The Southwest University of Visual Arts - Tucson

Date: Oct 06 2015
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
I have had an unbelievably—and I mean UNBELIEVABLY—bad experience at this school. By that I mean it is VERY surprising that this school is still accredited and hasn't been sued out of existence.

This school is way too disorganized and unprofessional for how expensive it is. I had mysterious and unexplained charges showing up on my account, received aggressive phone threats telling me that I still owe them money even though they never sent me a new bill, and I received a letter saying that I'm now incurring student loan debt, even though I have never taken out a loan. I routinely had to cancel checks that I've physically handed to the administration staff because the school has lost them.

I was then denied my diploma 2 YEARS after graduation due to poor book-keeping and disorganized administration. At the time I graduated in 2013, I was told that I was finished paying for my education. It is my fault that I never got a receipt saying that it had be paid in full.. because NOW I owe a balance and my diploma is being held hostage.

Whenever SUVA is mentioned among alumni, you can HEAR the eyes rolling. Students, both current and graduated, are unanimously disgusted with the staff, the instruction, and the quality of the education.

With the exception of a few amazing teachers (who have since left), the instructors here are underqualified. The turnover rate here are high, and the tenured professors give you assignments that might have been relevant in the 80's, but are definitely no longer useful for today's portfolios. It is tragic that the few amazingly talented professors that taught me during my freshman and sophomore years are no longer there, because they were shining examples of talent in a muddy cesspool of mediocrity. Because of the toxic environment, MOST of the credible teachers have left.

This school makes a lot of promises to prospective students just to rope them in—like promises to assist you with finding work after graduation—but then never deliver when pressed. They really only care about getting new students, but once you're in (or an alumnus), they couldn't care less about you unless you're giving them money.

Don't waste your time/effort/money/life going to this school.