Dec 20, 2024
Please contact us
with corrections
or breaking news
Please contact us
with corrections
or breaking news
Academy of Art’s Disastrous Loan Program
by Karl F. Cohen
Please support our stories by liking articles—thanks!
The Academy of Art provides a massive presence in downtown San Francisco, through its 32 properties. photo: courtesy the Academy of ArtTHE SF CHRONICLE RAN A FRONT
page story on November 5th about how the Academy of Art, San Francisco’s largest art school, made millions off of convincing students—including some who were unqualified to attend the school—to take out government loans to fulfill their dreams of becoming successful artists.
The long article, about how the school finally settling the case that dragged on for 12 years, ended with: “Meanwhile, The Chronicle spoke with 17 former Academy of Art students who had independently contacted the paper after reading stories about the lawsuit. Students were not part of the suit, but protecting their interests is why the government regulates recruitment schemes.
Of those ex-students, 12 said they owed more than $50,000 in student loan debt, including eight above $100,000.
One of them was Shaun Dunn, a 2019 graduate who earned two degrees from the Academy of Art over many years, including a master’s degree in animation and visual effects. Unable to find a job in his field, Dunn, 40, owed more than $431,000 in student loans.
The Academy’s recruiters were egged on by school officials, who allegedly dangled Hawaii trips and pay hikes to get them to be more aggressive.
Dunn said he felt tricked by the school, which he described as persistently urging him to stay even though he couldn’t afford it and enticing him with promises of a lucrative career.
“’It’s ruined my life,’ Dunn said.”
Academy of Art officials declined to comment for that story.
Where’s a reputable, responsible and creative Bay Area art school when we need one?
Oh yeah, we let the Art Institute close last year.
Karl F. Cohen—who added his middle initial to distinguish himself from the Russian Karl Cohen, who tried to assassinate the Czar in the mid-19th century—is an animator, educator and director of the local chapter of the International Animation Society and can be reached .
Posted on Jan 05, 2022 - 06:38 PM
by Karl F. Cohen
Please support our stories by liking articles—thanks!
The Academy of Art provides a massive presence in downtown San Francisco, through its 32 properties. photo: courtesy the Academy of Artpage story on November 5th about how the Academy of Art, San Francisco’s largest art school, made millions off of convincing students—including some who were unqualified to attend the school—to take out government loans to fulfill their dreams of becoming successful artists.
The long article, about how the school finally settling the case that dragged on for 12 years, ended with: “Meanwhile, The Chronicle spoke with 17 former Academy of Art students who had independently contacted the paper after reading stories about the lawsuit. Students were not part of the suit, but protecting their interests is why the government regulates recruitment schemes.
Of those ex-students, 12 said they owed more than $50,000 in student loan debt, including eight above $100,000.
One of them was Shaun Dunn, a 2019 graduate who earned two degrees from the Academy of Art over many years, including a master’s degree in animation and visual effects. Unable to find a job in his field, Dunn, 40, owed more than $431,000 in student loans.
The Academy’s recruiters were egged on by school officials, who allegedly dangled Hawaii trips and pay hikes to get them to be more aggressive.
Dunn said he felt tricked by the school, which he described as persistently urging him to stay even though he couldn’t afford it and enticing him with promises of a lucrative career.
“’It’s ruined my life,’ Dunn said.”
Academy of Art officials declined to comment for that story.
Where’s a reputable, responsible and creative Bay Area art school when we need one?
Oh yeah, we let the Art Institute close last year.
Karl F. Cohen—who added his middle initial to distinguish himself from the Russian Karl Cohen, who tried to assassinate the Czar in the mid-19th century—is an animator, educator and director of the local chapter of the International Animation Society and can be reached .
Posted on Jan 05, 2022 - 06:38 PM
