KERRVILLE, Texas — A university in Kerrville, Texas, will accept credits from students who previously attended the Art Institute of America's (AIA) now-defunct campuses.
In late September, the AIA system announced it would be permanently closing the remainder of its campuses. That included The Art Institutes of Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, as well as four other schools.
The system did not provide an explanation for the closures in its announcement, but The New York Times reported that the system had suffered from low enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Other previous challenges included a $95 million settlement after fraud allegations in 2015 and a loss of accreditation that led to the closing of nearly 20 other locations in 2018.
Now Schreiner University in Kerrville has agreed to accept all class credits for students wishing to transfer from AIA campuses, becoming the first school in the state to do so.
"We believe this is an opportunity for institutions such as Schreiner University to offer transfer-friendly options such as linking to available financial aid, scholarships, easy access to advisors, and generous transfer credit articulation," said Wilbert Lleses, Schreiner's assistant vice president of enrollment. “Support such as that will help AIA students who transfer to graduate on time.”
Lleses said that the university wants to "provide an easy path" for the students to transfer the credits they've already earned and to "finish their degree affordably." Schreiner is offering a pre-award $16,000 scholarship to all AIA transfer students who end up attending the university. Application fees and essay requirements will also be waived for transfer students.
“Schreiner is delighted to invite the Art Institute students to Enter with Hope and complete their educational aspirations in a seamless and efficient manner,” said Dr. Charlie McCormick, president of Schreiner University. “We know that many higher education institutions are facing difficult days; we intend to be the most welcoming of places for their students to finish their degrees.”
Any former AIA student who would like to learn more about attending Schreiner can contact admissions by visiting schreiner.edu/admissions, emailing admissions@schreiner.edu, or calling 830-792-7217.