General Admission Questions

Who would make a good candidate for Expression, and why should this person choose Expression over other higher education or vocational training?

How long is the program? Is it divided up into semesters?

What is the cost of tuition? Do you offer scholarships or grants or loans?

What is the ratio of male to female students? What is the average student age?

What percentage of your student body comes from the San Francisco Bay Area? What percentage is from out of area?

How do you assist students in finding jobs?

How else do you connect students with the industry?

What time are classes?

How much do books cost?

What are the requirements for admission?

How do I apply?

Can I transfer general education credits from another school towards my BAS degree at Expression?

What if I do not have prior experience?

What kind of equipment do you have?

How does your accelerated degree program work? How big are the classes?

Are you accredited?

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Applied Science and B.A. or B.S.?

Do you have student housing?

Who are your teachers?

What differentiates your Career Development Department from traditional colleges?

Financial Aid Questions

How do I apply for federal financial aid?

Can I fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online?

What is your Federal School ID Number?

My financial aid does not cover my tuition. What should I do?

Why do I have to include my parent's income information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

Why am I a dependent student when my parents do not support me and will not help me finance my education?

What is the definition of an independent student?

In what types of Financial Aid programs does your school participate?

How much Financial Aid will I receive?

Is my file complete?

I did not get an award letter. When should I expect one?

How do my parents apply for a PLUS Loan?

Where do I send my FAFSA, financial aid forms packet, and other financial aid documents?

Answers

Who would make a good candidate for Expression, and why should this person choose Expression over other higher education or vocational training?

Good candidates for Expression are passionate, creative people who are not afraid of hard work and commitment. They have a great attitude and can work well in a team environment.

Expression is based on an accelerated and demanding curriculum which allows students to get what is typically a 4-year Bachelor's degree in about 2 1/2 years. Our facility is open 24-7 and days can be long. If a student is not committed and they don't love it, they won't make it.

Expression College for Digital Arts offers a learning environment tailored to help our students succeed. Our limited classes insure an intimate learning experience and plenty of hands-on time, as much as 7 to 8 hours per day depending on where the student is in the program. To make sure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of a digital arts career, we provide professional grade facilities, and equipment and regularly upgrade our software, hardware and programs. Expression prides itself on a diverse and fast paced curriculum, hands-on experience, and high job assistance rates. *At this time, job assistance is not available to International students.

 

How long is the program? Is it divided up into semesters?

Expression College for Digital Arts offers a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in the areas of Sound Arts, Animation and Visual Effects, Motion Graphic Design, and Game Art and Design. Our Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are achieved through a 26-31 month accelerated program. The duration of each required course is 5 weeks and students take either 1 or 2 courses at a time, depending on the stage of the program they are in and whether or not they have any transferable general education units from a previous college or university. In this streamlined curriculum, each course builds on the skills and knowledge of the previous course, allowing you to graduate and get out in the industry sooner.

 

What is the cost of tuition? Do you offer scholarships or grants or loans?

Tuition is currently $18,800 per academic year (8 calendar months) and includes books, materials and supplies. Four academic years are required for completion of the Expression Bachelor's degree.

Tuition is adjusted for transferable general education credits. All applicants must submit official transcripts from high school, or the equivalent, showing proof of graduation. If you are a transfer student, you must submit all official transcripts of previous college work and proof of high school graduation. All transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation of the original.

For those who qualify, there are a variety of grants available from our Financial Aid department. Your admissions representative can put you in contact with a financial aid officer who can help you with any questions about funding your education. *Government financial aid is not available to International students.

There are scholarship opportunities that students may apply for through the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio and the Game Audio Networking Guild. Please talk to an admissions representative for more information.

 

What is the ratio of male to female students? What is the average student age? The ratio is currently 15% female and 85% male.
The age range is 18 to 60.
The average age is 22.

 

What percentage of your student body comes from the San Francisco Bay Area? What percentage is from out of area? Currently, about 65% of our student body is from the Bay Area and 35% are from out-of-state or other parts of California. A small percentage are International.

 

How do you assist students in finding jobs? Our Career Development department staff utilizes their own industry experience and contacts to provide personalized career development to all Expression students in their last months prior to graduation. In addition to helping students with networking and job opportunities, the department sponsors regular workshops on interviewing and other job-seeking skills. * Job assistance is not available to International students.

 

How else do you connect students with the industry? As an Expression student, you have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals throughout your program. Top industry professionals, from Grammy Award-winning producers and Academy Award-winning visual effects artists and animation directors, to renowned graphic designers give lectures at our industry Insider Days. Insider Days are an integral part of the curriculum and attendance is required.

Additionally, students in good academic standing may have the opportunity to be mentored by industry professionals in our mentor program.

 

What time are classes? Core classes are generally 7 to 8 hours a day and General Education classes are generally 3 to 4 hours a day. Times of day for classes depend on the particular course or stage of the program. While most classes are held between 8 AM. and 6 PM, Expression is a 24-7 facility and labs and classes may be scheduled at any time during the week.

 

How much do books cost? Books are included in the tuition fee.

 

What are the requirements for admission? We require all applicants to have graduated from high school or hold a GED or equivalent. Applicants for our visual programs are required to either provide a portfolio of creative work or to pass a drawing skills test. A state-approved comprehensive math and English test is administered to all domestic applicants. Please speak to an admissions representative regarding any additional questions you have about admissions requirements.

 

How do I apply? You must complete an Admissions Application and submit a $95 non-refundable application fee. You will also need to select a specific start date. There are 8 or 9 start dates per calendar year and your admissions representative can work to help you select a start date that meets your schedule and goals.

Once the application has been submitted, you will also need to complete an entrance interview and fulfill the entrance requirements. *International applicants - please see application process under the "International" section.

 

Can I transfer general education credits from another school towards my BAS degree at Expression?

Expression may accept general education courses transferred from accredited post-secondary institutions if certain conditions (as outlined in the college catalog) are met. Credit for any other courses may be granted on a course-by-course basis based on a transfer request made by the student prior to matriculation.

Here are some helpful definitions regarding course types at Expression College:

General Education at Expression consists of courses in English, Psychology, Ethics, History, Humanities, Math and Science, and are designed to give students the intellectual foundation and skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success and pursue life-long learning.

Common Core Courses

Expression believes that a basic understanding of the digital arts is necessary for academic and professional success. Common Core courses at Expression are designed to provide students with foundational skills in areas such as film making, DVD authoring, presentation skills, media related business skills, & resume development.

Core Program Courses

Core Program courses are courses directly related to the field of study for which the degree will be awarded. Core program courses at Expression are designed in a way to build upon the previous course.

 

What if I do not have prior experience? While experience is always welcomed, our programs are designed to train students from the ground up. We seek individuals who bring passion, commitment and the ability to work well in a team environment.

 

What kind of equipment do you have? Expression strives to maintain professional grade learning facilities; we regularly consult with industry professionals to keep our programs and our equipment current with industry standards.

 

How does your accelerated degree program work? How big are the classes?

One of the advantages of attending Expression is the cross media training all our students receive, regardless of what program they take. Students at Ex'pression take several common core courses together with student from all programs. The common core lectures have no more than 50 students per class. Those needing General Education courses will also take these classes with students from all programs. General Education courses are limited to no more than 60 students per class. Core program lectures in the visual programs are limited to 24 students per class; labs are limited to 12 students per instructor with up to 24 students in a lab with two instructors. Sound Arts lectures are limited to 40 students per course and labs are limited to 8 students per lab group.

There is a one-to-one student to computer ratio, and the limited class sizes allow students to receive plenty of attention and assistance.

 

Are you accredited? Expression is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Expression is also approved to operate and to grant degrees by the State of California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE), part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

 

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Applied Science and B.A. or B.S.? The BAS you earn at Expression is a recognized degree that indicates the program is geared toward the training and application of knowledge for a specific vocation. "Applied science" is the exact science of applying knowledge from one or more fields to practical problems. Other Bachelor's degrees prepare students to pursue further study or research in given areas and may be more focused on theory rather than application.

 

Do you have student housing? Expression does not offer on-campus housing or student dorms but does employ housing coordinators who meet with students to assess their housing needs. Students are encouraged to fill out a Housing Request Form which enables the Housing Coordinator to better serve the students in their search for affordable local housing and/or roommates. Although Expression does not have its own student housing, the Housing Coordinator maintains a current listing of available local housing and maintains contact with various local apartment complexes and housing managers/landlords. This service is free of charge to all of our current and incoming students. *Currently, Expression does not offer international student housing.

For more information, please contact:
Vicki Leung
Student Affairs Coordinator
510-594-6958

 

Who are your teachers? Expression's faculty is composed of a wide range of skilled teachers from many varied backgrounds. Expression requires that instructors have the minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus four years of industry experience in order to be considered for positions on our faculty. Many of our teachers have far more years of industry experience and a number continue to work outside of the College on projects. You can read more about our faculty and view their bios by clicking here.

 

What differentiates your Career Development Department from traditional colleges? Expression's personalized career development process has been designed to prepare, empower and motivate the student by providing them with job seeking tools, individual support and guidance, and a better understanding of the industry. Our experienced career development professionals work one-on-one with you to help you with networking and job opportunities.

To see a list of some of the many companies that have hired Expression graduates for internships or jobs, please click here.

Financial Aid FAQs

How do I apply for Federal Financial Aid? The application process starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Financial Aid Office can provide you with a packet of financial aid information and forms. The packet includes a FAFSA form. Once all these forms are filled out, a financial aid appointment can be scheduled with a financial aid officer. During the appointment, you will find out what Federal financial aid you qualify for and what portion of your tuition is covered by this aid.
*International students are not eligible to apply for Federal Financial Aid.

 

Can I fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online? Yes, you can apply free online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Get together the necessary financial information beforehand, because you will need it to fill out the FAFSA. You will need your income tax form from last year and your parent's tax form if you are a dependent student. Many students find the web application easier to fill out and more use it each year.

 

What is your Federal School ID Number? Our Federal School ID Number is 039733.

 

My financial aid does not cover my tuition. What should I do?

Expression College for Digital Arts awards students the maximum allowed by federal regulations. If your award does not cover your entire tuition balance you can either:

• Pay the difference prior to the first day of classes.
• Apply for a private educational loan. A credit check is required. Applying with a cosigner is often necessary and can result in a lower interest rate on the loan. There are two educational loans that Ex'pression works with:
  
  Sallie Mae Signature Loan
  URL: http://www.salliemae.com
  Phone: 800.695.3317
  
  Citibank CitiAssist Loan
  URL: http://studentloan.citibank.com
  Phone: 800.967.2400

 

Why do I have to include my parent's income information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? If you are considered a dependent student by the Department of Education you must include your parent's income and asset information on the FAFSA. If your parents are divorced or separated see the instructions contained in the FAFSA for information on which parent's income must be reported on the application.

 

Why am I a dependent student when my parents do not support me and will not help me finance my education? If you answer "no" to all seven (7) dependency questions in step 3 on the FAFSA, you are considered a dependent student by the Federal government for financial aid purposes, even if your parents are unwilling to help you finance your education.

 

What is the definition of an independent student?

In order to be considered an independent student you must answer "Yes" to at least one of the seven questions below (asked in Step 3 of the FAFSA):

• 1) Will you be 24 years old by December 31st of the current academic year?
• 2) Will you be working on a master's program during the current academic year?
• 3) As of today, are you married? "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced)
• 4) Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
• 5) Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you, now and through the end of the current academic year?
• 6) Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age 18?
• 7) Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

 

In what types of financial aid programs does your school participate? Expression College for Digital Arts participates in the following programs:

Federal Aid:
PELL Grant	Gift aid that does not have to be paid back
Stafford Loans	Loans from the government that must be paid back.
Plus Loans	Loans that are taken out by parents of dependent students that must be paid back.
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant)	Gift aid that does not have to be paid back.
FSW (Federal Work Study)

 

How much financial aid will I receive? Financial Aid eligibility varies by student depending on income/asset information and dependency status. Below is a summary of different types of Financial Aid including minimum and maximum awards. These amounts are subject to annual revisions.

PELL Grant	$400 to $4310
Stafford Subsidized Loan	$3500 (Freshman) $4500 (Sophomore) $5500 (Junior/Senior)
Stafford Unsubsidized Loan (Independent Student)	$4,000 (Freshman/Sophomore) $5,000 (Junior/Senior)
PLUS Loan (Dependent Students)	Cost of attendance as determined by school minus other financial aid awarded

Note: PLUS Loans must pass a credit check. If credit is denied you can either obtain a co-signer or the student can apply for a Stafford Unsubsidized loan.

 

Is my file complete?

The following must be in your financial aid file to consider it complete:

• FAFSA or Renewal Application
• Financial Aid forms packet
• Entrance counseling forms (First-time borrowers at Expression)
• Signed promissory notes (Stafford and PLUS Loans)
• Signed awards letter
• PLUS information sheet (PLUS loan borrowers only)

If the Department of Education selects your application for verification you must also have:

• Completed Verification Worksheet
• Copies of your Federal tax return from last year
• Copies of your parent's Federal tax return from last year (dependent students)

 

I did not get an award letter. When should I expect one? Award letters usually take between 30-45 days from the date Expression receives your application. Delays can occur if your application is incomplete and during the busiest times of the year.

 

How do my parents apply for a PLUS Loan? If you are a dependent student and your parents wish to apply for a Parent Plus loan you must check the PLUS Loan on the application and we must receive a PLUS Loan Application (included in the Financial Aid Forms packet). Upon approval, a PLUS Loan Promissory Note will be mailed to you. The Promissory Note must be completed and mailed back to the Financial Aid Office at Expression College for Digital Arts.

 

Where do I send my FAFSA, financial aid forms packet, and other financial aid documents? For a quicker turnaround time, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid over the internet with FAFSA on the Web at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can send all other financial aid documents to:

Expression College for Digital Arts
Attn: Financial Aid Department
6601 Shellmound Street
Emeryville, CA 94608

If you have any further questions about financial aid you can email us at: .

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