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UNITED STATES · PITTSBURGH

The Art Institutes

private · Founded 1969 · Languages: English

In short

The Art Institutes were a for-profit chain of art and design schools across the US, offering various creative programs. The system closed permanently in 2023.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1969
Students: 0
International students: 0
Tuition (intl): €15–22k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: Pittsburgh, United States

The Art Institutes were a chain of for-profit art and design schools that operated across the United States at more than 50 locations. They offered programs in graphic design, culinary arts, fashion, interior design, film, and media arts at associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. The system expanded significantly after 1969 under Education Management Corporation, and was later acquired by Dream Center Education Holdings in 2017. Following accreditation difficulties and regulatory investigations, the institutions were progressively closed. As of 2023, the Art Institutes system has ceased operations. Former students seeking transcripts or credential verification should contact the relevant state education agencies.

Why study here

Note: The Art Institutes system is no longer operating as of 2023.
Former students may be eligible for federal student loan discharge from the US Department of Education.
For creative arts education, prospective students should seek accredited alternative institutions.

Student life

The Art Institutes operated campuses across the United States. The institution is now closed as of 2023.

Fees

InternationalThe Art Institutes were a for-profit system; annual tuition at time of operation was approximately USD 16,000-22,000. The system is now closed.

HomeDomestic tuition was approximately USD 16,000-22,000 per year at time of operation.

LivingCosts varied by campus location across the United States.

The Art Institutes system has closed. Students who were enrolled may be eligible for federal student loan discharge. Contact the US Department of Education for more information.

Accreditation

The Art Institutes lost accreditation prior to closure in 2023.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Art Institutes still open?

No, The Art Institutes system has ceased operations as of 2023. They are no longer accepting new students and all campuses have closed.

Where were The Art Institutes located?

The Art Institutes were headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but operated campuses across more than 50 locations throughout the United States.

What programs did The Art Institutes offer?

They offered programs in graphic design, culinary arts, fashion, interior design, film, and media arts at associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.

What was the approximate tuition for The Art Institutes?

Annual tuition was approximately USD 16,000-22,000 per year, as The Art Institutes were a for-profit system.

What should I do if I was a former student needing transcripts or loan information?

Former students seeking transcripts or credential verification should contact the relevant state education agencies. Students who were enrolled may be eligible for federal student loan discharge from the US Department of Education.

Last updated 3 July 2026