The Art Institute of Washington

[Anonymous]

Can anyone offer any info on the Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, VA? DD is interested in applying there, but after speaking to one of the reps and finding out they only have a 26% graduation rate, I'm very, very leery of this school. TIA!

[Anonymous]

My neighbor teaches there. I would be a little leery--don't expect a typical college experience in the least. Some of the classes she teaches have only 2-5 students.

[Anonymous]

It is a for-profit school. The for-profit schools have a history of promising things they can not deliver, and leaving students with big debts and few employment opportunities. I do not know about this place particularly, but I would not let my child go there. Look at communi colleges which may have similar programs but also have college degree options.

[Anonymous]

Noooo do not go there!! The Art Institutes are known for sticking students with an immense amount of debt, and degrees that do not leave them with enough earning potential to be worth it. I understand that they used to be a better school, but the for-profit model has taken over. This would be a seriously terrible decision.

[Anonymous]

Also, there is no "applying" to most for profit schools. They are selling to you - it is not exclusive or an admissions system like you would think. They will sell to anyone in order to get their student loan $$$.

[Anonymous]

WOW...OP here, thanks so much for the info everyone. So glad to know my suspicions were on target. It really did seem like a "time share" sales pitch...a lot of fast talking and pressure tactics. I got really concerned when they told us the only dorms were actually high end luxury apartments that were... $1200 a month??? So glad I was able to get some worthy responses...thanks again!