Pros and Cons of The Art Institute Online

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by mediaase, Aug 29, 2006.

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  1. mediaase

    mediaase New Member

    I'm a student at The Art Institute Online and am set to graduate Sep 23 (WOOHOO!). I've been running a student community for the students of AIO for the past couple of years and decided to poll them on the pros and cons of the school. The response was great and is excellent information for anyone interested in The Art Institute Online or any other distance learning school.

    The full list can be found at:
    http://www.aiostudents.com/index.php/2006/08/07/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/

    If you all have any questions, just ask!
     
  2. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    It appears the cons far outweigh the pros at this school. I had always heard the Art Institute had a good reputation, and I have even recommended it to a couple of people. I guess I had better re-think that.
     
  3. mediaase

    mediaase New Member

    It certainly looks that way at first glance, but a lot of the cons can be addressed by AIO and fixed. They have a student government that listens to the students' suggestions and they are aware of this list.

    The list also served as the concerns that the students have of the current setup so that AIO could fix them to provide a better educational experience. Fortunately, the faculty does listen and try to address every possible concern.

    I wouldn't suggest not recommending AIO to anyone...it has its pros and cons just like any other school. I just wanted the public to have an inside scoop on what to expect before dropping over $70k on a bachelor degree at this school.

    I would suggest AIO to anyone who wants to get into an art field (graphic design, interactive media, interior design, game art, etc) and has little or no experience. For anyone that is currently working in the field or has intermediate experience, the school will probably not provide enough information to make the degree worthwhile. It's a great school for people seeking an entry-level position.

    Hope that clears it up.

    By the way...I'm not endorsed by the school whatsoever nor is the www.aiostudents.com website. I'm simply a student sharing honest information about the school... ;)
     
  4. mediaase

    mediaase New Member

    Also, I'll be graduating September 23, 2006...so if you have any questions just ask!
     
  5. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    Personally, I think paying $70,000 for a NA degree is ridiculous. I wouldn't pay that amount of money for ANY degree, regardless of the accreditation. How many years will you have to work before you'll be able to repay that debt and make the degree worthwhile?

    No, I think I would have to recommend a different graphic arts school, and I don't think I'll be recommending the Art Institute to any other students just based on cost alone.

    I'm glad you're pleased with the school, and I wish you the best of luck with your degree. I just think it is way too expensive.
     
  6. mediaase

    mediaase New Member

    Who said I was pleased? ;)
     
  7. I don't think the cons of studying at the Art Institute are actually cons at all, in particular the social aspect. I feel that the school serves as an alternative in line with online education where it's less engaged with people and more on the actual production and knowledge learned by students with its curriculum.
     
  8. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    I'm sorry, was that SEVENTY thousand? <cough> People pay 70K for an undergrad degree? And one that isn't even regionally accredited? And what exactly is an entry level position in art? I might have to make room on my AAS/AOS soap box.
     
  9. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    That shocked me too. The Duke Cross Cont. MBA is only $100K or so which makes it sound like a steal by comparision.
     

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