The Academy of Art University

I had to leave a comment after seeing all the negativity on here. I'm about to graduate...after 7 YEARS!! I've worked and commuted, and finally it is all over. I have to say, it was an amazing ride. This school is the kind that will accept anyone, but few make it out. If you arent prepared to give 110%, dont even bother. This is a business school, where you need to buck up and put in the extra work that is required if you want a good grade. Most people dont even care about the grades. It's super tough to get an A, you have to go way over and above the minimum required. But it will show in your work. The graphic design department is comprised of many amazing teachers, who aren' t there to tell you what to do and how to do it. Instead, they share what they know and encourage you along in your own explorations. This department is one of the best out of all art schools. The work the University turns out is amazing, most students get great jobs.

I know a lot of whiners, though. They complain that teachers are too harsh, blunt, complacent, require too much work...blah blah blah......shut up. Grow up. If you cant handle critique from a teacher and other students, you sure as heck aren't going to make it in a design firm in the real world. I definitly reccomend this school. I've put in as much as I could, and I'm going to be in debt for a long time. But know what? I am two days from graduation, and already the benefits are opening up for me. I've heard from multiple people not affilitated with the school about how great the Academy porfolios and graduates are. How they seek us out. Many friends of mine who have already graduated already have great jobs. In short (though not really), look at the work being produced from any art school that you're thinking of attending. Visit, browse the halls. The products speak for themselves, not the dropouts who couldnt hack it!

5th Year Female -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: C-

I am an online student, so some of the questions I rated just a B because I have no clue what the campus is like, social activities, resources, etc. The school should put a N/A in those areas for the online students.

I see so many negative reviews here, but don't agree with 95% of it. I do think it is a very expensive school overall. And I have had some issues with the curriculum being outdated. I am addressing that issue now with the school, but it doesn't mean I hate this school . . . quite the opposite.

Somebody already said here that you only get out of school what you put into it. That is very true. I would like to say that age has something to do with doing well in school, but I did well in art school back in 1984 too. Maybe it would be better said that maturity and a good work ethic has a lot to do with doing well in school. If you are expecting to go to art school and breeze through it, you are in for a rude awakening as I think many of the students providing reviews here have discovered.

There are certain aspects of art that can be learned with no talent, but I think having some art experience is necessary to do well here. Think long and hard about going to any art school. Make sure it is the right choice for you because they are expensive.

As someone who has worked 20+ years in the industry, I thought that most of my prerequisites were going to be a waste of time and that I probably knew everything they were going to teach me. I have been more than pleasantly surprised. Classes have been fun and challenging.

For the most part I think the teachers have been attentive and responsive. A couple have been outstanding. You have to be active as an online student to engage the other students and teachers. If you don't participate, school will seem really lackluster. The teachers can't respond to you if you don't ask questions or participate in discussions.

Ok, I'm starting to ramble. Overall, this has been a great experience and I look forward to future courses. To those who think the school is too expensive, perhaps you should consider moving home and becoming an online student. Housing, lab fees and other costs will be gone and all you will have to worry about is the course fees and tuition, oh and purchasing your own computer.

Also, be honest with yourself. Are you someone who is self motivated or do you need your hand held in order to get your work completed? Are you creative or is it just a desire to be creative? Are you willing to put in the hours and do the work required of the classes? If you aren't honest with yourself, you'll most likely end up disgruntled like many of the student giving reviews here are.

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Useful Schoolwork: A, Collaboration/Competitive: B-

I graduated today..yeah!!! I start my new job at Pixar, June 20th. The University has 7500 students. This site seems to have attracted the whiners. The students in my major were for the most part very happy with the instructors and facilities.

Yesterday the Animation Dept brought in 18 managers from Disney, 3 from Pixar, 2 from ILM....the list goes on and on ....to review the portfolios of the graduating class. These companies were impressed with my portfolio and my peers. AAU is not for everyone. If you don't know what you want to do...go to a community college and save your money. I always wanted to work in Animation as a Technical Director.....now I am doing it!!!

Cheers,
AAU AlumniClass of 2005

5th Year Male -- Class 2005

University Resource Use/ spending: A+, Campus Aesthetics: B-