Reviewing
There is little data on MFA (Graduate) dropout and completion numbers, however there is undergrad data. Since you need an undergrad degree to apply for the MFA program I will let you interpret the data and opinions – I’ll add a little 
There are some interesting numbers over at the US Dept. of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. These are bean counters where most of the beans are first time undergrad students. There isn’s much graduate data but it does provide some insight. Without other data available you can assume that the graduate programs are probably similar within a few points.
http://www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=ACADEMY+OF+ART+UNIVERSITY
That written, I’ll also write that it could be completely different. The undergraduate population is diverse and the graduate student population is even more diverse. I had statistics back in MBA school and my head and my gut tell me the numbers might not similar between these groups. If I get some solid graduate data I’ll post it here and republish the post.
There isn’t a lot of data on AAU when compared to other institutions.
Some input from students here:
Some basic info here:
Non-productive searches as of 19-January-2010:
- A search at http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ returns the same above page
- The University Review returns no data on AAU
- Nada over at http://reviews.collegetimes.us/?s=Academy+of+art+university&x=0&y=0
- Zilch at http://collegeprowler.com/
- Nothing at http://www.unigo.com/
No related posts.
David,
I been searching this school for quite awhile and I see many negavites but yours have comes out positive so now I am confused. Is it possible you could tell me how much it is really cost for the BFA program in Photography? I don’t really make alot of money. Not sure if I should do the online (even though I have took online courses in my old college, have no problem with it) but I am worried I am just a dollar signs? Or should I go to my local school in my town like TTTU (Yes I live Lubbock, TX). Let me know and I would love to know. I mean heck online is great for me since I don’t really have alot of time to go school in person but online would be great. I am deaf/half blind. Anyway let me know and email me when you can! Thanks!
Before you get your BFA in Photography spend some time thinking about what you can do with that degree. I’m working on my MFA for some very specific reasons.
There is a lot of negative feedback coming from BFA students. Keep in mind that it is expensive and that more people will complain about something than praise it. It takes a great amount of self-motivation and maturity to do an online course and the government numbers about first-time undergrads seems to point out a larger than average dropout rate. Keep in mind, AAU is a FOR-PROFIT institution, and they admit 100% of qualified applicants so the variability of student skills is very wide.
I think the BFA program is a little cheaper per unit for undergrads but you have more general education requirements. Texas Tech is a very good school. I would consider getting your general education requirements done at a city/community college then transferring to Tech or another institution. As long as you have transferable college level classes the first year or two of education should be comparable – if not better at a CC due to class size. I would think that getting a 4-year degree in art at AAU would be very expensive when compared to doing it elsewhere. Also, St. Edwards here in Austin is a very good private school that is probably about the same cost or less than AAU.
There is a lot to be said for the in-person college experience. I would encourage you to see what programs you could get into locally for a couple years. Then as you gain experience and credits you can revisit your ideas and decisions about your education.
I’m not sure what resources there are for the deaf but I assume that all public schools and colleges provide assistance.
Most importantly, follow your passion. It took me 40 years to finally figure that out. I wish you success and make the best art that you can!