There are many options available to Academy of Art University students seeking financial aid for the upcoming year. But going through all of those programs is difficult for anybody. There are many choices, but the best ones depend on your unique situation as a student.  We take a look at some of the best options available, and break down just how they'll be helpful to Academy of Art University students in the coming season. 

State Financial Aid Options

Beyond the scholarship and grant programs offered through Academy of Art University, prospective students may be eligible for federally- and state-funded financial aid. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, should be every college student's first "stop" when applying for financial aid. This single application determines eligibility for a multitude of loans, scholarships, grants, and other types of financial aid programs. In fact, many colleges and even private financial aid institutions require that students complete the FAFSA before being considered for any funding. While borrowers are required to pay back private and federal loans, any scholarships and grants they are awarded do not need to be repaid. 

Students will need a substantial amount of information to fill out the FAFSA forms, so it's helpful to have these on hand before applying. In addition, every state has its own FAFSA deadlines. Before getting started, it's best to go directly to the Federal Student Aid website to find out exactly what information is needed to apply. At a minimum, FAFSA applicants will need to provide:

• The post-secondary code for the college being applied to. The code for Academy of Art University is 00753

• A federal student aid identification number (FSA ID). This number will be provided the first time a student creates an account on the Federal Student Aid website. 

• A valid driver's license or state- or federally-issued identification card

• Most recent tax return information. Note that a student's parents will also need to provide their tax return information if they still claim the student as a dependent. 

• Bank statements and other proof of supplemental income, if there is any

To find out more about applying for FAFSA to attend Academy of Art University, visit this page or call (415) 274-2222.

Cal Grant

California residents may be eligible for the Cal Grant, a state-funded grant program. Much like the FAFSA guidelines, the Cal Grant awards recipients money for tuition that does not need to be repaid. According to the California Student Aid Commission, "Cal Grants may be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California." 

There are three types of Cal Grants: Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C. Fortunately, they all use one application. Which Cal Grant type an applicant is eligible for is determined by FAFSA or CADAA data, as well as GPA and the type of college he or she is enrolled in. Cal Grant eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must first apply for FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

• Recipients must be California residents, defined by having lived in California for at least one year

• Recipients must also be US citizens or eligible non-citizens

• Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate certificate or degree program at a qualifying California college.

Find the complete Cal Grant eligibility requirements and application information here.

Academy of Art University scholarships and grants

Academy of Art University established its scholarship program over 40 years ago. To date, more than 45,000 students have received scholarships or grants through the program. There are several programs available to first-time students, graduate students, high school students, teachers, and even military service members. 

Spring Forward Scholarship

Working adults and college students considering a transfer can apply for the Spring Forward Scholarship. Applicants must submit a short essay and artwork to be eligible for one of the scholarships, worth up to $2,000. Eligibility requirements include:

• Recipients must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens

• Recipients must be first-time undergraduate degree-seeking students for the spring 2021 semester. Personal Enrichment students, Online Award of Completion students, and Certificate students are not eligible.

• Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 classes (6 units) by the published spring semester 2021 start date and successfully earn a 2.0 or greater term GPA.

Find the complete Spring Forward Scholarship eligibility requirements here. The next application deadline is December 15, 2020 and the final deadline is January 15th, 2021. 

Emerging Artist Scholarship

Aspiring designers and artists interested in summer or fall attendance can apply for the Emerging Artist Scholarship. Applicants are required to submit artwork and a short essay, and there are a limited number of scholarships available, each up to $3,000. Eligibility requirements include:

• Recipients must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens

• Recipients must be first-time enrolled undergraduate students for either the summer or fall 2021 semesters. Personal Enrichment students, Online Award of Completion students, and Certificate students are not eligible.

• Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 classes (6 units) by the published semester start date and successfully earn a 2.0 or greater term GPA.

Find the complete Emerging Artist Scholarship eligibility requirements here.

Graduate Scholarship

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to apply for the Graduate Scholarship. Students must have a portfolio on file and complete an application in order to be awarded one of the $2,000 scholarships. Eligibility requirements include:

• Recipients must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens

• Recipients must be first-time enrolled graduate-level, degree-seeking students starting in the spring, summer, or fall 2021 semesters. Personal Enrichment students, Online Award of Completion students, and Certificate students are not eligible.

• Recipients must submit a complete application to include a portfolio. Note that portfolio work is taken into consideration when determining scholarship amounts.

Find the complete Graduate Scholarship eligibility requirements here.

International Distance Learning Scholarship

Prospective international students who are seeking online Undergraduate or Graduate degrees may apply for the International Distance Learning Scholarship. Applicants must submit artwork and award amounts vary based on how many credits the student is taking and whether it's an Undergraduate or Graduate program. 

Eligibility requirements include:

• Recipients must be international citizens. US citizens and eligible non-citizens do not qualify.

• Recipients must be first-time students enrolled in online Undergraduate or Graduate degree programs at Academy of Art University beginning in spring 2021.

• Recipients must pass all courses with a grade of C or better (2.0 GPA).

Find the complete International Distance Learning Scholarship eligibility requirements here.

Academy of Art Military Scholarship

Current, active-duty U.S. military service members are encouraged to apply for Academy of Art Military Scholarship. Scholarship awards may be applied to online courses. Eligibility requirements include:

• Recipients must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens who are current, active-duty service members of the U.S. military. This includes servicemen and women who are members of Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Coast Guard. 

• Recipients must be first-time enrolled students who will use the scholarship toward their first four sequential semesters or until they reach their lifetime limit, whichever comes first. 

For more information about Academy of Art Military Scholarship, call (800) 544-8551 to speak with a Military Admissions Representative.

Teacher Grants

High school and community college art teachers may be eligible to apply for full-tuition art scholarships. These scholarships may be applied toward any undergraduate courses for one full semester, either online or on-campus in San Francisco (summer semesters only). Note that recipients are responsible for paying all other costs, including housing. On-campus housing may be available. Eligibility requirements include:

• Recipients must be secondary school or community college teachers or counselors.

• Recipients must provide their teaching certificate, resume, formal letter of intent, and a recommendation letter from the school principal or dean, or a department chairperson.

For more information about Teacher Grants or to view the application, click here.

Pre-College Art Experience

The Pre-College Art Experience (PCAE) does provide an opportunity for high school students to attend Academy of Art University tuition-free and earn money toward undergraduate classes. Through PCAE, students earn $1,000 toward their future undergraduate studies for each class they successfully pass, up to $4,000 total. The program is offered online or on-campus in San Francisco year-round. 

Click here to view the available Pre-College Art Experience classes, request more information, or apply online.

Alumni Tuition Benefit

Returning Academy of Art University alumni may be eligible for a tuition benefit of up to 20% off courses, degrees, and certificates. In order to be eligible for the Alumni Tuition Benefit, recipients must have previously graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree or completed a Certificate or Award of Completion at Academy of Art University.

For more information about Academy of Art Alumni Tuition Benefit, call (800) 544-2787 or (415) 274-2200 to speak with an admissions representative.

If you are even considering applying for financial aid to attend Academy of Art University, be sure to check out the financial aid FAQs page to research your options. Financial aid programs all have different requirements and deadlines, so we strongly encourage you to get the process started sooner rather than later.