The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Date: Apr 20 2008
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
People need to open their eyes and do a little research before attending schools like this. The problem is with For-Profit institutions in general. On the surface, non-profits and for-profits look the same. They seem to offer similar degrees and programs, but the difference is apparent in their educational standards and operating techniques. For anyone interested in learning about this topic, I recommend doing your own research. What you will find is that many of these so-called schools have a lot in common. I think everyone is free to come to their own conclusions, but for me, its obvious what is happening. These places were designed, not to provide an excellent education, but to make money. They sell big dreams, for a big price. Unfortunately they tend to prey on low-income families and they are banking on the fact that you dont know the difference between accreditation or educational standards. It is also true that these for-profit institutions are trying to blur the differences of national accreditation and regional accreditation in order to make it harder for the consumer to differentiate between the two. There is a difference between the two, and if one of these for-profit schools ever gets regionally accredited, youll know the system has failed us once again.

In todays world, money equals power. Fortunately, we can overcome this as knowledge itself, though indirectly, can yield power. Do your own research beforehand. Yes, you have to be willing to take the time to read, but it will save you bundles of money in the end. There are some very powerful articles out there that expose the truth and how peoples lives are being ruined every day. The source of the problem exists right now with how laws are made and how lobbyists (with ties to private corporations, ie. for-profits) can pay the government money in order to twist laws in their favor, thus enabling these types of schools to even exist in the first place! There is little you can do about that as an individual, except to avoid these schools altogether. Over time, we can only hope that someone will come along and reject this money in order to do what is right; protect the consumer. It will be then, and only then, that these schools will begin to get shut down one after the other. This problem runs deep and cuts directly into the issues our country is facing in other sectors, but thats another matter altogether. Feel free to delve into that topic, but I warn you, it isnt for the faint of heart.

One has to ask themselves, do you think that this school will be around in 10 years? 20 years? Will it even matter? Your education will most likely be paid, at least in part, by federally funded student loans. You will be responsible for paying that money back, whether or not the school stays open, or if it is forced to shut down like some have.

You have to realize that education is different than any product you may purchase at a store or other private business. At the end of the day, you cant return your degree or student loan. Just know that there are other well-established schools out there that provide a better education for a lower price and for the degree that you seek. Good luck!