Media Release—Art Institute of Seattle designated as at-risk of closure

Art Institute of Seattle designated as at-risk of closure

January 10, 2019

On January 10, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) designated the Art Institute (AI) of Seattle as at-risk of closure. AI Seattle’s parent company is Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH).

DCEH informed WSAC that it faces potential financial insolvency. WSAC has designated the at-risk status because AI Seattle and DCEH could not sufficiently demonstrate that they are addressing the insolvency.

WSAC can designate a school as at-risk if there is either:

• Heightened potential of closure
• Other negative impacts on students

If the school doesn’t take corrective action, WSAC can suspend or withdraw an at-risk school’s authority to operate in Washington.

WSAC considers a number of factors before designating an institution at-risk. The at-risk designation ensures that current and prospective students have the information they need to weigh their options.  

WSAC is requesting that AI Seattle provide the following:

• List of all currently enrolled students and contact information.*
• A plan for the maintenance of those records.
• A teach-out plan in the case of discontinued operations. 

AI Seattle’s at-risk status creates uncertainty for current students. Current and prospective students should contact AI Seattle directly with questions or concerns. The school’s consumer information page includes links to resources about tuition refunds, financial aid, and credit accumulation.

*Updated 4:00 PM on January 10, 2019. Originally read that WSAC was requesting academic records, which is incorrect.

About the Washington Student Achievement Council 

The Washington Student Achievement Council is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington.