The present invention provides a method of preparing an aromatic vinyl-unsaturated nitrile-based copolymer in which, when an aromatic vinyl-unsaturated nitrile-based copolymer in which a content of a structural unit derived from unsaturated nitrile monomers in the copolymer is in the range of 22 to 30 wt % is prepared, oligomer content and unreacted monomer content are decreased, resulting in excellent heat resistance, significantly improved surface quality, and particularly, reduced generation of residue on a product surface when used in a closed high temperature environment and reduced occurrence of mold deposits during injection molding, and an aromatic vinyl-unsaturated nitrile-based copolymer prepared using the method.