The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Date: Dec 11 2012
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
Did you know that the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online is running a scam? They are and let me tell you all about it. First when you call, and if you have transfer credits they tell you they will take your credits. When you ask how much you will be left to pay you are told around 48,000 to 50,000 to finish your degree. Then they tell you that you will have enough financial aid to finish your degree. When you question taking out 50,000 in loans they tell you they have a top of the line financial aid office that is experienced with helping students get scholarships, and they also offer their own scholarships. Then when you notice that not all of the credits that should transfer in are applied they tell you they are working on it not to worry.

Then when you are one year away from graduation they call you and tell you that they have maxed out your financial aid and you don't qualify for anymore. Part of this is due to the fact that they go up on tuition every year, add a classroom fee for what amounts to little more than an outline, force students to buy digital books, and discredit transfer credits.

What you don't know at this point is it is impossible to get a private loan because they look at the student loans you already have. What you don't know is that at this point if you try to transfer your credits to a local college for any degree in art they will not accept AIO's credits. What you don't know is that if you are lucky enough to find a scholarship that requires their input they will do nothing. They tell you to send them a letter with proof you got denied a loan, and to send them proof that you have applied for scholarships. I did that on September 19, 2012 of this year. They say once they get that information back they will help you. The thing here is I have an organization that realizes I have the talent and they are willing to help. But they want AIO to honor their word before they will send any money. AIO knows this and instead of honoring their word they have chosen to play the ignore the call game. I have left 6 messages with the financial aid division. I have actually talked to them 3 times and been told someone will call me back today or tomorrow. NO CALLS COME! Then I have talked to my academic advisor twice about this. Today I asked for the President of AIO's number, his name is George W. Sebolt, so I could get this resolved and hopefully get the scholarship. I was told she could not give me that number. Further, I was told yet again that the manager of the financial aid division would call me back. NO CALL!

My advise to anyone just starting in this college is to get out now before you are stuck like me and others. Further, it is very concerning that no one will take their credits. What is worse is when you get into graphic design forums they say the college does not prepare the students with the skills necessary to succeed. This is not surprising because I have argued with the college pointing out that each Adobe Program should be a class. You need to know this program so well you can do it with your eyes closed. But they feel that the bits and pieces you get in class are enough. This is a gross injustice for the money they expect to be paid. So get out now, and if you are thinking about going here don't do it. Really take this seriously. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They will jerk you around until they use up all your financial aid and then refuse to call you back or honor anything they said when you enrolled. Further, you won't be able to find a private lendered because they maxed out the financial aid. They know this when they sign you up. They know the limits of financial aid so telling you there will be enough is a lie. If you were done this way and need help please email me at I have a lawyer that is trying to gather enough people to start a class action lawsuit. You also need to contact FAFSA and the Department of Education and file a formal complaint. This is beyond unprofessional and these people need to be stopped. DO IT NOW. Don't wait until it is too late and you are stuck playing the ignore the phone call game I am stuck in. I am not the only one who was told these things, and I am not the only one they have played the ignore the phone call game with.

This is a grand form of fraud that needs to be stopped.