• The Art Institute Online was launched in 2000 as an extension of the 86-year-old Art Institute of Pittsburgh and its 34 sister schools throughout North America.
   
• This accredited online college offers 14 creative degree and diploma programs in fields such as culinary management, digital design, interior design, and media arts and animation. These programs follow the same curriculum taught through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, with the online aspect allowing students to control their learning environment.
   
• Class sizes range from 15 to 18 people and include faculty-run discussion groups, online tutoring, and live-feed demonstrations and recorded videos to help students get a visual grasp of complex material.

“Art Institute Online students are often not currently in the career field they want to pursue,” explains Associate Director of Admissions Denise Cortinovis. “They’ve always had a creative passion or interest, and they’re finally getting to follow that interest.” Classes cost $437 per credit hour, plus a $100 online lab fee per course and a one-time admission/enrollment fee of $150.