The Arts Institute Online

[passionflower]

I'm interested in this school, can anyone tell me if they are good in communicating with current and new students? Helpful financial aid people? Good teachers? Thanks!

[Sister]

I haven't been able to find any reviews of them. I've certainly looked, but can't seem to find anything good or bad.

[palefrost]

Isnt this the school where you draw a picture as a test and they see if you have any talent to get in? If so they pretty much let anyone in lol.

[Starlily]

A quick search turned up tons of info on the program... it's even listed on wikipedia ;)

I wasn't able to dig up much in the way of reviews either though...I usually search for personal reviews or discussion from people that are attending or have attended the program, and it doesn't seem like there's alot out there on that one yet...

[Sister]

Well, it appears to be accredited and you can use financial aid to help with the tuition. Those are both good signs.

[feline]

That's good! It is important that they cater also to those who need financial help and they provide scholarships of all sorts just to help those who are really interested to finish but don't have the means.

[karenlyn]

But it's important to keep in mind that an online school with little or no personal reviews online might bare more research. If nobody's ever gone there, how can you be sure it's a good place? I guess it's something of a Catch 22.

[technoflutemom]

Is that the online wing of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh? I know Berklee has a similar program (but for music) that is pretty well regarded in some areas.

[DJDizzy1]

I'm pretty familiar with the art institute even though they have programs online they have over 30 schools around the country. As the above poster said it was orignally started in Pittsburgh.

I live in NC and they have one in Charlotte. It's been around for years and I've never heard anything bad about it.

[LyricB]

I had no idea you could attend any sort of art institute online. That's pretty darn cool.

[tater03]

I did a quick search on this school also. I couldn't find any forums or any review from anyone who has gone here. All I could seem to find was the link to the actual school website.

[technoflutemom]

I think the b&m school is well regarded. I have no idea about the online version. It looks like they stress preparing a strong portfolio. That sounds promising. I think potential clients would be more likely to look at that than your resume.

[aiopghbeware]

If you are a student looking to attend the any Art Institute Online be beware.
I have included links to show you why. The reason they are so hard to find because AIO does not offer a complaint forum. It is actually found on the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Students got tired of getting screwed, and that was the only place to post reviews, and their horror stories. PLEASE VISIT LINKS BELOW:

http://www.studentsreview.com/PA/AIOP0_comments.html?page=1&type=&d_school=The%20Art%20Institute%20of%20Pittsburgh

http://uopsucks.com/home.html

These are Huge businesses posing as schools and taking students money. EDMC owns all of the Art Institues Online. I have found pattern of horror stories from all over the country regarding these schools.

I have had nothing but problems with this school. I have put in 15 months to earn my B.S. degree from the Art Institute Online Pittsburgh Division, and have yet to receive my degree. I am $30k in debt and no degree. This came up after 4 months of me calling, and have this surprise of money I supposedly owe. This seems to be a reoccurring theme with these people.
The classes were a joke, the curriculum was terrible. It was all busy work. I can honestly say I feel more embarrassed to say that I have earned my B.S. from The Art Institute Online, rather that of an on campus schools. I do not feel confident with this type of degree, and seeing the same from many other students, makes it even worse. Are employers going to take this degree seriously? Do we as online students even stack up or compare to those students who attended on campus schools? I have my A.S. degree from on campus school, and I can tell you I had no problems, and the education was like night and day.

I have found plenty of reviews, 90% of which are saying the same thing I am. These you can find within the links I posted. I am just opening eyes of students to really rethink the education online. If I may say, go to an on campus school. Online schooling is nothing but problems leading students only into debt, and no where to go. I have put together an informative site against online schooling (www.aiopghbware.com) because seeing all of these reviews. We as students need to stand our ground together and boycott these businesses posing as educators. If we let these businesses continue to rape us of our education, what is next. My site is still being built, but the BLOG section is up, the links and reviews will take you to the AIO student reviews. Please take your time to read these. There is even past and present employees of AIO, who really exploit this businesses intensions and how they make their money off of us. Education and money are very sensitive. Please rethink your desire to attend online schooling. In short, Don't do it. Please feel free to email me with any questions, or horror stories of your own. You can find out more about me on my blog http://aiopghbeware.com/pblog/index.php,
and my intensions. To inform students, and others who are even thinking about going to online schools.
PA

[aiopghbeware]

If you are a student looking to attend the any Art Institute Online be beware.
I have included links to show you why. The reason they are so hard to find because AIO does not offer a complaint forum. It is actually found on the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Students got tired of getting screwed, and that was the only place to post reviews, and their horror stories. PLEASE VISIT LINKS BELOW:

http://www.studentsreview.com/PA/AIO...f%20Pittsburgh

http://uopsucks.com/home.html

These are Huge businesses posing as schools and taking students money. EDMC owns all of the Art Institues Online. I have found pattern of horror stories from all over the country regarding these schools.

I have had nothing but problems with this school. I have put in 15 months to earn my B.S. degree from the Art Institute Online Pittsburgh Division, and have yet to receive my degree. I am $30k in debt and no degree. This came up after 4 months of me calling, and have this surprise of money I supposedly owe. This seems to be a reoccurring theme with these people.
The classes were a joke, the curriculum was terrible. It was all busy work. I can honestly say I feel more embarrassed to say that I have earned my B.S. from The Art Institute Online, rather that of an on campus schools. I do not feel confident with this type of degree, and seeing the same from many other students, makes it even worse. Are employers going to take this degree seriously? Do we as online students even stack up or compare to those students who attended on campus schools? I have my A.S. degree from on campus school, and I can tell you I had no problems, and the education was like night and day.

I have found plenty of reviews, 90% of which are saying the same thing I am. These you can find within the links I posted. I am just opening eyes of students to really rethink the education online. If I may say, go to an on campus school. Online schooling is nothing but problems leading students only into debt, and no where to go. I have put together an informative site against online schooling (www.aiopghbware.com) because seeing all of these reviews. We as students need to stand our ground together and boycott these businesses posing as educators. If we let these businesses continue to rape us of our education, what is next. My site is still being built, but the BLOG section is up, the links and reviews will take you to the AIO student reviews. Please take your time to read these. There is even past and present employees of AIO, who really exploit this businesses intensions and how they make their money off of us. Education and money are very sensitive. Please rethink your desire to attend online schooling. In short, Don't do it. Please feel free to email me with any questions, or horror stories of your own. You can find out more about me on my blog http://aiopghbeware.com/pblog/index.php,
and my intensions. To inform students, and others who are even thinking about going to online schools.
PA
Edit/Delete Message

[aiopghbeware]

If you are a student looking to attend the any Art Institute Online be beware.
I have included links to show you why. The reason they are so hard to find because AIO does not offer a complaint forum. It is actually found on the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Students got tired of getting screwed, and that was the only place to post reviews, and their horror stories. PLEASE VISIT LINKS BELOW:

http://www.studentsreview.com/PA/AIO...f%20Pittsburgh

http://uopsucks.com/home.html

These are Huge businesses posing as schools and taking students money. EDMC owns all of the Art Institues Online. I have found pattern of horror stories from all over the country regarding these schools.

I have had nothing but problems with this school. I have put in 15 months to earn my B.S. degree from the Art Institute Online Pittsburgh Division, and have yet to receive my degree. I am $30k in debt and no degree. This came up after 4 months of me calling, and have this surprise of money I supposedly owe. This seems to be a reoccurring theme with these people.
The classes were a joke, the curriculum was terrible. It was all busy work. I can honestly say I feel more embarrassed to say that I have earned my B.S. from The Art Institute Online, rather that of an on campus schools. I do not feel confident with this type of degree, and seeing the same from many other students, makes it even worse. Are employers going to take this degree seriously? Do we as online students even stack up or compare to those students who attended on campus schools? I have my A.S. degree from on campus school, and I can tell you I had no problems, and the education was like night and day.

I have found plenty of reviews, 90% of which are saying the same thing I am. These you can find within the links I posted. I am just opening eyes of students to really rethink the education online. If I may say, go to an on campus school. Online schooling is nothing but problems leading students only into debt, and no where to go. I have put together an informative site against online schooling (www.aiopghbware.com) because seeing all of these reviews. We as students need to stand our ground together and boycott these businesses posing as educators. If we let these businesses continue to rape us of our education, what is next. My site is still being built, but the BLOG section is up, the links and reviews will take you to the AIO student reviews. Please take your time to read these. There is even past and present employees of AIO, who really exploit this businesses intensions and how they make their money off of us. Education and money are very sensitive. Please rethink your desire to attend online schooling. In short, Dont do it.
PA

[WA8VUV]

Friend, it seems your experience with this school is tantamount to a disaster. I sympathize with you and your dilemma, but just because the online institution that you chose to attend, in your words, is a scam does not make all online schools such. You simply cannot toss all online schools in the same basket. The online schools that I have attended and graduated from simply were not any thing like you have stated. I took the liberty of connecting to the link you provided and viewed the comments by other posters. It seems that there is a split in the opinions of those posting. Some say the school and their experiences were good, while others like you profess the opposite.
So, I cannot agree with your statement where you wrote, “Please rethink your desire to attend online schooling. In short, Don’t do it.”
I find nothing wrong with the offerings from online schools that are legal and accredited by organizations recognized by the USDOE and the CHEA.
If you feel that you have been scammed by this school, and the school is accredited, your best method of solving your dilemma would be to report the school to the accrediting organization that accredits them.


Bill

[aiopghbeware]

I am just giving a heads up to those thinking about online schooling. The reviews seem to be split, but after reading through all eight pages, I believe over half were negative towards AIO.

The ones with good reviews, are making reference to the Art Institute of Pittsbugh on campus. Which I graduated from there, and have nothing but good to say about that facility, but again it is on ground.

I agree with not compiling all onlines schools within this category, however I see a trend with Art Institutes Online. Pittsburgh, Seattle, Arizona, all have been getting negative reviews. This could be due to the Multi million dollar company that owns all of them (EDMC).UOP online gets terrible reviews.

All I am s***esting is for students to rethink where their money goes, and their education. I can honestly say I couldn't find reviews etc. about onlines schooling. If I had, I would have dug deeper into researching the school before going, and re-thought it a lot more. I have been put in this position, and I just hope to shed some light on what is happening with online schooling. I am not saying all, but it only takes one apple to spoil the bunch. I must say this made me very reluctant of any online school.

I only wish the best for those who are seeking higher education, just please look into the schools before signing up. I wish I had dug deeper myself.

Thank you all for reviewing my post and at least considering the message.
PA

[tengu79]

Wow aiopghbware ... it sounds like this is a bit personal for you. You responded to a 2 year old thread with this ... you must have been digging. I guess you didn't pay your hosting bill either as www.aiopghbware.com is not in service. I guess that is because that tuition took all of your money right? :razz:

I attended AIP and then when my fiancee had to relocate I transferred into the online program. The curriculum was the same and I actually learned more as I got to do it on my own time. As for you saying your degree from an online program is not taken seriously - your words are crap - as the degree I got (and any students who graduate from the online program get) is identical to the degree you receive if you graduate from the ground campus. You said you did not get your degree because you owe money - well if you went to any public state university and you didn't pay your tuition (or your student loans/grants didn't pay your tuition) then you would not get the hard copy of your degree either!

Just because you did not pay your tuition for whatever reason - do not knock online education. For those of us who have to work for a living - taking 4 years out of your life to attend a ground campus IS NOT AN OPTION!

Educate yourself and do not speak out of anger. Don't knock the education of online students just because you did not pay your tuition (or your web hosting bill).

Thanks - have a great life.

[cklapka]

It looks as thought AIO has recently received there regional accreditation from Middle States.

http://www.aionline.edu/accreditation/

[Kyle]

Here's some info I found on a landing page for the school:

Build on Your Knowledge

Increase Your Potential

Serious about becoming a professional in the creative arts? We're here to help you get the education you need. You can earn a degree or diploma while attending class anytime - day or night - to fit your busy schedule. Choose from our broad range of academic programs to find one that inspires you.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh — Online Division offers the following programs:
Bachelor
Advertising
Culinary Management
Fashion & Retail Management
Game Art & Design
Graphic Design
Hotel & Restaurant Management
Interior Design
Web Design & Interactive Media
Media Arts & Animation

Associate
Graphic Design
Kitchen & Bath Design
Web Design & Interactive Media

Diploma
Digital Design
Residential Planning
Web Design

[KT78]

Hey everyone. I came across this thread and I just had to reply to you guys. I've been going to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online for almost two years now. I absolutely love it, and I feel I have learned more in this environment, than in any other college I had previously attempted. I think that's because, this is at my pace. I actually was lucky enough to win a scholarship, and come on...it's The Art Institute! They are respectable! The only complaints I have are as follows:

1. I've had only one really terrible instructor in the past two years. No feedback at all on my work, and even after I emailed her repeatedly. She even graded other classmate's work incorrectly, and wouldn't own up to it.

2. Once you start the admission process, the phone calls from people don't stop. There is help everywhere you need it. After you are up and running, it's really hard to actually get contact from another human being.

3. You REALLY DO have to participate. It's an actual school, where you learn and do homework.

Oh..and one more thing...I didn't have to draw a bear with a hat on, or a car to get into school.

So for all those who wondered, AI Online is great. I feel that my education in Graphic Design has really come a long way. I've learned so much. I just can't wait to get done! :D

[amychelle]

Hey, everybody. I am currently attending The Art Institute online, I like the one class I have had so far and I've not had too many problems getting responses from my instructor. Now I’m starting to wonder if I'll be saying that later.
Has anyone had problems getting a return phone call or email from the Academic Adviser's or Financial Aid people at the school? So far I have received one email response from my "adviser" to a question out off like 5 and one call back after I was told by support to leave a message for his supervisor. As for financial aid, well I gave up on them and now I just talk to student support. I left one voice mail for my financial aid "adviser" and sent 2 emails. When I never got a response student support said to leave a message for her supervisor, I did that and he didn't even call me back.
I referred my friend to the school and she can't even get a return call from the enrollment person, who’s missed 2 phone call appointments that she set up with my friend. I think that’s pretty bad when you can’t even get the sales people to call you.
Anyways I just found this thread and wanted to see if anyone else has had these problems.
Sorry this is so long I am just getting frustrated.

[tpmotor]

We have to remember something: Everyone's experience will be different. I have had no issues with class at this school. Maybe some of the advisors are weak, but mine was great. If any wants contact info for him, let me know. He has always answered all of my questions and was very professional.

Paul:)

[Jen81]

It looks like this is an old thread, but I wanted to respond to it anyway, as I am an employee of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division. When prospective students want to find more information about the school, I usually direct them to our Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/aicampuscommon

You can interface here with current students and pose any questions you may have.