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will send you your Student Aid Report (SAR)—based on the information in your FAFSA—by e-mail with a link to your electronic SAR. Whether you receive your SAR online or on paper depends on whether you provide an e-mail address on your FAFSA. Review your SAR and, if necessary, make changes or corrections following the instructions in it. Your SAR has to be correct to ensure that you receive your aid.
  3. In the Student Portal you can view, accept or decline your awards offered. You may also have items in your Student Portal to complete in order for your aid to disburse.

Note: Effective the 2024-2025 Award Year, the Student Aid Report (SAR) will be replaced by the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).

If you would like to use your financial aid to pay for your on-campus housing, let us know (SFS@academyart.edu or 1-415-618-6190). Make sure your financial aid file is complete, that you have already applied for and received a housing assignment, you have paid the $500.00 housing deposit, and that you have registered for classes. If you have completed these steps, we will add you to the housing list if your financial aid is sufficient to cover your housing costs.

Start saving. Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for your books and supplies during the first week of classes. Financial aid refunds are not available until after classes start.

If the federal aid you were offered does not cover your tuition or housing costs, you may sign up for our 4-month, interest-free payment plan or look into alternative loans.

Forms

Additional Information

Financial Aid FAQs

Undergraduate Students

  • How do I apply for Federal financial aid?

    The US federal government provides financial aid options to students through either federal grants, federal loans, or both to help you cover your educational costs. To begin the federal financial aid process, please view our guide to 5 Steps for Completing your Federal Financial Aid.

    The school code for Academy of Art University is 007531.

    For assistance with understanding the FAFSA process and for help completing your application, please contact a financial aid representative.

  • What is the Academy’s Federal School ID Number?

    The school code for Academy of Art University is 007531.

  • What types of State and Federal Financial Aid are available?

    Cal Grant

    Grant aid for California students that does not have to be paid back.

    • The California Student Aid Commission makes new awards to eligible undergraduate students (based on financial need and GPA) who are California residents, who are enrolled in a minimum of six units, and who meet the application-filing deadline of March 2 (California Grants A and B.) These grants are renewable.
    • If you attended an out-of-state high school, are now a resident of California, and wish to be considered for a Cal Grant award, please complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar (registrar@academyart.edu) before the application-filing deadline of March 2.
    • See the Cal Grant website for more information.
    PELL Grant

    Grant aid that does not have to be paid back.

    • Awarded to eligible undergraduate students (first AA/BA/BS/BFA) and eligible education certificate candidates.
    • Learn more about Pell Grants.
    Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

    Grant aid that does not have to be paid back.

    • Awarded to eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
    • See Federal Student Aid for more info.
    Federal Work Study

    Financial Aid earned while working.

    • Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides students financial assistance that will not have to be paid back.
    • FWS is different from other types of financial aid because you do not receive funds until you locate a job and begin working.
    • The amount you earn is dependent upon the job you obtain and the number of hours you work.
    • One main advantage of FWS employment is that when you apply for future financial aid, your FWS earnings are not included as a financial resource.
    • See Federal Work Study for more info.
    Direct Stafford Loans

    Loans from the government that must be paid back.

    • Subsidized loans are available to students with financial need. No interest is charged on a subsidized loan while the student is in school.
    • Unsubsidized loans are available to all students regardless of income, less any subsidized amount received. Students are responsible for the interest that will accrue on an unsubsidized loan while in school.
    • Additional information about repayment, deferment and consolidation of these loans can be found at the Direct Loans website.
    Direct Parent Plus Loans

    Loans that are taken out by parents of dependent students that must be paid back.

    • Federal Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents and stepparents of dependent students. Borrowers must meet credit history and debt burden requirements. Repayment is amortized over 10 years.
    • See the Direct Parent Plus Loans website for more info.

  • Where can I find college grants and scholarships?

    There are hundreds of grants and scholarships available through outside organizations to help you cover your educational costs.

    Although grants and scholarships are funds you do not need to pay back, each is different and each has its own set of requirements in order to receive the award.

    Explore Grants & Scholarships

  • Does the Academy offer tuition payment plans?

    Academy students have the option to pay education costs through an installment plan. This allows you to continue your education while managing your budget.

    The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer. Students may also use the installment plan for any portion of their tuition not covered by their awarded financial aid.

    For more details about our tuition payment plans, please contact 1-415-618-6190.

  • Why am I required to include my parents’ income information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

    Dependency status is determined by the Department of Education based on a few factors (age, marital status, children, dependent, veteran, etc.). An independent student will not have to include parent information. A dependent student will need to include parent information.

  • What is the definition of an independent student?

    Dependency status is determined by the Department of Education based on a few factors (age, marital status, children, dependent, veteran, etc.). An independent student will not have to include parent information.

  • When should I expect an awards letter?

    You will be able to review, accept, or decline the financial aid offered to you in the Student Portal.

    If you have any questions regarding your award offer, please contact our Student Financial Services Department at 1-415-618-6190 or SFS@academyart.edu.

  • What are BankMobile Disbursements?

    Academy of Art University delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Visit this link for more information: https://disbursements.bmtx.com/refundchoices/

  • When will I receive a refund?

    The date you receive a refund will vary based on:

    • The amount of financial aid you receive
    • The types of financial aid you receive
    • Whether or not your file is complete
    • What refund method you selected

  • How do I submit my financial aid paperwork?

    Some forms can be submitted by logging into the Student Portal. Forms that cannot be submitted online can be submitted several ways:

    Fax: 1-415-618-6273

    Email: SFS@academyart.edu

    By US Mail:
    Academy of Art University
    Attn: Financial Aid Department
    79 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94105

Graduate Students

  • What types of Federal financial aid programs are available to graduate students?

    Federal Work Study

    Financial Aid earned while working.

    • Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides students financial assistance that will not have to be paid back.
    • FWS is different from other types of financial aid because you do not receive funds until you locate a job and begin working.
    • The amount you earn is dependent upon the job you obtain and the number of hours you work.
    • One main advantage of FWS employment is that when you apply for future financial aid, your FWS earnings are not included as a financial resource.
    • Get more info at the Work Study website.
    Direct Stafford Loans

    Loans from the government that must be paid back.

    • Students are responsible for the interest that will accrue on an unsubsidized loan while in school.
    • Additional information about repayment, deferment, and consolidation of these loans can be found at the Direct Loans website.
    Direct Graduate Plus Loans

    Loans that are taken out by graduate students and must be paid back.

    • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to eligible students in graduate, degree, or certificate programs.
    • Borrowers must meet credit history and debt burden requirements.
    • See the Direct Graduate Plus Loans website for details.

Parents

  • What are the total educational costs for my student?

    There are four primary charges billed directly to students by Academy of Art University:

    • Tuition
    • Course fees
    • Housing
    • Meal plans

    Complete educational costs vary depending on the program, so please schedule an appointment with your student and the Student Financial Services Office to review complete costs and to create a customized financial aid plan for covering educational costs.

  • How should I get involved in my student’s financial aid decisions?

    Pursuing a degree at Academy of Art University is a big investment. That’s why we encourage all parents of prospective students to get involved in financial aid discussions as soon as possible so you can understand all of  financing options available.

    Our Student Financial Specialists work with you and your student to create a customized plan that provides options for paying for school, such as federal and state financial aid.

    Speak with a Student Financial Specialist to help you:

    • Determine your estimated tuition and expenses based on your location and chosen degree program.
    • Review your financial plan and make adjustments if needed. Educational costs vary by program.
    • Get help choosing an academic program so you can fully understand the financial cost of your education. Set up an info tour today with the admissions office to find the best program that fits your goals and interests.

  • What is a parent PLUS Loan and how do I know if I’m eligible?

    The Parent PLUS Loan, a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, is an option for parents of undergraduate students to help pay for educational expenses.

    A parent who qualifies may receive a Parent PLUS Loan for the education costs of a dependent undergraduate student who meets the eligible student definition. You can find additional Parent PLUS Loan information at studentaid.gov.

    As a parent of a dependent student, you may be eligible for a Parent PLUS Loan as long as your student is a degree-seeking student, enrolled for classes at least half time, and meets financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements. Parents will also undergo a credit check to determine your eligibility for the loan.

  • How does a parent apply for the Direct PLUS Loan?

    • A parent must log on to StudentLoans.gov using their own information and FSA ID. Select ‘Request a Direct PLUS Loan’, then select Parent PLUS. Complete the borrower, student, and loan information sections. Lastly, review and submit for a credit check.
    • What is a Direct Parent PLUS Loan? The loan is money that can be used to pay a dependent student’s educational costs including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, supplies, etc.
    • Who can apply for the Direct Parent PLUS Loan? A parent or stepparent of a dependent student.
    • Why is there a credit check? Direct Loans checks for adverse credit including bankruptcy, repossession, foreclosure, wage garnishment, defaulted loan, etc. Direct Loans is not checking income ratio, credit score, employment status, or lack of credit. You will be presented with options if the credit is denied.

  • How Much Can I Borrow with a Parent Plus Loan?

    The loan limit for a Parent PLUS loan is equal to the total cost of your student’s education (including an allowance for room and board, personal expenses, and transportation) minus any other financial aid to be received for the academic year.

  • What if I am denied a Parent PLUS Loan because of poor credit history?

    If you are denied a Parent PLUS loan, the Academy’s financial aid office may be able to provide you and your student with alternative options. You may be able to add a cosigner to your Parent PLUS loan, or your student may qualify for an additional unsubsidized Direct Stafford loan.

    Please contact the Student Financial Services Office today for a detailed review of Parent Plus Loan eligibility requirements and important financial aid dates and deadlines.

    Phone: 1-415-618-6190
    Email: SFS@academyart.edu

Military/Veterans

  • Can I use my VA benefit at your school?

    Academy of Art University is authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certify students enrolled in our degree programs for benefits under the following programs.

    • Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty
    • Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
    • Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill®
    • Chapter 35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
    • Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve

    Eligibility and chapter is determined by the VA.

  • How do I know if my benefit will cover all of my tuition and fees?

    There are different types of VA education benefits and eligibility. Some benefits are paid directly to the student, and some are sent directly to the school to be applied to tuition cost. Some benefits may cover all of tuition and some won’t.

    Refer to your Certificate of Eligibility and the VA Rate Tables for your approved benefit type for the details of your benefits. In addition to your specific benefit eligibility, please be aware that the VA only pays for mandatory fees.

    For additional information regarding your benefit coverage, please contact our Student Financial Services Office or call 1-415-618-6190.

  • Is there a Yellow Ribbon application/form?

    No, there isn’t a Yellow Ribbon application or form to complete at our school to participate in this program. Students who are Yellow Ribbon eligible and have remaining Chapter 33 eligibility will automatically be certified for Yellow Ribbon, if applicable.

  • I am eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Will I receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if I am a part-time student?

    Basic Allowance for Housing is not available for part-time enrollees. You must be enrolled more than part-time to be eligible.

  • What is the VA Student Bill of Rights?

    VA Students Bill of Rights and Considerations Prior to Enrollment is a document that all VA students must complete regardless of the type of VA education benefits you are using.

    Download your copy of the VA Student Bill of Rights and Considerations Prior to Enrollment.

  • How do I start using Tuition Assistance (TA)?

    You will need to get in touch with your Admissions Specialist or academic advisor here at our school and request an Academic Plan.

    Then take the Academic Plan to your Education Office at your unit to get approved.

    Once you are approved, you will be supplied with a TA Authorization Form. We need this form to receive your TA funds. Please email your authorization form to AR@academyart.edu.

    How much will Tuition Assistance cover?

    The Department of Defense (DoD) has directed a uniform TA fiscal policy across the military services. Currently, the established semester hour cap is $250 and has an annual ceiling of $4,500.

    TA covers a total of $750 for one class (3 units). That will not be enough to cover the entire cost of one class.

    You may use financial aid, enroll in our payment plan option, utilize other education benefits from other source, or pay the difference out of pocket.

    Is tuition assistance available for my branch of the military?

    In addition to the Federal Tuition Assistance and Top-Up benefit programs, each service has its own criteria for tuition assistance (TA) eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.

    Select your branch or service area below to learn more:

    Tuition Assistance is not a loan; it should be viewed as money you have earned just like your base pay.

  • What is the Military Scholarship and am I eligible?

    For more information on our Military Scholarship click here

  • What educational programs are approved by the VA?

    To obtain a list of approved educational programs:

      1. Go to the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS) website. Enter ‘Academy of Art University’ in the ‘Institution Name’ field.
      2. Select “Institution of Higher Learning” from the Program Type selector and then select Submit.
      3. Submit your search for a list of approved programs.
    How to obtain a list of approved educational programs from WEAMS
    How to obtain a list of approved educational programs from WEAMS

    This list is regularly maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Call Military Admissions 1-415-618-8551 if you have questions.

  • My parent was in the military, am I eligible to receive VA education benefits?

    Please call VA directly at 1-888-442-4551 to confirm if you are eligible.

  • Has Academy of Art University signed the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU)?

    Yes, Academy of Art University has signed the DoD MOU.

Student Financial Services Office

Please contact our Student Financial Services Office for any questions or concerns regarding your tuition account, federal financial aid, and payment plans.

Contact Information

Prospective students who have questions about completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other new financial aid documents:

Phone: 1-800-544-2787 x 6300 or 1-415-618-6300
Fax: 1-415-618-6273
Hours: Monday – Friday:  8:30am – 5:30pm PT

First-semester students and current students who have questions regarding their tuition account, financial aid, and finance questions:

Phone: 1-800-544-2787 ext. 6190 or 1-415-618-6190
Fax: 1-415-618-6273
Email: SFS@academyart.edu
Hours: Monday – Friday:  8:30am – 5:30pm PT