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Academy of Art University
Categories: Education Colleges & Universities Education Specialty Schools Art Schools Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Colleges & Universities, Art Schools, Art Galleries
79 New Montgomery St(between Jessie St & Aldrich Aly)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 274-2200
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
Carrington College California has helped shape the careers of thousands of students entering the health, legal and technical professions over the last… read more »
125 reviews for Academy of Art University
125 reviews in English
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Review from Court S.
San Francisco, CA
Yelp seemed to have consolidated all the AAU buildings into one location at 79NM. 625 Polk st. Is the new fashion building.
This school is great because business savvy, world famous guest speakers always make appearances( Sarah Burton, JPG).2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/9/2011
This is now the new fashion building. It's in a somewhat rough area but hopefully us college… Read more »
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Review from Bebee I.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/9/2012
Note to all parents:
If you have your teenager staying in one of the dormitories; be assured that there will be plenty of smoking, drinking, etc. going on. Seven days a week, fun!
This is a Real Estate company pretending to be a school.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/14/2007
What comes to my mind when I hear "Academy of Art University"??? Art, books, drawings, sketches,… Read more »
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Review from Mandi W.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/2/2012
I graduate in 2 weeks. Here's my update:
UNDERGRAD:
This is a GREAT school for undergrads. With real world instructors in your industry, they really give you a lot of insight into the business. Plus you can get internships and connections through them if you push yourself and show them that you give a shit and want to learn.
GRAD:
This is not a place for graduates UNLESS you know exactly what field you want to go into. If you're unsure, figure out what you want to do first. AAU is WAYYYY too expensive to not know. You don't want to end up switching majors and having to start all over, especially since you're paying $15,000 a year.
The bad thing with graduates is that because the school allows anyone in, whether they have an art background or not, a lot of the instructors teach to the bottom percent of the class to help bring them up to speed. What happens to the students who have background knowledge in the field? They're left twiddling their thumbs getting frustrated because they can't move forward.
The instructors should really teach to the top 10% of the class. While yes, you do learn from your instructors; you really learn from your peers. If you're struggling, but see some classmates get A's, that pushes you to do better because you know getting an A is possible, and so on and so forth.
DORMS:
If you're an undergrad, living in the dorms is a great place to meet people and make friends. Down side is that you have to check people in and out- with 10pm being the cut off.
If you're a grad student, I highly advice NOT living in the dorms. They do have "grad" dorms, but the same rules apply... and since I don't like people telling me when I can have friends over, I passed on that.
Besides, dorms are so much more expensive than just getting an apartment (btw, the city is super expensive for cost of living).
If you don't want to live in the dorms but don't know people in the city, check their facebook pages and post about whether or not anyone else is looking for a roommate. Also, if you check with the school, they can give you a list of names and email addys of people who are moving to SF too, so you can contact them if you want.
CAMPUS LIFE:
If you're looking for a traditional college with a large campus.... this is not it. There is no campus. The school just buys buildings around the city then converts them into an AAU building.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2010
I see that AAU has gotten alot of bad one star reviews- those people are just venting. I'm trying to… Read more »
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Review from H Jon A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2012
For starters...i really hope your here to read the reviews and gauge a decision that is appropriate to you as an individual.
I'll start with:
Privat school IS expensive...so dont compare it to state or universities.
administration sucks...YES most institutions administration sucks, and it should not be a surprise that a school that was taken over by the founders daughter [or is it granddaughter] took it over...if you havent figured out by now, but higher education was a booming market during our recession in this country.
These ranters here on yelp fall into the category of not quite understanding what "studies" are. In the creative field we have to work double time to achieve what we ultimately want [which in fact is a grey area that noone really knows until later]. That said.....the school has its issues compared to many. It lacks things that you would normally find in other schools. Which leads to my point:
Academy of Art is NOT necessarily a school where you HAVE to graduate to achieve! Many MANY MANY students find jobs or do their own art before they finish..whether they didnt have money to finish or they chose not to, THIS is VERY different from the kids that bash this school and then stop going becuase of some snotty conflict...i saw those kids drop like flies...my classes would start off at 27classmates and end with 5 of us...other classes half the class would be gone by midterm....This did not stop until my 3rd year!
I started at AAU as an Industrial Design student...i loved it! the work was hard and i learned alot...you can only be as good as you put into this school...this is intentional to weed out the weak...companies do NOT want weak people purely for the nature of the workload and deadline environments.
After one year i moved to the fashion dept...its ruthless...as a design major.. if you actually try, you'll realize your teachers, professors, and instructors will give you what you ask for...like me...i was hungry to learn everything and do everything and all the staff at AAU gave it to me, they pushed me...and now...i've been out of school for 2yrs now, and have worked and tasted many parts of this fashion world....I now work for a big studio where i do everything [super fun!]...I WILL TELL YOU THIS...
"I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE LEARNED AND EXPERIENCED WHAT I DID AT ACADEMY OF ART because it disciplined my skills, my designing, my knowledge, and confidence to execute...all while not going crazy about stressing when i need to be creative"
I hope this helps -
Review from Marie M.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2012
They have the online programs and after speaking with their "admission reps" aka salesman I finally came to the conclusion that unless you have a lot of $$$ that it's impossible to afford this place on your own. I'm a working mom and hoped I could afford to maybe even take one class a semester but a monthly payment to take one class would easily run me $600 a month and that's not including supplies or books. I'm close to receiving a BA so I will more than likely attend and out of state online program that is more AFFORDABLE and just as/if not more reputable. I suggest if you're looking into online programs to check out SCAD, Parsons, or the Art Institutes as well. They all offer online degrees. SCAD is one of the top rated art schools in the country...
Just bites...I live in the bay area and had hoped to attend a bay area school but AAU is beyond my reach. FYI...They even did a calculation to see who much it would be if I were to go FULL TIME and receive my max amount of student aid (which included grants/stafford loans...I was still left with a $20K balance per semester to attend...EEK! -
Review from Megan M.
Pleasant Hill, CA
11/3/2011
I wish I would have read these reviews before enrolling in this school 3 years ago.
With a fine art degree from UCLA and a recession getting into full swing, the only job I could get was as a receptionist. So I figured I would go back to school and get some technical skills that will get me hired as an artist. Now 3 and half years later I am getting close to $150,000.00 in debt with not a whole lot of new skills to show for it.
For the teachers of this school (at least in the illustration and animation department) I give FIVE STARS! They are knowledgeable and most either are or have been in the industry. If I have trouble getting hold of some teachers outside of class it is typically because aside from a full class schedule, with workshops, they are also trying to do their own work either free lance or with a studio. But most of them do get back to me.
My advisor was worthless. She screwed up more times than I care to recount. She knew nothing about what classes I needed. Because of her I am MORE in debt for classes I didn't need. But really I just feel the administration itself at this school is awful. When I reported the various ways she messed up my education to her supervisor the answer I got was "You can always use another advisor". I guess they are paid to know about the school or classes being offered or classes that certain majors need. I could go on...and on, but I have read the other reviews and don't feel like repeating them.
Basically if you are thinking of going here make sure YOU research what you need. Do not rely on their curriculum. Make it work for you and do it in as little time as possible so you don't end up with a crushing debt like me. But really, though the teachers are great and passionate (the only reason there's two stars instead of one or zero if that's even possible) I still wouldn't recommend AAU. -
Review from Sora R.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2011
Like almost everyone here has said, this school isn't the best. There are some pros and some cons.
Pros:
- Most of the teachers are experienced enough that they can give genuinue, insightful feed back on your work.
- You'll be able to meet some seriously talented people at the Spring Show.
- Anyone can get in (though in my opinion they should have some sort of art test to see if you have skill or potential)
- It's an intense Curriculum that will make you completely rethink the way you look at art in all majors.
Cons:
-You're forced to take classes that are a complete and meaningless waste of time.
-You pretty much have to sell your soul to pay for this school.
-The moment you set foot in the building, you must forfit your will, your opinion, your creativity and mindlessly agree to everything they tell you. Challenge nothing.
-They don't mention that this isn't a basic 4-year school, it's more of a "we're going to keep you in here and suck you dry until you either drop out or are a good little drone for 5+ years"
-They have a special way of destroying your artistic creativity...
-Anyone can get it. No Talent? No Problem~! -
Review from Tramanh V.
Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/11/2012
I spent most of my time in this building. The library is so good, and the labs are great. The only thing I don't like is that some of the lab techs just don't don't have enough knowledge to help you in the lab. So if you are going to work in the lab, you better bring your book..
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/10/2012
I agree that this school is very expensive, but I think it's worthed. I'm an international student,… Read more »
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Review from Daniel H.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is my 6th semester that I attended, and I saw many students who were complaining through internet. However this is only my opinion.
Pros:Instructors are very professional and well experienced.
Hardcore curriculum, don't expect the standard from community college.
Workshops for everyone and for every major I believe... Tuition Price is decent when it's compared to other private art institutions although living expense is crazy. Campus shuttle is awesome!
Cons: It's right in center of SF, campus does not offer parking like many other schools, cheapest parking rates are about $10~$11 per 3hrs. A culture shock! more than 50% of the students are exchange students. -
Review from Brit H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/4/2012
but seriously...you still don't have a decent, consistent fine art gallery??
fine art (sigh)* the bastard child(ren) of the institution. not much for roots.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2007
I graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts in 2007 and am pleased with my education and the time spent… Read more »
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Review from Tasha A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/11/2011
In addition to my last review a few things have come to my attention.
While talking to a few former students of AAU who also have had negative things to say about the institution and have left comments on yelp, we've all noticed that we get seemingly fake emails asking us tons of questions about our time there.
I've had 3-4 emails from different "prospective students". When asking questions back their story does not fit. Their profiles are always empty and with no photo.
AAU has contacted other students about removing their remarks as well.
If they really cared, if they really wanted to know the How and Why we got to this place *right here* Why dont they invite us back and have a forum? Get us together? Email us as AAU?
I have some theories. But a question first. Is Yelp blocked in China????1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2009
The worst decision I've ever made; and I'll be paying for it, little by little for years now...
How… Read more »
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Review from Eliot R.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
As an alumnus of this college's Motion Pictures & Television department (acting, primarily), I'd say my opinion of this place is worth a listen (or a read). I don't want to get too personal on my rants and raves, so I'll do something I don't do often: create a pros and cons bullet list.
PROS
-A nearly unbeatable network of professors (I was taught by the director of The Facts of Life, the director of The Big Kahuna, the writer of both Lassie and Emperor's New Groove, Diane Baker, and many talented bay area stage actors).
-It's actually not expensive compared some of the nation's other private art schools (my sister went to SCAD, which even ten years ago was more expensive than AAU now).
-Once you enter your third year, all of your colleagues are very passionate and knowledgable about their majors, which makes you step up your own game and opens up endless opportunities for big-crew, collaborative projects.
-Your major, though concentrated, requires a wide curriculum and a vast understanding of your field (as an actor, I also had to learn screenwriting, singing, film history, directing and editing).
-The student body is very diverse.
-There is free transportation for students to all of the campus buildings that is more timely and frequent than SF Muni.
CONS
-The administrative department has a combined IQ equivalent to a shoebox full of dog turds and gemstones.
-You have to pay well over $100 to register for classes EVERY SEMESTER.
-Though it's cheap for a private art school, you might be better off paying a fraction of tuition fees at a CA public school.
-There is no defined campus. I lived in a dorm for two semesters and had to walk over poop-covered sidewalks and turn beggars away on my way to class every day.
-They accept anyone. I mean anyone. You'd better expect a bunch of goofballs and slackers your first few semesters. This problem is also dealt with leniently, meaning there's not a lot of challenge until you're deep into your major.
-The curriculum is constantly changing. I was six credits from receiving a BFA, but they suddenly tacked on a few more required courses to my major. I couldn't afford two more semesters, so I had to back out and settle for an AA for which I'm now $100,000+ in debt.
-To be a school that teaches people how to design, their degrees sure look like crap.
I was on the fence between a two and three-star review, but I can't argue with the network and portfolio material that I have now. If you want to learn in this school, don't expect your education to be handed to you. You're required to go the extra mile to get your money's worth out of this establishment, which, by the way, owns the second-most property in San Francisco ($$$$$$$$$$$). -
Review from Zain D.
7/11/2011
I've got about a year left so I figure it's time for an update. This review is for AAU's film department.
As you already know it's for-profit and yes their main purpose is to make money. All studios have the same purpose. Studios that give you an internship, are for-profit and even though you're not paying them directly, you're nothing more than a way for them to make more money. Be it free labor or training a future employee, you're just their to make them more money. The Academy is no different.
The advantage of this school is it's staff and resources. One of my screenwriting professors has sold 4 produced screenplays. Another has consulted with pixar for like 15 years. Another has directed a thriller featuring molly ringwald, Malicious and directed many commercials. Another has been making documentaries for over a decade.
And all the work is WORK not studying. You make films under the guidance of these experienced professionals, that's what you're paying for. The degree isn't worth crap, the experience is. You can get that same experience without film school but you're less likely to get that experience with people who have done it already and with the equipment you're provided.
The resources are pretty nice too, you get trained with DSLRs and eventually REDs. You get access to all the sound equipment, lights, labs, software and just about anything you'd ever need to make a film. You make a short film you're semester here and work you're way up each semester until you're working in collaboration with cinematography majors, acting majors, editing majors, etc.
So at the end of film school, if you're a directing major, you'll leave with several short films, commercials, a documentary and probably a feature film in your reel to show to any studio exec or producer you meet. With the hopes that all these things, will help you find work. You'll also leave with connections, of your professors and students. One of my professors, Rob Allan Martin, got a student a job directing a music video for Nadia Ali right out of film school. He's gone on to direct commercials for a few years now.
All of this, however, comes at a price. Try it out for one semester and find out if that price is worth it or not. -
Review from Adam R.
San Ramon, CA
1/28/2011
My complaint is specifically about the sculpture department. I earned my MFA already, so I am not just a fussy drop out.
I graduated from The San Francisco Academy Of Art University in 2009. My major was sculpture and I graduated with honorable mention. So ask yourself "why would this guy slander his department? Wouldn't that hurt him?" Let me be clear, I would rather ruin the reputation of my alma mater, than be associated with that place.
The San Francisco Academy Of Art University's sculpture department just cut lose one of the only redeeming qualities they had. They just allowed Erik Blome to leave...(circumstances to remain vague yet deliberately emphasized). They let the wrong sculptor part ways with them. Peter Schifrin is the one who needs to go out to pasture.
For 3 years I put up with intimidation and emotional abuse from Peter Schifrin. He even openly mocked my religion in front of a class of students (I have 2 statements from students of the class to prove this). When I first pitched my Thesis to Peter, he told me to "dumb it down". It was about the failure of the masculine paradigm, which he said he was not familiar with. I hope more Academics are aware of the Masculine and feminine paradigms, particularly the contemporary artists.
However, those things are no big deal in the long run. What matters is the fraud being perpetrated by Elisa Stephens' Academy Of Art University, against its students and the American taxpayers.
The claim that the school is run by "artists for artist" that "professional" teach there was not true in the sculpture department (Erik Blome was one of very few exceptions to that). I was disgusted at the time that most of my graduate school professors in the sculpture dept had less experience, and smaller resumes than I did. The reason I went to the school was I was willing to go to a school with a lesser brand name, for a better education.
He was the reason I have not openly expressed my feelings about the school. He was the reason I have never approached the bloggers and journalists I have found who have a bone to pick with the Academy.
Let me give an example of the incompetence of the Sculpture department faculty. Each year the Academy has a career night, they invite top students, and each department invites industry professionals to meet the students.
I went 4 years ago, and the sculpture faculty invited a few students, but had invited NO industry people for us to meet. We literally sat around waiting for people invited by other departments, to wander over to us. When I confronted the faculty of my department about this, one of them told me "we didn't know who to invite". So they were aware that no one was there for us to talk to, but asked us all there so that they would not look incompetent to administration.
If they were capable of being professionals themselves, they would know whom to invite there. Let me put it this way, Google the name "peter Schifrin" in quotes, and see what comes up. Is anyone talking about him besides self-posts and the Academy?? Exactly. Now, try that with each person teaching in the sculpture dept.
This little truth needs to be in a New York Times piece. These people charge students $100,000 to learn from inferior "professionals" and they let go anyone who threatens Peter's ability.
So they bring students into this department knowing they won't be able to pay back student loans
This is a disservice to the students of the sculpture department, and it is a total rip off to students looking to come to the Academy to make something of themselves as sculptors. I also think it should be criminal. You see, most students take out loans for school. The government pays for some of that, they do so with our money! The Academy cranks out ill prepared graduates, who cannot get jobs paying enough to pay ANY of the money back, much less retrieve the wasted years at the Academy.
I lucked out. I came to school as a professional sculptor and Internet marketer. My degree is WASC accredited (you can buy anything in this world with money). I was also fortunate to learn from Wanxin Zhang and Erik Blome. Erik WAS the reason I have not been outspoken against the Academy. However, most other people will not be as fortunate as me, 3 years at the Academy's sculpture department will ruin some people's lives!
If you are looking to go to art school in sculpture DO NOT GO TO THE ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY.
Please listen to the warning voice of someone who has nothing to gain from discrediting this school. OR, listen to the people in the links below.
http://www.conceptart....
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
**** -
Review from Kitty O.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2011
Apparently, David R. was one of those disillusioned students who categorized himself in the first part and can't identify with anyone else.
Sure, I had classmates who were there because maybe they doodled in high school and didn't get good grades (I had a classmate who brought her pet rats to class... yeah, she didn't pass, needless to say). But I had the other two types and all in between that he "categorized" or "narrowed down"... and it doesn't matter either way.
I am not a graduate. But I have many friends, acquaintances, co-workers who HAVE graduated (all different majors from me, mind you). I've have seen coke-heads graduate, the dorm slut, the multiple semester failure graduate... and you know what, no matter what some pseudo-snob artsy fartsy guy says, it all comes down to the MONEY.
Yes, I quit because I couldn't afford it anymore. It was too painful for me. Note I am an independent student who gets no support from mommy and daddy, grandma, uncle, distant relative etc... I had to wait until I was 24 and classified "independent" till I could even come to this school; and the prices just kept rising, and after the sports program started, I just saw all my tuition going into that, allowing punk jocks a free ride out of high school. Eliza just wants a winning basket ball team. Who's sending them to Hawaii? YOU ARE!
FYI I was an illustration major; and out of 3 years of teachers only 4 had their lessons, teachings, technique and philosophies stick with me; Henry Yan, Chris Canga, Sean Connor, and Mitch (sorry, I forgot your last name). Everyone else was either not a good teacher (doesn't mean they weren't great artists, they were, just so advanced that they couldn't "teach" it, you know?) or they were just plain ridiculous. I had a teacher who never drew the whole semester and showed us work from when he was IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. And when he drew a WATER HEATER for a pamphlet. This was a Heads & Hands teacher.
For someone who wanted to come to this school since she was 12 (when they were still a college and I'd see their CMs on TV), this first few years were great, but then the sports program started and the price went up, not to mention a string of bad arrogant teachers who discouraged you in every way (And note this is for ILLUSTRATION only).
Teachers play favorites (of course). And I'm not saying all this because I was bad. I was in the middle; wasn't a prodigy, but I wasn't a struggling person drawing awful shapes and not getting shading. I come from a family of nature artists (Early 20th century). I was and still am inspired by Golden Age illustrators.
One of the worst parts was that I actually had a teacher tell me to "be a waiter"... because HE was a waiter when HE was in art school. Um... yeah... I'm going to QUIT MY JOB to be a WAITER just like you to pass your class... go F yourself. (My friend from Industrial Design went out drinking with this said teacher; she thought he was an A-hole. I saw his work in the catalog for the annual faculty-student auction as well, and while he was doing crap studies of lemons and limes, my acquaintance who was his student was doing gorgeous oil full length portraits... the irony.)
Oh, and don't open yourself up to their "counselors" if you are having a hard time. In a moment of weakness, I allowed myself to confess vulnerable parts of me to a recommended "counselor"... to find out that this person claimed to be in my class and thought I was "dissing" the teacher we both shared... not only was I appalled at his assumptions (assuming makes an ASS out of... YOU!), I was terrified that a fellow student was COUNSELING others; I called and complained and was told that AAU doesn't hire "qualified" counselors, they hire students and offer them free classes.
AAU was better before... 2008 I wanna say? Just ride a Sutter bus, sit in the back, and listen to the convos of all those kids here on a sports scholarship... "Dude... have you ever been to Yosemite? I climbed a cliff and got totally high on shrooms..." CAN THEY EVEN DRAW!? %&#*@)(
P.S. To DATE; I only have ONE FRIEND who had a steady career job after graduating AAU; another friend has not been able to get work for a year and a half; and I am a co-worker of a graduate who has not found a job in his field a year after graduating. (All my friends are different majors than me.) Just so you know. It could be the economy too, but... -
Review from Maggie J.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011
I'm an MFA IAD major right now, and I don't think it's so bad. I didn't have much choice as in MFA IAD programs in this country and I really did not want to live in NYC where I would get half the apartment for the same rent and more expensive tuition. I've liked the teachers I've had so far and I like how there's always help somewhere.
The only thing I don't like is the online classes. I don't feel that "class participation" shouldn't be 40% of your grade... I'm not really the one for chatting in discussions. So from now on I'm going to take as many in-class classes that I can. Aside from that, I've improved a ton since I've started here- as some other people have stated.
And yes, they do have a TON of buildings, properties, and cars, but seriously this school beats my undergrad university out of the water as in facilities. I feel spoiled here! All universities are trying to improve their real estate some how. I could compare AAU to my undergrad school all day, but that's boring. Reality is that all universities spend a ton of your money-no matter where you go, there will always be classes you hate (I've failed a few in my day) or teachers you don't get along with, and being an art major is expensive--that's just how it is. -
Review from Brittainie B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/2/2012 23 Check-ins Here
This school is difficult. But it does have one of the best Graphic Design programs, and that's why i am going here. It amazes me how many people did not research this school before they attended it. And just because we are artists- come on it's college, it's expensive. You do hella research to find the right school for yourself. Just because you did not do the proper research to find which was the right place for you, does not mean it's the schools problem. The drop out rate is incredibly high, but the course load is insane and the classes in my major are extremely difficult. I took classes at other colleges, did intensive research and visited over 5 different colleges and i can say that this IS the best college for me. This school makes professionals, anyone who thinks they can go to any college to get an art degree and breeze through it all is mistaken. Its alot of hardwork, pain, blood, sweat, and tears. But if it's your passion and your true love like it is mine- then it is worth it. Don't just go here. Do your research, and be prepared to have what it takes
Listed in: Education & Business
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Review from Mike L.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2011
Every review on here that I've read so far about the school is correct. Both good and bad. It's the largest art school in the country. Yes this school overcharges and underserves the students, yes there should be a higher standard for gaining entry into the school rather than a check made payable to admissions.
Ultimately my problems with the school were mostly with the administration. You are truly just a number in that machine, you have people in the front office that are lazy and don't work for you, they work against you. Everything from taking a year to get my major changed, signing up for classes, tracking down what they had done with MY loan checks, to forcing you to take unnecessary classes just to get more money out of you.
All it takes is a quick google search to reallize that the Stephens family is using this money to buy up property all over San Francisco, they have an expensive collection of cars on display on Van Ness, how about Elisa's private jet? How many school presidents can say they are the largest collector of real estate in San Francisco? None of the money from your tuition goes towards nicer equipment or facility upgrades it is spent on gold spinners for Elisa Stephens scraper and late night advertisements on MTV.
There is a huge drop out rate freshman year because as soon as you start, you realize it was a mistake. I transferred in after taking two years of junior college and was still forced to take Intro to the Mac and some other wastes of time. I even was forced to take a damn acting class by some washed up and bitter actor. I didn't learn anything in those classes and the whole time all I could think about is how that semester was costing me almost ten thousand dollars. My second semester I finally got some actual art classes in their Foundations department and from that time period until I graduated I was fairly pleased with most of the teachers I had. I was an illustration major and I still feel like they made me waste too much time on bull$#it classes, when I should have been drawing or painting. By my last semester I still did not have a focused portfolio and the only help we were really given in finding work was the Academy's job board which is basically a glorified craigslist.
Some teachers are amazing-Chuck Pyle, Thomas Gronbukt, Ruben DeAnda, Robert Hunt, James Wu, Stephen Player...other teachers should be taking the class as your peer. It is no secret that most of the job placement here at the school is students that have graduated coming back and teaching. Even the bus drivers laugh about it.
As far as the Illustration department goes you get what you give, I didn't give a 100% effort and I got that result after graduating. If I could go back I would throw myself into each class and attend every workshop, even though I lived an hour away and had to commute. However I wasn't some little 18 year old kid there, I was almost 30 by the time I graduated and I paid for it all on my own with my own money. I also worked full time. And having said that there are some teachers there that really pissed me off with their attitudes towards me and other students. This isn't elementary school, I'm paying a boat load of money to be there, and I don't live ten minutes from class...so don't lecture me or dock my grades if I'm late getting out of work.
To finish this rant off I just want to say I wish I could've have just given the hundred grand I wasted to the six teachers I mentioned just to have them teach me what they wanted to for four years. I grew a lot as an artist under them. Actually I take it all back I would've just gone to CalArts.
Here's me extending my middle finger as far as it goes to 79 New Montgomery and everyone in it... -
Review from Corinne J.
Danville, CA
3/29/2011
What is up with all the hate for this school?
I've had a wonderful 4 years with them. My major was Illustration. Yes, there were many times when it was tough and I just wanted to throw in the towel but I pumped myself up with motivation and succeeded! It's not supposed to be easy. I disagree with AAU's police of open admission because you get all these people who really aren't cut out for art. No offense. These people need to stop whining about how expensive the school is. Get a part-time job then. Apply for scholarships. DO SOMETHING. DON'T JUST TALK.
Anyways...
I have an extensive portfolio and I'm proud of my work. I've gotten many great opportunities and now I'll be going to Japan for either concept art in video games or animation. How fantastic is that?
AAU helped me get there. Thank you. -
Review from nathan h.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2010
I am a recent (spring 2010) graduate and I must say that I have come out of this school as an industry professional, walked into a job and was truly ready for the work they threw at me...
but...
this is because I am a graduate of the Visual Effects department. We have the most amazing teachers and support network and before leaving school I already had worked on feature films (with IMDB credit), short films and commercials. My resume looks great cause I was able to get into some real world work before leaving school.
Projects i was involved in have been shown at film festivals around the world and the support from Chris Armstrong, George Pafnutieff, Bob Steele, Vince DeQuattro and my mentors Catherine Tate and Colin Sebestyen helped me become the professional I am today.
I walked into this school with no knowledge, no portfolio and no ability to use any of the programs and in 3 and a bit years I have graduated with a BFA.
In short, the department that i was in (Animation/VFX) is amazing. A world class program that readies people for real jobs at amazing VFX houses.
On the otherhand... when I arrived at the school I was informed that few finish this 4 year degree in less than 5 or 6. The website shows a plan for finishing in 4 years that when you arrive you are not allowed to follow.
Since being at the Academy my fees almost doubled. This was due to the Academy finally becoming accredited. Before coming I did not know it wasnt accredited... if i had, I would not have come.
All in all, AAU is an amazing school, very difficult and turns you into a professional. It is expensive and it is hard and like all things that have an administration, you have to deal with administration every so often, but for what it has given me, AAU is worth its weight in gold
my reel, resume and imdb link are at http://www.nhackett.com -
Review from Harry G.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2011
I went to this school for the Web Design & New Media. Just graduated weeks ago.
I love the school. The instructors are great (well, of course there are some so-so ones...) I LOVE the Directors of my department. Bob and Gino are awesome and very helpful. I have taken some art history courses (because I love art history) and I can say the art history teachers here are the best. That also includes the fashion history teacher, JR.
I took an art history course at a different school before and it's as boring as watching paint dries. It's definitely not the case at AAU!
I also love the International Student Services people. Anne and John are the best advisors an International student can get.
The only thing I did not like about AAU was the advisors. I have worked with 4 advisors. They're actually nice and friendly but they just don't seem to know what they're doing.
This one security guard guy was very rude too. He was guarding at 79 New Montgomery when I was there. It was as if he's working at a prison. He just needs to relax a bit. It's not like we want to steal your computer or something...
I also have had the chance to work part-time in various departments at the school. I don't have any complaints about that. Everyone was really nice (especially the Campus Life people.)
All in all, it was a positive experience for me! -
Review from Jaime C.
Daly City, CA
11/24/2011
Save your money, I am stuck here and I hate it. They raise they price by like 100000 dollars every semester and the school owner lady whatever her name is, is getting richer and richer while I am getting poorer and poorer. I recommend RISD if you can get in. Unless you're a rich asian international student, I really don't recommend this school, but I do recommend San Francisco.
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Review from mimi n.
Daly City, CA
11/6/2010
SO many people hate this school for so many reasons. I'm a current Graphic Design student at the academy and I don't really have any complaints at all.
College is expensive, that's just how it is. I never had an experience where they "rush me into paying for classes" or anything like that! My counselors have been great and FUN. They always suggest things for me even if it has to do with attending school outside of the academy! They always check on me to make sure that I'm doing fine. They are NOT rude or greedy at all, everyone that I've met when it came to anything that had to do with $ were always nice.
The teachers are fine as well. They all care for my education and what I do. They grade extremely hard, but if you can't take it, then that's on you! You're not in preschool doing finger painting.. it's the real deal! And they WILL grade you hard! They aren't your parents.. who OF COURSE are going to LOVE all of your work no matter how horrible it is... You could spend hours on a project and receive a low grade, but that's really all on you! Well, from what I've experienced so far. I haven't experienced anything unfair at all.. yet. If I do, I'll be sure to update.
There are always events happening at the school for you to network and get out there. There are TONS of opportunities! Also, my classmates have been really nice! Everyone understands every situation, so it all works out.
I cannot WAIT to be done because I'm sure that my portfolio will look great in the end. -
Review from Sean K.
6/25/2010
Kids, read this before you apply:
http://www.reuters.com...
These schools are letting the feds fund their loans and getting ridiculous amounts of money paid to them for what they say is going to prep you for an art career but, let's face it, isn't!
If you didn't do well in high school - who cares! Go to a junior college and then enroll in a four year program after doing well at the JC. Note that JC's typically charge under $1k per year for full-time school. Academy of Art is a sham - all of these 'schools' are shams when they're charging you thousands of dollars for classes and buffering their wallets with 'fees' for everything else.
Its basically ponzi 101 - too bad they don't teach that there, it would probably be an area of real expertise for them. -
Review from Dru P.
Updated - 6/7/2010
I just noticed that the good Doctor has run out of space for her antique auto collection at the Technical building at Van Ness and Clay so she started filling up a new show room on the corner of Van Ness and O'Farrell.
Way to continue to flaunt the riches you have made by fleecing kids while providing jack shit in return!
I cannot believe people still flock to this travesty.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/15/2008
Slogan overheard one late night on MTV: "Hey kids! If you forgot to study in high school, couldn't… Read more »
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Review from K P.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2007
UPDATE 1/15/08: I re-opened the BBB file, then emailed all the employees I had spoken to letting them know that I had saved their emails wherein they stated I was eligible for financial aid, and I cc'd it to the VP. I had a full refund check in 3 days!
UPDATE TO BELOW 12/15/07: They haven't honored their agreement. I encourage anyone with a problem with this school to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. (The school is already on file as having complaints - no surprise)
ZERO STARS
RUN. RUN FAST AWAY FROM AAU.
First of all, I am not a 18-yr old with no plan, and no clue. I am a 42 year old woman wanting to take personal enrichment courses to advance my career, but I still needed financial aid because art schools are bloody expensive.
So, I talked to 2 people at the school and told them exactly what I wanted/needed to do. Everything was great - I was very excited. So I applied, sent my fees, and after talking with them, I went through FAFSA.
The school happily & quickly cashed my check for fees, and registered me in the personal enrichment classes I requested. I was then directed to their in-house financial aid person. They sent me a welcome letter, also directing me to the person. Then that person emailed me a welcome letter.
I asked her what the next steps were in the process. I informed her that I had already finished with FAFSA and was ready to roll. She then informs me that personal enrichment classes are not eligible for aid.
When I asked about alternative loans, they only started to try to sell me on a degree program.
Gee, if I had wanted/needed a degree, I would have signed up for it.
When I mentioned getting my money back, they all suddenly disappeared. The accounting office never returned my call. The two dumba---s who kept trying to now get me into a degree program could only state their policy was that they keep the application fee, and I wouldn't get it.
Of course, when I wouldn't back off and go away quietly letting them keep it all, they tried to claim that I wasn't clear on my choices, and that somehow I had miscommunicated to THEM.
How could they register me in the classes without having to write down somewhere that I wasn't a degree-seeking student? Isn't this important information to note???
Who is going to put themselves through the process of FAFSA if they know beforehand that their classes aren't eligible? The call letters do not stand for "Fun Applying For School Aid"!!!
So, I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to get my money refunded. And since they are so proud of themselves for FINALLY (after years of trying!) to get accredited through WASC, I filed a complaint with them, too.
The VP at AAU responded just as I expected - no ownership for their salespeople in Admissions, BUT they agreed to a full refund.
I agreed to accept it, and the case is closed. If I don't get it, I re-open it. I also made it clear to the VP that my complaint with the WASC will stand if I don't receive it, and suggested they might train their employees better in dealing with financial matters with students so that no one else has to go through this in the future.
No doubt it is falling on the ears of the deaf & dumb, but I WIN. -
Review from Joy B.
CA
Updated - 11/21/2011
This review is for the student film auditions only.
There are lots of ads for student films from AAU that usually promise 75 bucks for a role. The auditions are taped, and so many people report that they have never gotten a role, and don't know of anyone who has. This seems suspicious, especially for those like myself, who have gotten paid tv, film and commercial work.
They are most likely just using the best footage for their projects, that way they don't need to pay anyone. Even if it takes all day to get a decent scene done, they've accomplished what they want and actors have been suckered into giving a good performance.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2011
This review is for the PRE-COLLEGE program only!!!
If you're in high school and are artsy & creative,… Read more »
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Review from Emily R.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2009
I have attended 4 colleges. And maybe that makes me sound like a slacker OR a serial drop out. I'm just trying to find my niche. The Academy of Art University is the worst school I have ever attended. I truely don't think they care about giving their students any kind meaningful educational skills. THEY WANT YOUR MONEY. Everything has very costly fees. The people who attend and teach are YUPPIES & POSERS. I'm sorry if this hurts anyones feelings. I honestly want to stop anyone who is considering going to this school.
How does one teach art anyway? Art not supposed to have rules. It comes from your soul. It may seem like a great way to get your name out there. But this school may end up hendering your abilities and your spirit. This school is the worst mistake I have ever made and I don't even believe in making mistakes.
I'm sorry Academy of Art...but you suck. -
Review from dj z.
Puget Sound, WA
5/31/2007
Crap. Crap crap crap. Crap? Crap.
So I attended AAC (now known as AAU) for about a year. I was happy with only one class that I took at the Academy. Everything else was extraneous.
After getting insulted by a teacher in the graduate program, I decided "to hell with this, I already have a degree" and started looking for jobs in the industry. I got a job and the Academy keeps asking me for advice and money/ donations.
Here is your thanks - Thanks for insulting my intelligence in the Video Game Design class; thanks for making me take pre-requisite classes in the undergrad program, just because I don't have a bachelors in art degree; thanks for telling me that I couldn't find a job in the industry, let alone keep one.
I have pictures with the Oscar I helped win - where is yours?Listed in: Bookmarked: To Boycott
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Review from Nicole D.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2008
The first thing you learn in art school is how bad of an artist you are. The next thing you learn is that no matter how beautiful your work is, someone else's is always better. Once you realize this, you'll be fine.
You will live, breathe, sleep, eat art. Literally. Get used to ingesting charcoal sticks and washing black stuff out of your hair.
You will make lots of friends that you'll never be able to hang out with because of your work load.. Social life? Forget about it. Boyfriend? Don't be serious.
When you graduate, you will emerge a better artist. And if you've got brains, your potential for making money is limitless.
Ignore the naysayers, or should I say, haters. Do what you love - do it blindly.
Bonus: As a starving artist and starving student, you will never be fat. Call it the Freshman Negative 20. -
Review from Amanda S.
Palm Springs, CA
9/24/2010 14 Check-ins Here
Haven't graduated yet. However I will say I have been pleased in the photo dept. You get what you put in at this school.
I've made amazing contacts and have had 7 shows (gallery shows- none put up by AAU) since I've been here- JUST because of the people I've met and connections I've made through instructors and some heads up at admin.
They suck your money right out of your pocket I won't lie. But SFAI and CCA along with Brooks are WAY more expensive. Suck it up. -
Review from ERIN M.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2010
Wow. I was a Masters Student in Interior Design... and got out of there as soon as I could.
First of all the school is a money pit. The fees after fees are a bit ridiculous.
Second- If I am going to pay the expense to go to an art school I expect the best service. My teachers were not helpful and thought it appropriate to make me an example in class which I find very immature and unprofessional. When it came to speaking with counselors that was even worse. I called to speak with my counselor and they told me to call back in 2 weeks because she wasnt available and no one else could help me! They had no problem taking my money, but when I was having issues no one was available to speak with me...
Third- I exited from the school after 1 month and have still been trying to set up a payment plan and have sent letters, called, etc and again no one is to be found.
I wouldnt recommend this so-called school to anyone -
Review from Teresa H.
Washington, DC
7/9/2008
I went to the AAU for 2 semesters as Advertising major and withdrew..... There are so many reason as to why I made the decision to leave.
The Money
The money issue... This is important b/c living in SF expensive so combine that with going to an expensive art school, books, supplies and computer software. Not to mention, I lived in the tin can dorms in Nob Hill so it got very pricey real quick.
No money = no respect. Heaven forbid your late with payment b/c they would pull you out of class. Then they have the nerve to be cheap by closing the lab and library earlier than usual.
The Teachers/ Instructors
Some of the teachers are not accredited. Yes, most of them worked in the Advertising Field but I strongly feel if your teaching someone at an University level you should at minimum a degree or a masters at the very least.
Many instructors in the Advertising Dept were very disorganized, and lacked teaching skills and narrow minded. They don't take the time and nurture your artistic talent or show you how to enhance your skills. Everyone learns in different ways.
The Counselors
3) Counselors give horrible advice to students such as myself. They don't work with you to set up a feasible time frame for graduation and most are under the impression that its ok if it takes you 5 years to get a degree. (By allowing you to take unnecessary classes which causes you to spend money and waste time)
Or better yet they say that if your portfolio is strong a company would pick you up so you don't even need a degree. I have mix feelings about this logic since the market place is so unpredictable you need a degree to compete nowadays. Not good advice to tell someone who is 18 or 19.
Needless to say, my counselor graduated from a community college with only her AA hence my point not qualified to counsel college students.
3) The last straw: I received a letter that the Advertising Dept. lost its accreditation so I actually took that a little bit of the counselors advice and transferred to San Francisco State University ( I college that I could afford & live comfortably in Nob Hill) where I received my degree.
FYI : None of my AAU courses were transferable so I lost a lot money and time!!!! -
Review from kiko a.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2010
THIS SCHOOL IS A MONEY PIT!
registering for academy of art is like putting a vacuum right next to your wallet. the fees, cost for all the supplies, printing cost, books, etc. etc. etc. and to top it all classes are over $2100 each!!! no wonder just about anyone can get in the school!
yes, and the catch is you cant transfer out credits, so once your start attending academy you MUST finish!
my serious advice is to anyone who is unsure if art is the route they wanna take, unless you are stinkin rich... really really really think about spending/borrowing all that money and going to this school. and to those people who are 100% sure that they want to pursue art then academy of art will open a lot of doors for you. -
Review from Sabrina H.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 3/18/2009
I wrote one review back in 11/4/08, and now I am back to review my experience after 4 weeks attending classes, then I dropped all the classes, and had to deal with Accounts Receivable/Collections and Finical Aid Department.
The reason I decided to dropped all classes and change schools is that I don't like the fact that each students skill level are not equal, not even close. The director of the Photography told me it is because of the school's open enrollment policy (you don't even need a portfolio to get accept). I thought it would be different since I am in the MFA program. NO, it's the same. I don't want to waste my time and money, so I want to change schools.
After attending 4 weeks of photography classes in Academy of Art University for the MFA program, I realized that it was a mistake so I dropped all the classes just in time to get 25% refund. I then experienced a very different attitude from the Registration Department than the Account Receivable/Collections. When I applied for school, they are all nice and sweet; now I want to change schools, they change their face so quick that I can't even recognize it was the same school.
Accounts Receivable/Collections Department sent me a statement on how much I owe them and gave me a week from the date they issued the statement to pay (I am not sure when did they actually mail it out to me). However, the numbers don't add up, and I didn't see my 25% refund listed on it so I called. The Accounts Receivable/Collections Department said I need to talk to the Finical Aid Department, which I did, and they admit the statement was not correct and they will issue me a new one. I asked them to make sure that they have a record of our phone conversation so I won't be charged a late fee or anything like that, and they said they would.
A couple days later, I got a call from the Accounts Receivable/Collections Department with a very unfriendly voice, no Hi, no Goodbye, just very straight forward to tell me that I haven't paid my bill and they will send my account to a collection agency if I don't pay. I told her about the conversation I had with their Finical Aid Department and I am waiting to receive a new statement. She said she didn't see a record of that conversation on my file. I said I am driving right now so I don't have the conversation record in front of my face; otherwise, I could tell you the date, the time and the person's name who I talked to. Then she said she would talk to the Finical Aid Department tomorrow, and she just hang up, without a goodbye.
A few days go by, I received an email from the Accounts Receivable/Collections Department about my past due and a threat about the collection agency again so I called the Finical Aid Department again asking why I haven't receive the new statement. I told them that I am being harassed by the Accounts Receivable/Collections Department twice now, can they ask her to back off since I am waiting for the correct statement to be mailed to me. In fact, the Financial Aid Department couldn't tell me why the corrected statement wasn't mailed out already and they just said someone must have missed something.
It's less than two thousand dollars that I owe to the AAU, and I will pay right away but I think it's reasonable for me to ask for a correct statement before I give you my money.
This is just my personal experience with Photography Department, Accounts Receivable/Collections Department, and the Finical Aid Department.
Good luck to you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/4/2008
This review is base on the first impression I had through school tours. I will be back to update if… Read more »
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Review from Anja F.
Mill Valley, CA
3/30/2007
This school is not run like an art school - it's run like a real estate development corporation, because that's what it is.
They leech your money out of you like a vampire on a rampage, and as if that's not enough, they seem simply not to care about artistic integrity.
If you're looking to get a very specific, somewhat traditional artistic methodology pounded into your head, while being told in any number of ways that you are an inferior artist and do not know what you're talking about, this is a great school to attend. If you're looking to attend a school whose general philosophy is that the harder you make it to succeed, the more your students will succeed, this is a great school to attend. If you believe that having a highly marketable illustration portfolio makes you a great artist, this is an excellent school to attend.
If you're actually an artist, not someone looking to make money by imitating Norman Rockwell, avoid this school like the plague that it is.
Did i mention it's a horrible school for students with learning disabilities? i'm one of the 75% that dropped out, and i'm glad. -
Review from Jon R.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2008
Do you lack talent? Are you considering junior college? Want to make films about suicide or smoking pot? Then come to the academy and be with your peers!
Come for the techincal information. Just remeber you're not revolutionary and you're not going to make millions of dollars with your bad art.
(written in class) -
Review from A P.
Livermore, CA
6/3/2009
I honestly believe that this school has been hyped up way too much. Yes, I was a student here for a year. I had to ride BART every day, to and from Pleasanton/Dublin - if you know where that is. Therefore I wasn't able to put as much time into my work. It is true, you do have 24+ hours of work a week. Well, in the major I was in.
I'm not going to lie, I had a great year of experience. I was an Illustration major, and I did enjoy is very much. Until around the second semester.. it felt like every assignment was literally being shoved down my throat. I felt very overwhelmed, even when I didn't have a job at the time. Just a few tips... Don't buy EVERYTHING that Utrecht tells you to. I learned the hard way, and now I have 5 pads of paper that has never been used. Arrive early to 79 NM, over-crowded buses happen daily. Sorry, but I don't like to be forced to create art. Ain't my thang.
I had been very turned off from art because of that reason. So, just as a suggestion- if you're planning on attending AAU, be prepared. Very - prepared. Because, I know I wasn't. Feel free to ask any questions.
PS. don't be fooled by all their photos online, it's a lot harder than you think. ;) -
Review from Michelle N.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2009
Thank god I graduated after the name changed to University. I don't know how I would've felt if I had spent an arm and a leg to go to some damn art skoolz to learn how to draw naked people. Anyway, I have come to the conclusion that I have a love-hate relationship with the Academy.
I love that it taught me how to design so well that I could make fake Cal train tickets and save money on my ass kicking commute from SAN JOSE to freaking SAN FRANCISCO.
I hate it because even though I saved money with counterfeit tickets printed straight off of an Epson, I still had to pay $650 per unit and sold my soul to make ends meet.
I love it because I got to meet amazingly talented people.
I hate it because AAU is a greedy money sucking bitch and they also accept untalented people with large wallets.
I love it because it seriously kicked my butt and got me a job, straight outta college.
I hate it because I had many near death experiences due to sleep deprivation. One incident worthy of mentioning at job interviews is how I was kicking so much ass comping my own Type books that on one particular night before finals, the exacto blade broke and flung into my eye.
I love it because it's better than any other school I could have gone to in Nor-Cal and at least I can name five typefaces that aren't Helvetica, Arial, Times, Papyrus, or Comic Sans. Art Institute can suck it. -
Review from Anita B.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2007
I graduated and frankly, I think the Academy gets a bad rap. While yes, the school is obviously in to real estate, I think that so long as you know what you want to do with your life and you work hard, this school will get you there. Stay out of the dorms/school owned apartments and you really shouldn't have any problems with the real estate aspects of the school in my opinion.
Things to consider:
How serious are you about a career in photography, advertising, etc? If you're really serious about it, the Academy will give you the tools to be successful. You will have a good portfolio by the time you graduate if you work hard.
Do you want to be independant and creative or do you want the tools to succeed in the job world? If you want to get a job and be successful, this is your school. If you're looking to be independant and use your own creativity, this isn't necessarily it. They will make you marketable, but it probably isn't the school to come to if you want to say, be an independant artist or something. The Academy is more for breaking the "starving artist" mold and so that obviously means you're going to be doing more conventional stuff for the industry you wish to be in.
Tuition is expensive. $1800/class. While if you compare it to other art schools, it isn't too bad, it is too much money for someone who isn't sure that art/their major is their passion and what they want to do with their life. Don't enroll on a whim just because you think art school sounds cool. AAU isn't easy and the work is pretty labor intensive. If you aren't willing to work, you will likely drop out and waste a lot of money.
While the admins are just kind of scattered, the support staff really do care about getting the students a good education. There are a lot of resources available to students (even online students) who need help and wish to utilize them. I agree with the poster who said to not (or at least try not to) judge the school based on the real estate holdings. I found that it didn't really effect me personally as a student and the quality of education was good. That is what I cared about... that and again, I didn't have to live in the dorms. I think that can make a difference for many.
Teachers: Teachers are hit or miss, but I found that to be true at USF as well to be honest. I think it's true no matter where you go. There is an AAU (aac) livejournal forum where you can ask questions about anything regarding the school. Ask there before you enroll in a class and the posters will give you all of the knowledge they have.
Housing:
Honestly, find your own housing. The dorms/apartments owned by the school are extremely expensive and from those I saw where friends lived at the time, not worth it. Search craigslist and http://Rent.com and look for a place of your own. You'll probably save money. I think that housing now is actually more expensive than finding your own... and you could live alone for the rates they charge for you to share. (Disclosure: I never lived in a dorm personally. This is my obvservation. Maybe things are different now.)
All in all, I give the time I spent at the Academy 4.5 stars. I also went to a traditional university (have another degree from there as well) and I think I got more out of my time at AAU than the other and I definitely think it made getting a job a lot easier. If you're committed and you want to make a career for yourself, I recommend AAU. Just do your research, ask questions, be proactive and you will do well.
Note: They DO give As but you have to work your ass off for them. Most professors are reasonable and they are willing to reward those who work hard.
