The Art Institute of Austin

From the College

The Art Institute of Austin provides students with an educational environment and dedicated faculty members committed to preparing students to pursue entry-level positions in the creative arts. Under the guidance of industry professionals, students learn by doing the types of tasks they are likely to encounter in the workplace. In addition, assistance is available to help students with resume writing, networking, and keeping aware of what employers are looking for in job candidates. The school offers nine bachelor’s degree programs and two associate degree programs.

The school offers assistance in helping students to secure housing.

The student population includes recent high school graduates, transfer students, and those who have left a previous employment situation to study and train for a new career. Students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for an exciting entry-level position in the arts.

The Art Institute of Austin places a high value on the quality of student life–both in and out of the classroom. Students can participate in a wide variety of activities, including clubs and organizations, community service, and various committees designed to enhance the quality of student life.

The Art Institute of Austin is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of The Art Institute of Austin.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has granted a Certificate of Authority to The Art Institute of Austin to award the Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees with programs in audio production, graphic design, interior design, media arts and animation, photography, fashion and retail management, and web design and interactive media.

Austin is the capital of Texas and was the third-fastest-growing city in the nation from 2000 to 2006, with a population of nearly 710,000. Austin was named the number 2 Best Big City in "Best Places to Live" by Money magazine in 2006. It’s also been called the "Greenest City in America" by MSN. The area is home to numerous cultural organizations, museums, and performing arts venues.

The Art Institute of Austin offers bachelor’s degree programs in audio production, design & technical graphics, digital filmmaking & video production, fashion & retail management, graphic design, interior design, media arts & animation, photography, and Web design & interactive media.

Associate degrees are offered in graphic design and Web design & interactive media.

The Art Institute of Austin operates on a year-round, four-quarter system.

The Art Institute of Austin contains classrooms, Mac and PC computer labs, and a library for student use. There is also a bookstore.

Tuition cost varies by program. Prospective students should contact the school for current tuition costs. Other charges include a starting kit for all first quarter students. Kits vary in price depending on the program of study.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students who require financial assistance should first complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet with a financial aid officer.

Faculty members at The Art Institute of Austin have professional knowledge that they bring into the classroom. The school’s faculty members provide their students with a real-world, relevant educational experience.

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or achievement of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate as a prerequisite for admission. In lieu of documenting high school graduation or a GED certificate, applicants may provide proof of attaining an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution. An official transcript indicating date of high school graduation, GED certificate (including test scores), or date of college graduation (including degree granted) is required as proof.

All individuals seeking admission to The Art Institute of Austin are interviewed in person or by phone by an assistant director of admissions, and each applicant must submit an original essay of at least 150 words stating how an education at The Art Institute of Austin would help the student to achieve career goals. There is a $50 application fee.

For the most recent information regarding admission requirements, please refer to the current academic catalog.

To obtain an application, make arrangements for an interview, or tour the school, students should contact:

The Art Institute of Atlanta®; The Art Institute of Atlanta®–Decatur; The Art Institute of Austin℠, A branch of The Art Institute of Houston; The Art Institute of California℠–Hollywood; The Art Institute of California℠–Inland Empire; The Art Institute of California℠–Los Angeles; The Art Institute of California℠–Orange County; The Art Institute of California℠–Sacramento; The Art Institute of California℠–San Diego; The Art Institute of California℠–San Francisco; The Art Institute of California℠–Sunnyvale; The Art Institute of Charleston℠, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Charlotte®; The Art Institute of Colorado®; The Art Institute of Dallas®; The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale®; The Art Institute of Houston®; The Art Institute of Houston–North®; The Art Institute of Indianapolis℠*; The Art Institute of Jacksonville℠, A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design; The Art Institute of Las Vegas®; The Art Institute of Michigan℠; The Art Institute of New York City®; The Art Institute of Ohio℠–Cincinnati**; The Art Institute of Philadelphia®; The Art Institute of Phoenix®; The Art Institute of Pittsburgh®; The Art Institute of Portland®; The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham℠; The Art Institute of Salt Lake City℠; The Art Institute of Seattle®; The Art Institute of Tampa℠, A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design; The Art Institute of Tennessee℠–Nashville, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Tucson℠; The Art Institute of Vancouver℠; The Art Institute of Washington℠***, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of York–Pennsylvania℠; The Art Institutes International–Kansas City℠; The Art Institutes International Minnesota℠; The Illinois Institute of Art®–Chicago; The Illinois Institute of Art®–Schaumburg; Miami International University of Art & Design℠; The New England Institute of Art®.

*The Art Institute of Indianapolis is regulated by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, 302 W. Washington St., Rm. E201, Indianapolis, IN 46204, AC-0080.

**The Art Institute of Ohio–Cincinnati, 8845 Governors Hill Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45249-3317, OH Reg. #04-01-1698B.

***Certified by the State Council of Higher Education to operate in Virginia.