The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (TAIP) Academics and Admissions

Academics

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, founded in 1921, is the oldest of the Art Institutes, private institutions of higher learning for people who want to pursue a career in the creative or visual arts.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers associate and bachelor degrees, as well as certificates, in four areas of study: Culinary, Design, Fashion, and Media Arts.

Students within The International Culinary School may choose an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts, a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management and Hotel & Restaurant Management, or The Art of Cooking certificate.

Within the School of Design, students may choose a Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following fields: Interior Design, Graphic Design, Entertainment Design, Industrial Design, or Advertising. An Associate in Science degree is also offered in the areas of Graphic Design, Kitchen & Bath Design, and Industrial Design Technology. Students may also pursue a Digital Design certificate.

The School of Fashion offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion & Retail Management.

The School for Media Arts offers both degree levels. Students may choose a Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following programs: Game Art & Design, Photography, Media Arts & Animation, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, or Web Design & Interactive Media. The institute also offers an Associate of Science degree in Photography, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, or Web Design & Interactive Media. A Web Design certificate is also available.

Aside from the above areas of study, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh also offers general education courses which may include classes such as chemistry, speech, advanced communications, economics, and computer literacy, and foundation courses which are classes geared toward a student’s specific career path.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is accredited by both the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools. The school’s Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, and its Culinary Arts program by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 221st in Pennsylvania and 3573rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	40.6
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$19,032
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	18 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	54% / 28%
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,544

Admissions

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is open to all students interested in pursuing a degree in the arts, and who have graduated with a diploma from a secondary school or equivalent. The admissions application is available online at the institute’s website.

Applicants to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh should submit a high school diploma or GED equivalent, as well as a transcript of grades. They will also need to write an essay about the department in which they want to enroll and what they hope to get out of their education.

Students seeking bachelor degrees must provide proof of high school completion with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, or GED certificate with a score equivalent to a 2.0 GPA, or proof of an associate’s degree. Students seeking associate degrees must provide the above, with the exception of a minimum GPA of 1.5. In addition, students are asked to submit ACT or SAT test scores.

Students interested in applying for the Media Arts & Animation & Game Art & Design programs should include a portfolio.

Prospective students are evaluated on the following criteria:

Previous education
Academic performance
Written essay (which is explained in the application)
Experience or interest in any of the art fields offered at the Institute

Prospective students might need to take an ASSET test to determine their English and Mathematics skill levels.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be demonstrated by a minimum score of 480 for diploma programs on the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A minimum score of 500 is required for associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs.

Open houses, which are held about eight times a year, are an ideal way to get acquainted with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and its admissions policies. Students are encouraged to apply online.

Gallery

Financial Aid

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers students a number of financial aid options. Students may be eligible for federal and state grants, work-study programs, and loans. To be considered, students must fill out a FAFSA form which is available on the school’s website.

In addition, The Art Institutes offer regional awards, grants, and scholarships. Students interested in these financial aid options must contact the Admissions office to find out what is available and how to apply.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides a detailed website with descriptions of all financial assistance possibilities along with instructions on how to apply and who to contact for more information.

Financial Aid—in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work study programs—are available for students who need help paying their way through college.

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as soon as they enroll. This can be done online, and a lender will contact the student.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2329th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh serves a wide range of students, including students pursuing bachelor degrees, students seeking associate degrees, as well as students looking to fulfill a specific certification.

Student housing is available for students looking to live on campus. There are over 100 apartments and about 200 dormitories on campus to house students. Students can also be involved in campus life through the many clubs and organizations available on campus.

In addition, the Career Services Department assists students with finding part-time work while attending school, as well as entry-level positions upon graduation.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is located in a 177,000-square feet facility in downtown Pittsburgh, a city that is getting long-overdue recognition as one of America’s best and most beautiful big cities. (

The Institute’s main location is on the Boulevard of the Allies and within walking distance to the theatre district and PNC Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Pirates. The city is also home to the Carnegie Museums, Andy Warhol Museum, and the National Aviary, which features over 200 species of rare and endangered birds.

The Art Institute’s building is equipped with a library, television production studio, industrial machine shop, and the Taste of Art Restaurant.

Numerous clubs are available to students who attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. These include the Culinary Arts Club, Ceramics Club, Drama Club, Fashion Club, and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Illustrators. Two more extracurricular activities are the Right Brain Newsletter and AiP TV, the school’s television production group. Both of these clubs are open to all students.

Some student housing is available near the campus at Shannon Hall, an apartment building that is home to 600 students. Additional housing for 200 people is also located near campus. Students can apply for Shannon Hall online.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

To maintain physical and mental well-being, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh works together with the local YMCA to provide student activities such basketball tournaments, and other health fitness opportunities. In addition, the Student Development Department brings in local organizations to provide health and wellness seminars for the students.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh