The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Date: Jun 18 2012
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
Let's start with the goods: I was here for Game Art & Design and actually felt like I was learning about the programs pertaining to the major. Most of the teachers had had some sort of experience in the field and could speak truthfully from that experience. I felt safe on campus and in the Shannon Hall dorms, and the Bingo events where you could win free food were a blast. The teachers encouraged you to ask questions if you were confused and often reminded you of the open-and-available tutoring centers, which were immensely helpful when I went to them. I met some great people, improved on my art, and actually liked it here a lot. Sure, some classes were a bit hollow, like Intro to Psychology, but you get that in any college.

Now to the bads.

This place is EXPENSIVE. Seriously, over-the-top expensive. If you're going here, make sure you have EVERYTHING lined up, from scholarships to grants to loans, and be ready to pay even more because at the time of my departure (brought on by financial issues, no less) they were still hiking up the cost in the face of closing down one of their dorm buildings and giving the campus building some rather unnecessary innovations.

Next, I lived in Shannon Hall and it should be noted that it can be a bit of a fixer-upper sometimes; leaking spots on the top floor, the floors aren't exactly home decor pride, and the fact that it was converted from a parking garage can be a bit obvious times. And at least one elevator isn't working 75% of the time. On the plus side, the repairmen are very quick to respond to complaints and are good at their job. Plus, the RA's were helpful providing it wasn't the weekend, which is when they all vanish off to Narnia or something.

Third; the job aide department is shit. Just saying. It claims to be there to help you get a job, but when I went there a couple of times to ask for advice or help, the people working there simply gave me a link to an online job board and told me to have at it. Pretty useless branch.

And probably the most disappointing factor of all for you game maker-wannabes out there; some of the teachers let slip that you could simply get the same tutorial classes for the 3D programs by just buying the programs on your own computer and looking up free tutorials on Youtube. So, in essence, you're wasting over a grand on a class you could get with the cost of a hundred dollar-or-so program. I'll let you make of that what you will.

So, in summary; very friendly, encouraging place if you haul your sleepy ass out of bed to the classes and put effort into them. But cost-wise, as least in game creation, you're better off investing in a good computer and the 3D creation programs and following a series of Youtube tutorials, or at least finding a cheaper school. What ever you choose, good luck, good fortunes, and make sure to double check your finance calculator.