Art Institute of Dallas

Posted by Mark McFail on October 03, 2008 16:11

Are you looking for a new challenge, how about a new way to decorate that apartment? The Art Institute of Dallas is a design, media arts, fashion, and culinary private post secondary school that offers a wide range of bachelor's and associate's degree programs. The mission of the Art Institute of Dallas is simple: "To refine and hone your talent so that you walk out of our doors, prepared and energized for your career."

The Art Institute of Dallas was established in 1964 as the Dallas Fashion Merchandising College. It was later renamed, the Fashion and Art Institute of Dallas. In 1980, the Institute was approved to grant an Associate of Applied Arts degree. Later in 1984, it was aquired by a local management company, where it was given it's current name. In 1988, it moved to it's present day location in North Dallas, with an enrolled student body of 1700 degree seeking students.

Although they try to make admission to the institute as painless as possible, there are some basic requirements for you to attend. You need to have graduated high school or hold a GED. All applicants are evaluated on the basis of their previous educational background, and stated or demonstrated interest in their program area. You must submit SAT and ACT scores to the college and meet with an advisor. If you choose not to submit your ACT/SAT scores, you must submit your COMPASS, CPAT, TABE, Stanford Achievement Test, ASSET, or College Entrance Exam. You will be given a test when you get to the Institute to determine your preparedness for college. If you don't do well on the test, then the Institute may recommend that you take the remedial classes they offer until you meet the requirements.

The cost of the school is based on what major you choose and what kind of degree you are wanting to earn. So, if you were getting a certificate in culinary arts, your total tuition for 5 quarters of school, or 1 year and 3 months of school is $30,000. If you went on to get your BS in Culinary arts, the cost goes up exponentially to almost $89, 000 for 12 quarters or 3 years. If you are getting a Bachelors in Fine Arts (The BFA) Your cost based on attending for 12 quarters of school would be $90,000. An Associate of Applied Arts in Graphic Design, after 7 quarters would cost you $55,000. 80% of the students receive some form of financial aid or work aid or scholarship in order to offset the cost of tuition.

If you choose to live on campus, the Institute has school sponsored housing available, it is a single apartment complex called the Falls at Highpoint. It is a 1 year lease, given on a first come, first serve basis and the Institute does not guarantee availability.

Apartment Type Cost per quarter
The Falls at Highpoint Single Bedroom $2975

The Falls at Highpoint Double one Bedroom (two students) $2,221

The Falls at Highpoint Four students per two bedroom apartment $1,798

The Falls at Highpoint Two students per two bedroom apartment $ 2,785

If you choose to live off of campus, there are many options and many apartment complexes in the area. Many of the apartment complexes are student friendly, and most are less expensive than the campus housing. The other benefit is that you set you own hours, and you can choose your roommates. You also don't have to worry about availability or having to move at the end of the year.