The Academy of Art University

I have learned a great deal at AAU, the only problem is finding quality teachers. The online courses are fantastic but you miss out on the classroom experience and facilities. The school is really what you make of it-work hard and you will receive the benefits. By all means if you cannot understand the teacher (many Asian teachers)' because of language barrier, SWITCH! In conclusion , the school has much to offer, they need to remove the unqualified teachers and the faculty needs to be accessible to better help its students.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2014

Surrounding City: B+, Faculty Accessibility: D-

AAU is a very good school for the striving professional. Your professors are actually in the industry you are trying to get into, so their honest criticism is needed to make a better student and they are always watching for someone to intern. The technologic support, i.e. computer labs, were great! They work on updating the latest macs all the time so you'll have the newest stuff, but unless you plan on buying your own programs-like Illustrator or Photshop (that can be expensive)for your own comp system, staying in the campus comp labs are mandatory for some projects(having to stay so late to finish projects though had me rushing to BART by 8-9pm sometimes:with the last BART trains pulling through at 10 or 11pm). The courseload was different based on your major, but the amount of hours spent facing a computer monitor or painting can seem to last forever. Perfection and perseverence are traits valued by professors and beneficial to the student. Because the campus isn't really a campus at all (rather big buildings placed all over SF that you have to get shuttled to and from-unless you plan to drive through the city) it is a commuter school and after classes the majority of people are rushing to BART (Bay Area Rapid Trans) to get back to their homes in outlaying cities. If you want to really enjoy the whole AAU experience, dorm or live close so you can experience the city. AAU is very "major defined" in that your gen.ed. is planned directly to your major and most will not be counted as gen.ed. if you transfer into the UC or CSU system, instead they'll be seen as art or elective classes. Also, the materials required for many classes can be EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE, so be prepared to fork over about $300 or so for a color&design class (which is one of the req. gen.ed.). Howoever, in the time of need, major art stores (Utrecht) are near campus locations and have pretty much everything. If you're not that sure on your major, go somewhere less expensive to decide things-even though AAU is actually pretty well priced compared to other art schools. Approximate annual tuition @ AAU (without housing, materials, etc.=$13000-$14000). Above all, if you are CERTAIN on your major and want great quality in education and training, the Academy of Art University has it all.

1st Year Female -- Class 2010

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Social Life: B-

The school boasts about their job placement statistics, but these numbers are inflated. Many students transfer or drop out, and many also take several years longer to get their degrees. It is desirable for many students to find work while they are in school and leave BEFORE completing their degree. The school does have good contacts, but you must network extensively to take advantage of them. Many instructors work in the animation and design industry, and its your relationship with them, and NOT the Academy that will get you a good job. Morale fluctuates severely about the availability of jobs. The department heads also change frequently (almost every semester in fact), along with the required guidelines and classes to complete your degree. You will not complete your degree in 4 years taking 4 classes a semester. Studio art classes are difficult as you get into your second year, and four can be a very full workload.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2005

Perceived Campus Safety: A, Individual Value: F