I've been a successful graphic designer/computer animator for the past 7 years and it was because of my Art Institute degree that I was able to first get my foot in the door. \n\nThe Good:\n- there are some amazing teachers at the school that provided real-world experience and wonderful mentoring skills\n- being surrounded by like-minded students in a creative environment\n- involving (and sometimes very challenging) assignments that tested my artistic ability\n- some job-placement assistance\n\nThe Bad:\n- tuition is expensive\n- I had some really lousy teachers too\n- some classes were a waste of time and money... I did not need to take \"Film Study\", really\n\nGoing back to The Art Institute as an alumni (graduate summer 2000), a lot of things have changed for the better.  The school is equipped with the newest technology, there is a cafe that serves lunches and there are many more extracurricular clubs and functions to be involved in.  Oh, they have added a parking structure too.