I went there for medical billing and coding and it was an Awesome school.They took my credits from another school that I went to

This school is an absolute waste of time and money. I attended while it was "The School of Communication Arts" and it was absurd how poorly managed this place was. Our instructor would leave our classroom after just a couple of minutes with no real direction or instruction. He was busy hanging out with a fellow instructor in one of the other domes. Meanwhile we were doing a drawing class in a poorly lit room where the only light was up by where the instructor would typically teach. He did this for weeks. When our ENTIRE class went to talk to Deborah, and let her know of these problems and a lack of instructor, she told us ALL that we were lying and that the instructor wouldn't do that because he was one of their most esteemed instructors. She wouldn't even walk to the classroom to see if we were telling the truth. How would an entire class be able to leave their class without the instructor wondering what was up and going to look for them. Deborah denied any refunds or rescheduling of classes. I still wish I could get some sort of refund for this place. During admissions, I was told I would be placed in advanced classes because my work already proved I would be wasting my time in beginner classes. Of course when it came time to start, I was placed in beginner classes and they said they wouldn't change them. So I spent money without any ability to get a refund on classes for things I already knew. Half the time I spent teaching my fellow classmates better techniques than the instructors did. I've heard this place is getting shut down. Not the first rodeo the owner has been through like this though. Roger K is an educational crook and so is Deborah. read more

They are a scam school preying on the hopes and dreams of young people. You finish and there is no degree to be had.

As a student, I really felt so welcomed and supported upon coming here. It's such a great feeling being surrounded by positive people that also believe in the same dream. I can't say enough great things about the professors and the assignments. Like any place, what you put into it is what you will get out of it. So make the most of it. read more

Please do not go here or send your children here. Do not make the same mistake I did as a first generation college student who knew nothing about accreditation. This is a toxic, FOR-PROFIT school and a scam. None of your credits will transfer and you will basically have a fake degree. The website even screams scam (the design, the UX, the lack of contact info, etc.). Just look at their physical building - It's a circus building (how ironic)! After receiving a REAL degree from a REAL university, I am embarrassed to even have this on my LinkedIn profile. I had to start over as a freshman even though I had 2 years here. All this school did was put me over $50k in debt and delay my start by 2 years to a real education and career. The only good thing I got out of this school was some good friendships from other students. However, many left before "graduation" to go to real universities once they found about the false accreditation. Every state university out there will tell you these credits are useless. This school DOES NOT help you get these industry jobs at Pixar, Disney, etc. like they claim on their website (false advertising). Good luck getting anyone here in Silicone Valley or LA to recognize this degree or school. They have zero connections to it. I was just lucky enough to have some mentors after college teach me everything I know, despite having a "terrible portfolio" and a strong work ethic to get to where I am today. I'm honestly not even sure how this place is legal. It's really sad for all those who have lost thousands upon thousands of dollars there (including myself), only to have to start over from scratch to obtain a real, recognizably accredited degree. They make it seem like you're special when you're accepted, but you could get in with a portfolio of stick figures. I feel super sad for my inner 18 year old, small-town self and savings account (due to paying off these hefty scammy loans) and don't want to see others scammed the same way. I wish I'd had a real advisor looking out for my future back then, not a snake oil/used car salesman. They prey on small-town, first generation college students, people who can't get into real universities, and parents who are unfamiliar with the college enrollment process. I saw the reply to someone's comment below that says "The college has no record of a Rylli P. ever enrolling.". They'll probably say the same for me considering they have changed the name of the school since I went there (from School of Communication Arts to Living Arts College). That's ok, if they respond with that to me, I'll be sure to post my 2005 graduation photo with the circus school in the background to prove it. The name change is kinda fishy, huh? They probably changed the name to start a clean slate for themselves from their previous bad reviews and it wouldn't surprise me if they do it again once more people speak out. It also wouldn't surprise me if they've thrown out previous records of students from the School of Communication Arts days. Notice the 'About this Business' page lists Debra as a 'business owner'. That's exactly what it is, a business, not a school; and just like someone else said here, your tuition pays for her fancy cars, clothing and jewelry. 15 years after my graduation and they are still getting away with scamming folks, just under a different name/brand. read more

Not as bad as you would think. I was going to the college from 2014-2017 and my experience here has been awesome. I learned and molded my craft within the time i went and i definitely got the experience i asked for. i was involved with a wide variety of groups and it was nice to see the school come together for multiple projects. There is nothing shady or sinister going on. I honestly don't understand all the hate. The school never said it would give you a job, you have to work for it and use what the school gave you to push for that job. The degree got me a few jobs and the school has been working with me well for my loans and such. without this school i would not be where I am today and i thank you living arts! -Matthew Castro read more

Living Arts College Was my home away from home after work. I had to attend evening classes for the Medical Assistant program. I have to say it was hard, fun and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Thank you DR. Shannon, Mrs. Thomas, Mr. J. I have i job that i love doing. thank you for the support and the real world experiences. Top notch Jennet P read more

Managed to avoid major career mistake ~ read reviews of prior employees and received warning from current internal staff of the micro-management style. Interviewed for a position and was offered the position. When a company truly try to micro-manage you prior to you even beginning to work there...that right there is a sure sign to run and run as quickly as you can. There is a reason why my spirit would not allow me to accept the office key...that wasn't my key and that wasn't the position meant for me. I am so thankful for the way God reveals in a timely manner. read more

Loved touring the building last week. The school is made up of three huge connected domes that looked beautiful in the afternoon sunlight. Inside was very cool with soft lighting and open classes and work spaces. read more

Being a student, I truly enjoy my time here. I'm constantly surrounded by teachers, faculty and other students who are more than willing to go the extra mile to see students become successful in whatever major they choose. Of course the school does have its downsides but it just leaves such major room for improvement which also helps me and other students. One thing I definitely learned from being here is that you truly have to capitalize on your networking, it helps boosts your chances of finding to possibly creating your dream job and teachers really put the effort into making sure that becomes reality. read more

So I'm writing this review based on what was suppose to be future enrollment to the digital photography class. I'll keep this short but to the point, i had enrolled to the school about 2 months ago and was really looking forward to going back to school and had based 2010 around my school schedule but one day ( ONE DAY ) Before i was suppose to go for my orientation i received a called from the school being told the class had been canceled and that i would not be able to attend the year round school, I'm as upset as they come because it's to late to enrolled to any other school and i had turned down a job to go to this school but turns out it's just a SCAM SCHOOL all around, Also side note their trying to tell me that i'm not allowed a refund for the paper work etc which amount to 100 dollars, so it seems there just out to waste your time, take your fees and call you one day before your suppose to start / orientation and tell you it's been canceled. STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. read more

If you love your children, you will stay as far away from this school as possible. Your tution will go towards buying Debora a new car, and not towards what really matters. The equipment is low grade, and despite what they say, you will not be able to use it whenever you want. I've been told by folks in the industry that they will NOT hire students from this school. Simply because of the lack of education you get. They promise you can come back after you graduate and use the equipment. Yeah, for an hourly price. 40,000 dollars can get you a much better education anywhere else than this school. And now, I'm having serious issues with repayment because they screwed up the financial paperwork so terribly. Thanks for nothing, LAC. read more

Ben Parks is the nicest and most thorough professor you'll find, and truly believes in passing on his craft to future pros.

We had the tremendous opportunity to spend a half day at Living Arts College recording a few tracks for our girls band, UrMom. Professor Craig Brandwynne met us in the studio and introduced us to his students. The bottom line: We were absolutely blown away by our experience at Living Arts College and the folks that we had the good fortune to work with. The level of expertise and hospitality were off the charts. Over the years, my family and i had passed by the school many times, but this was our first time walking through the doors of the school. Amazing to think that an institution with this kind of first rate equipment and instruction is located in our backyard...and just minutes from our home here in Wake Forest, NC....incredible. After i graduated from FSU, I went to a small college in Alabama to get my Master's Degree so i could concentrate on my particular field of interest. I learned this very valuable truth about education and balancing that against the financial sacrifice you make in chasing your goals and this still holds true today: You get out what you put in! If the materials and guidance are there, it's up to you to do the work and take advantage of it. Living Arts College has everything you need to succeed in all aspects of Media Design and high end Digital Production. I've been in the entertainment business for over 20 years and the equipment that we had the privilege to use is top of the line and the industry standard. Furthermore, Professor Brandwynne is an Emmy award nominated producer and engineer for musical arrangement!!! Living Arts College is Gem! read more

After attending classes at the School for 6 quarters (1 and a half years) I would have to say there are the students who take learning seriously and stand out, and then students who cave in at each step because they are fearful of resistance and challenge. I consider myself the first. I believe it is likely that many other reviews here are from the second. Make up your own mind. These review sites are seat-of-the-pants by nature. Take note of my tone, calm and collected. Then read some of the other reviews. Filled with personal attacks and disparage. When people are disenchanted with their performance and want to vent (whatever the reason) it is easy to go to a site and whine. This School has been in business for years. As with anything, people get what they put into it. Universities are large and people can and do drift through easily. If you want a more personal education experience and are willing to work for your abilities and opportunities then check the School out for yourself, see if it is right for you, but just don't base your sole opinion on the criticism of the meager few on display to the world. read more

I enrolled my daughter in this school, due to start in September. I finally had to call them about housing (was not sure what her options would be) and was told that we had to find and handle housing on our own. No one told me this in the beginning.. Called, was transferred to four different people, they all told me nothing and transferred me again. Now, my daughter is upset cuz she cant get her degree in Graphics as planned and I am not sure what to do. read more

Being a graduate from the college, I wanted to post a review of my experience at the school. There are many mixed reviews online, some that are great and some that are very, very bad. What you need to understand about this school is that you are going to get what you put into it. If you just come to class and do the projects, you will graduate with a nice education and probably land an average industry job. But if you come to this school and put forth effort, you will be successful. You will read on other reviews that the college is small, which it is, but I saw that as a good thing because I came from a private high school that was smaller. I have always worked better when teachers have the ability to sit with you one on one outside of class. At Living Arts College you get this because the school is smaller and the instructors are willing to help if you just ask for it. While in school, I always took the extra time to get to know my teachers. I never had a situation where they said they were too busy to help, if they were busy, they would set a time for me to come back and see them. As far as accreditation goes, you are not able to transfer the courses you take from the school. But if you're planning on graduating from here, that's not an issue. I can take my bachelor's degree to NC State and get my Masters if I want. But if you are planning on coming to the school and leaving before you graduate, you won't be able to transfer the courses. Another great thing about the school is the other students at the school. You are surrounded by creative people. These are the types that always doodled in class and had their imaginations running wild. Not only are these people fellow students but could one day be your co worker. So getting to know your fellow students is something I always tried to do and surround myself with the students who cared about their work and worked hard. There are students here that don't care about their work, and try to interrupt class and are always on facebook. But you will find these types everywhere you go. I am assuming that most of the negative reviews come from these students cause they get upset when the teachers critique there work and they can't handle it. I could always tell when a student had just thrown something together a few minutes before then expect a high grade. When they drop out because they are wasting their parent's money, they go online and bash the school. So don't listen to everything you read. I would suggest coming to the school and talking to some of the students. Most everyone is very nice and should be very helpful. Full Sail has the same type of reviews saying scam, don't come here.. so really you just need to research and pay attention to the reviews that people actually took the time to write. A big part of this school is the cost, it is very expensive. But if you compare it to another major creative school called Full Sail, it is a lot less. I worked hard and kept a 4.0 average so I was able to take advantage of scholarships and grants. Again, this is where you get what you put into it. So yes it is expensive but what school isn't other than community colleges nowadays. To sum up my experience, it was a really good one. I wouldn't have some of the opportunities I have now if it wasn't for coming to Living Arts College. You get to meet industry professionals and really get a taste of what is to come when you graduate. The one on one attention you get here and the extra time teachers give you if you ask for it is what makes this school stand out the most for me. The school is not perfect, but if you come here and work hard, you will find that opportunities are all around you. read more

I love my LAC!! I was a student from 2001 to 2004 and earned my Associates in Digital Animation. We always had the most current software packages and the staff to teach the curriculum. Most companies didn't even have the most current software as quickly as the college had it installed on each computer. I was also lucky enough to go to Promax BDA 2005 which is a broadcast design conference held in NY. It was an eye opening experience to see just how many different fields it takes to run a network or create award winning films, commercials, documentaries, etc. The College offers students many chances to go to different conferences all around the country in all types of fields of study. Such as, Siggraph, Promax BDA, Cucalorus Film Festival, AES Audio Conference, GDC, NAB, Look3 Festival of the Photograph and countless other opportunities to network with professionals in their field of study. In short, I am a better, more informed and educated individual because of my long relationship with Living Arts College. I love my LAC! read more

Not a student and know nothing about music but I went today to film 4 young girls in their quest to become better musicians. Spent 4 hours filming the experience of there 1st recording session. May not know anything about it but was very impressed with the experience. Leader was patient but had a clear direction for the girls. Vibe was great and I enjoyed watching something unfold that I knew nothing about, walked away impressed with the girls and the staff. read more

i like this school so far. I am a photography student here and love the teachers and the programs. The admissions department worked very hard to get me in considering i applied the week before school was to start. I am looking forward to my future with this school read more

I'm sorry to see that someone had such a bad experience with the school. I can't attest to having those kinds of problems, but the only problems I really had was trying to get all the work done on time, doing all my classes, going to work, and stuff. I worked hard to go to school and make more opportunities for myself, and this school helped me do that. It opened some doors I never would have found had I not attended. The people I met in my class I still stay in touch with and they are working for a triple A game title developer. I'm not, but that doesn't mean that I'm not doing well for myself. Sometimes the best opportunities are the doors we didn't open yet. I guess it's all about the choices we make and I think I made a good one. read more

The good thing about the teachers here is they are easy to talk to. They are also professionals. They make classes comfortable but professional for the students so we can ask questions and get useful comments on our projects. read more

The classes and professors are very experiences and helpful to your learning environment, although the administration is very unhelpful and is more concerned about money over the well being of their students. The worst part is the high dropout rate, i remember out of the 10 film students in my class, 5 of them left after the first 2-3 quarters read more

Went to school for audio and ended up finding my passion for design. The instructors were great in helping me find my passion and changing degrees. That is one of the best things about this school is the one on one attention you get from the instructors. Great school!!! read more

As a current student, I feel as though my money is being used to pad the owner's pockets with some classes (e.g. Creative Thinking), and also feel as though my major, which is Audio, is secondary by far to the visual fields (photography, film, interior design, etc.). Also, the financial aid (I just learned recently), is partially taken care of by the school's private loan system, which means higher interest rates. The fact they don't tell you this up front is very worrisome. I've been here for over a year and have yet to have a class where we are constantly in one of the studios here, which are incredibly nice. However, I feel as though my Audio Instructors are some of the best I could possibly ask for. With that being said, I would say fully explore all other options, such as Full Sail University, before coming here. read more

I have enjoyed my time in the school so far. I like that many of the of the classes are focused on pushing towards your future. As an audio student, I love that there are different studios to work in as well as the fact that all the classes are hands on. You learn all aspects of your craft so that by the time you graduate, you will have covered all of the basis. read more

It's all my fault for attending this school. I "graduated" last year with a diploma in Medical billing and coding that is practically worthless. Most of my classmates were totally stressed by the unreasonable course work. Teachers would come and go like a revolving door. The "director" is a huge liar. I have no respect for him. My message to anyone who reads this. Do not enroll in this "school" It's not real. They only want your money. Sure, the amount of time it takes to graduate sounds great but it is not realistic. Employers will just look at you like you are stupid when you tell them that you went to Living Arts. Save yourself the trouble and enroll at Wake Tech or Durham Tech. At least those schools are accredited and you will learn what is necessary for at least a entry-level position in Medical billing. I am still without a job and I have to pay back school loans. Two months ago an accrediting agency contacted me in regards to this school. They had on file that I was working in my field...HUGE LIE! I don't know if the school is still being investigated, but I noticed on their review section on Google there are several 'doctored' reviews that make the school seem like the perfect place. The time and course load is not enough to prepare you for a real job. Living arts college is a scam. Beware! read more

As a recent graduate, I can say that Living Arts College is definitely worth the investment. I was in the Interactive Media program and I'm glad it was much more than just your basic graphic design, logo making kind of course. Broadcast Design, Motion Graphics, Web Development, Packaging...there was so much more to the advertising and marketing field than I realized and I actually found myself enjoying classes I never would have thought of taking before going to the college. The staff are amazing and very wise in their craft. Mark Smith and Vince Gardner were fantastic professors and still remain close friends and mentors to me even after almost a year of leaving the school. I met a lot of great people through the networking and internships I attended through the school or from someone a professor had known. Overall it was an amazing experience at the school. Great professors, great networking opportunities, and a lot of great memories. read more

I am currently a student at this school majoring in Audio Production and my experience has been okay. Like most students that have attended this school, I don't always feel that my money is being used to advance my education. The money that the school gets from their students need to be used for the students. The students that major in Audio Production need better equipment to use in their classes so we will be able to preform at our highest level. A lot of the equipment and software we use is old out dated. Although there are many things that I feel are wrong with this school there are also some good things. Two of the things that I have enjoyed about this school are some of the instructors and the use recording studios. Many of the professors such as Dr. Coats, Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Reynolds have helped me extremely become a better student and entrepreneur. There are many things that I feel the school needs to change as soon as possible but for the most part my experience has been fair. read more