So it is looking like I ma stuck between doing an online course or going to the Art Institute of Phoenix.
I have seen good work come from both schools but am unsure of which one I should go with.
I do prefer the in classroom style of learning, however, I want the best education that will give me the best chance of procuring a job after graduation.
The degree would be for 3d animation and special effects for film.
Full sail does offer an animation degree that would cover both while Phoenix I would have to choose one or the other.
What is your experience with either college?
What experience do you have with going to an online institute?
Which would be in more demand? (3D animation (for film/animated movies/games) or special effects for film (compositing/ect.)
and last: which one would look better to potential employers? (regardless of demo reel. I know that is more important)
I don’t know anything about Art Institute of Phoenix but I would steer clear of Full Sail. They have a terrib;e reputation as a brick and mortor school. I’m not sure how their online courses could be any better. Plus they are very expensive. Do a search on Art Institutes on this forum as well, as you will see many folks do not have much nice to say about those either.
Neither one.Both are “for profit” colleges, which means they’re not interested in education, they exist to make money off of you as the name indicates. They’ll bleed you dry, make you take maximum federal loans until you’ve exhausted them, and then you’re stuck. (A bunch of them are actually being sued multiple times and some have been condemned for fraud and worse.)
Note that a degree from these colleges is widely disregarded by employers, so that most consider that you’re just a High School Graduate.
You’re better off finding a community college near your home - it’s open to all, offers accredited degrees, and will be much cheaper, for a degree employers recognize.
Sorry, I wouldn’t choose either. There are stories online wriiten by former Full Sail instructors at the Florida location. Agree that Full Sail isn’t likely to be any better in its online version. Why the focus on for- profit schools?
My daughter is working in the animation field and hasn’t met anyone who attended the Art Institute of Pheonix. It might be a good school for all I know,but she hasn’t seen many people from there.
As to Full Sail, I have a number of qualms about them.
First, they are most well known for game design especially for the animation aspects of game design.
Secondly, they are VERY, VERY intensive. In fact, you graduate in 2.5 years,which might sound great:however, developing skills in art related topics takes TIME. Two and one-half years just isn’t enough in my opinion.Personally, I would reconsider your options. Take a look at Pratt, RIT, SVA, and SCAD. At least these places offer some decent scholarships. If you are hell bent at attending a for profit school then at least check out SVA. It is VERY well known and connected in the industry and has some top programs in animation. What I don’t like about SVA is the lack of scholarships that you could get more readily at non profit schools. However, SVA does have a strong program.
Full Sail’s tuition is based on semesters. One of the selling points is that you CAN graduate as quickly as 2.5 years which will make it cheaper in the long run than other similarly priced schools although the tuition is very high. But it’s not going to happen because as Taxguy says it will take you much longer to actually learn the material and produce a final reel. You make it as intensive as you want–FS is very happy to keep collecting your tuition.
I won’t say FS doesn’t produce animators–they do–but their sales tactics are ethically lacking.
LeeOwnE wants to stay in AZ for personal reasons–any suggestions for him?
The only reason I was really focusing on these two was that Full sail was advertised all the time for their online program. I didn’t find as much info as I would have liked when doing my own research, hence the reach out on here.
Art Institute of Phoenix was the main choice because of it really being the only school in the area that has a dedicated art program, or at least so I though.
Turns out ASU does have a 3D animation track, but I am not sure if it is good or will get me the training I would need to work, but the tuition would be half the amount as AIPX. But looking at the responses I am getting it might be the way I will have to go.
I would love to attend a better location out of state, but I will probably be locked into arizona for at least another 3 years. That’s a long story I would rather not get into right now.
ASU’s 3D animation track is pretty good indeed so if you live in AZ it’s a fantastic opportunity. MUCH better respected than either of your two other options.
What are your stats (SAT, GPA, number of Ap classes)?