Admission Requirements
High school graduation or a General Education Diploma (GED scores) is a prerequisite for admission. In lieu of documenting high school graduation, applicants who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree or higher earned degree at an accredited institution of postsecondary education (or its equivalent if earned at an institution located outside of the United States), can provide official college transcripts showing the degree granted. All applicants to The Art Institute of Tucson are evaluated for admission on the basis of their previous education, background, and stated or demonstrated interest in one of our education programs.
Applicants who have not earned a bachelor’s degree must provide a copy of their final high school transcripts, GED scores, or college transcripts indicating achievement of an associate’s degree fully transferable to a bachelor’s degree, or higher. Other proof of high school graduation or its equivalency may be considered under special circumstances and must be approved by the President of The Art Institute of Tucson. High school seniors who have not yet graduated should submit a partial transcript which indicates their expected graduation date. Additionally, the applicant is required to independently conceive and write an essay stating why he/she has chosen to pursue a degree in higher education at The Art Institute of Tucson and how he/she plans to be successful as a college student and industry professional. Portfolios are welcomed but not required with the exception of the Media Arts & Animation program. Applicants who have taken the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) are encouraged to submit scores to Admissions for evaluation.
The Art Institute of Tucson does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state, local or federal law, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission and employment.
Application Requirements
Each individual who seeks admission to The Art Institute of Tucson will be interviewed either in person or by telephone by an Assistant Director of Admissions.
The purpose of the interview is to:
- Explore the prospective student’s background and interests as they relate to the programs offered at The Art Institute of Tucson.
- Assist the prospective student to identify the appropriate area of study consistent with their background and interest.
- Provide information concerning curriculum offerings and support services available at The Art Institute of Tucson.
An Application for Admission and an Enrollment Agreement must be completed, signed by the applicant, and submitted to The Art Institute of Tucson, with a $50 application fee. The enrollment fee of $100 is due within 10 days after the Enrollment Agreement is signed. The Art Institute of Tucson requires a high school transcript or GED scores and admissions essay to be considered for enrollment acceptance. The essay must be 2 pages, typed, double spaced in 12pt. Times New Roman font with 1.5” margins top, bottom, left, and right and appropriately answer the following question: Why have you chosen to pursue a degree in higher education at The Art Institute of Tucson and how do you plan to be successful as a college student and industry professional?
Applicants must also present a record of accomplishments in core academic courses as evidenced through transcripts, grade point averages, or GED scores. All applications of prospective students are reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine if the applicant has a reasonable chance for academic success in his/her chosen program of study. All information gathered in the admissions process is considered during the review process (including but not limited to: interview, transcripts, essay, and portfolio). Successful admission into The Art Institute of Tucson and a satisfactory program start is dependent upon all information gathered and evaluated during the admissions process. The goals of the admissions process are to determine that the applicant has a reasonable chance to be successful based on past academic records and that the program of study chosen by the applicant is appropriate based on the applicant’s stated career goals.
The minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for all programs is 2.0.
Applicants who have not submitted a high school transcript or GED scores two weeks prior to their quarter start date may be required to take additional testing and/or submit a college transcript, or provide other additional supporting materials as determined appropriate by the Admissions Committee, the results of which will be reviewed during the admissions process. The committee may then grant conditional acceptance, although the applicant will still be required to submit proof of high school graduation, college transcripts, or GED scores by a date established by the Committee or President in order to achieve full acceptance. Nonimmigrant alien students seeking to secure valid student status through enrollment at The Art Institute of Tucson are not eligible for conditional acceptance.
Applicants who have not yet submitted all transcripts may be allowed to begin class but must provide all required transcripts by a date established by the Committee or President. Nonimmigrant alien students seeking to secure valid student status through enrollment at the College are not permitted to begin classes until having achieved unconditional acceptance to The Art Institute of Tucson. The Art Institute of Tucson reserves the right to request any additional information necessary to evaluate an applicant’s potential for academic success.
The Art Institute of Tucson is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American Disabilities Act. Enrollees requiring additional educational or tuition assistance will be referred to appropriate government agencies or other special educational institutions equipped to handle such situations. For information, please contact the Director of Admissions.