Ringling College of Art and Design vs American Academy of Art College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of focus at Ringling College of Art and Design versus the American Academy of Art College?

  Ringling College of Art and Design offers a broad range of visual arts programs, including animation, game art, illustration, film, and photography. It emphasizes a strong foundation in traditional art skills combined with cutting-edge technology. The American Academy of Art College, while also offering a variety of art programs, historically focused more on traditional fine arts, illustration, and design, with a strong emphasis on classical techniques and representational art. While both offer illustration, Ringling is known for its digital focus, while American Academy has been known for its traditional focus.

• How do the campus environments and locations differ between Ringling College and the American Academy of Art College?

  Ringling College of Art and Design is located in Sarasota, Florida, offering a vibrant campus environment with modern facilities and a strong connection to the local arts community. The American Academy of Art College was located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, providing students with access to a major metropolitan area's art scene, museums, and galleries. However, it is important to note that the American Academy of Art College closed in 2019. Ringling College continues to operate in its Sarasota location.

• What is the general reputation of Ringling College of Art and Design compared to the American Academy of Art College?

  Ringling College of Art and Design has a strong national and international reputation, particularly in animation, game art, and illustration. It's known for its industry connections and high placement rates for graduates. The American Academy of Art College, prior to its closure, had a solid reputation for its traditional art training and its focus on preparing students for careers in illustration and design. However, Ringling generally had a broader reach and higher visibility in the art and design world.

• What types of degree programs were offered at the American Academy of Art College, and how do they compare to Ringling College's offerings?

  The American Academy of Art College offered Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in areas like Illustration, Painting, Graphic Design, and Photography. Ringling College offers BFA degrees in a wider array of disciplines, including Computer Animation, Game Art, Motion Design, Film, and Virtual Reality Development, in addition to Illustration, Fine Arts, and Graphic Design. Ringling's curriculum also incorporates more technology and digital media than the American Academy's historically did.

• How do the career services and industry connections compare between Ringling College and what the American Academy of Art College offered?

  Ringling College is known for its robust career services, including portfolio reviews, internship opportunities, and on-campus recruiting events with major companies in the entertainment and design industries. The American Academy of Art College, prior to its closure, also provided career services, but Ringling's connections and placement rates, particularly in animation and related fields, were generally considered stronger. Ringling actively cultivates relationships with studios like Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks.

• What is the difference in tuition costs and financial aid opportunities between Ringling College and what the American Academy of Art College offered?

  Ringling College typically has a higher tuition cost compared to what the American Academy of Art College charged. Both institutions offered financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. However, the specific amounts and types of aid available varied. It's important to research current tuition rates and financial aid packages directly from Ringling College's website. Since the American Academy of Art College is closed, its tuition information is no longer relevant for prospective students.

• How do the faculty and teaching styles differ between Ringling College and what the American Academy of Art College offered?

  Ringling College's faculty consists of experienced professionals actively working in their respective fields, bringing real-world industry knowledge to the classroom. The American Academy of Art College's faculty, prior to its closure, also consisted of experienced artists and designers, with a strong emphasis on traditional techniques and classical training. Ringling's teaching style often incorporates project-based learning and collaborative assignments, reflecting industry practices. The American Academy's teaching style was more focused on individual skill development and mastery of traditional art forms.

• What are the key strengths of Ringling College of Art and Design?

  Ringling College's key strengths include its strong industry connections, particularly in animation and game art; its state-of-the-art facilities and technology; its focus on preparing students for professional careers; and its vibrant campus environment. It is also known for its high placement rates for graduates in competitive fields.

• What were the key strengths of the American Academy of Art College?

  Prior to its closure, the American Academy of Art College's key strengths included its focus on traditional art techniques, its small class sizes, its experienced faculty, and its location in downtown Chicago, providing access to a major art and design hub. It was known for providing a solid foundation in representational art and design principles.

• Is the American Academy of Art College still operating?

  No, the American Academy of Art College closed in 2019. Therefore, it is not an option for prospective students. Ringling College of Art and Design remains a viable option for art and design education.