Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-San Diego (AUTAICSD, ) Academics and Admissions

Academics

As one of 40 plus Art Institutes throughout North America, the Art Institute of California – San Diego stands out from the rest due to its location in the Mission Valley, near cultural attractions, entertainment areas and very well known beaches. The actual school is equipped with large classrooms and all of the professional equipment and amenities needed for students to explore their creativity and succeed, including but not limited to high-tech computer labs, an art supply store, a library and a student lounge.

With majors covering a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degrees, from advertising and fashion marketing to graphic design and visual & game programming, the school offers many fields of study not found at other schools. In fact, the culinary arts section of the school recently received an upgrade with the April 2004 opening of The Palette, a restaurant operated by both senior culinary students and the chef faculty.

Courses and degree programs are offered year-round, divided up into quarter systems, so students can attain their degree a lot faster than traditional universities. Students can normally complete a program and obtain a degree within 21 to 36 months, depending on the specific field.

Additionally, the staff and industry professionals constantly review and revise the school’s curriculum, guaranteeing that what is taught to students is applicable to the modern, changing work field. Because of this, graduates are always prepared for soliciting entry-level positions within their fields.

Also, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology has accredited the Art Institute of California – San Diego.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 332nd in California and 3611th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	39.9
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$20,565
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	44 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	62% / 19%
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,869

Admissions

Generally, the admission for the Art Institute of California – San Diego requires students to be high school graduates and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. For all applicants below a 2.0 GPA, an application requires two letters of recommendation.

Additionally, all applicants need to submit a 150-word essay describing how their goals will be attained with an education from the Art Institute. An in-person or phone interview is also required.

Since the school runs on a quarter system throughout the year, applications are thus accepted all year long.

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Financial Aid

The school requires the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine the need for financial aid. Anyone can apply for financial aid, but the school will analyze overall costs and available resources in order to calculate the amount of student financial aid needed.

The enrollment packet received after institute acceptance includes many of the applications and directions needed for requesting financial aid. Additionally, financial aid officers are available to help with getting everything in order.

From there, federal grants and loans can become available to students as well as alternative loan programs through the student financial services department of the Art Institute.

With regards to actual scholarships, the Art Institute offers a variety of scholarships to high school seniors, such as the Best Teen Chef Competition, which awards tuition scholarships to the local and national winners of the three-part contest.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2855th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Students

Since the student population hovers around 2100 and the faculty at around 300, small classrooms can be expected at the Art Institute of California – San Diego. Smaller classrooms equals more one-on-one time with an instructor and thus can allow creativity to flourish.

Although many live in private residences, school sponsored housing is available for students. Fully furnished apartments with all the necessary amenities are available, and all utilities are provided except for telephone service.

With regards to student life, San Diego provides a number of activities for everyone to enjoy. A few hours north or south of the school brings students to the Mexican border, Los Angeles, deserts and mountains. Additionally, San Diego itself has a number of outdoor activities available including mountain biking, golfing and jogging. Not to mention the famous beaches that liter the coastline of the city.

For more of the wildlife cravings, the area offers the San Diego Zoo, one of the best zoos in the United States, as well as Sea World and the Wild Animal Park. For a cultural twist, the San Diego Art Institute Museum showcases many of the areas up and coming visual artists, and the opera and theater district can provide some additional creativity when not in classes.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Alumni

With over 150,000 alumni and graduates from the entire network of schools, the Art Institute of California – San Diego participates in the tightly connected alumni network. In fact, a quarterly newsletter is released to keep everyone up to date on all alumni related news.

Additionally, the career services at the Art Institute of California – San Diego aids in the assistance of finding and providing entry-level jobs to all current students, graduates and alumni of the school. So, no matter how many years after graduating, the school will still help an alumni find a job within their chosen study field.

Argosy University-The Art Institute of California-San Diego