Academy of Interactive Entertainment: 42.6% Acceptance Rate

42.6%Acceptance

$24,600Tuition

113Students

100%Grad Rate (6-yr)

#8 in LouisianaPrivate nonprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Academy of Interactive Entertainment

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment trains the next generation of game developers and digital media professionals. This specialized technical college enrolls just 113 students in Lafayette, Louisiana. The school accepts 43% of applicants who want to break into the gaming industry. Students learn hands-on skills in game design, programming, and digital animation through intensive two-year programs.

The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $33,319 annually, which is steep for a two-year program. Those from families earning under $30,000 still face costs of $29,298 per year. About 48% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants. Graduates leave with a median debt of $12,000, translating to monthly loan payments of $127. The school's 100% six-year graduation rate suggests students complete their programs successfully.

The student body skews male at 61%, reflecting the gender imbalance common in gaming programs. All students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit local community. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small despite the school's technical focus. Students work closely with instructors who understand the demands of the rapidly evolving gaming industry.

Academics & Faculty

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment specializes in game development and digital media programs for students pursuing careers in the gaming industry. With only 113 students enrolled, this technical college offers an intimate learning environment focused on hands-on training in game design, programming, and digital arts. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with industry professionals who serve as instructors. Every graduate completes their program within six years, reflecting the school's 100% graduation rate. The specialized curriculum prepares students for roles at gaming studios, animation companies, and digital media firms. Students gain practical experience through project-based learning rather than traditional academic coursework.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 100.0%

Campus Life

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment sits in Lafayette, a college town about two hours west of New Orleans. All 113 students are Louisiana residents, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The student body is 61% male and reflects Louisiana's diversity, with 51% white students and 36% Black students. You'll need both air conditioning for humid summers and light jackets for mild winters, though snow is practically nonexistent.

The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors work closely with students on game development projects and digital media portfolios. Since this is a specialized technical school without traditional dorms, students typically live off-campus in Lafayette's affordable apartments. The semester system allows deep dives into intensive programming and design coursework. Weekend life revolves around gaming sessions, collaborative projects, and Lafayette's active food scene featuring authentic Cajun cuisine. With a 100% graduation rate, students stay focused on their career goals while building lasting connections in Louisiana's growing tech industry. Nearly 48% receive financial aid, making this specialized education accessible to working-class families.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1996

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–60°F
July Avg: 72°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.0"
Annual Snowfall: -2,333.1"

Student Demographics

The Academy draws students from across Louisiana who want to break into gaming and digital media careers. About three in five students are men, reflecting the gender actives of the tech and gaming industries the school serves. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts working-class students seeking technical skills for well-paying creative careers. The diverse student body is split roughly evenly between white and Black students. These are typically hands-on learners who prefer specialized training over traditional liberal arts education.

Men: 61.1%
Women: 38.9%
White: 51.3%
Black: 36.3%
Hispanic: 1.8%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.9%

Location

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment sits in Lafayette, Louisiana, about 50 miles west of Baton Rouge. Lafayette anchors Louisiana's Acadiana region with a population around 120,000. The city blends Cajun culture with tech industry growth, making it an unexpected center for digital media education. All students come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong local connections. Lafayette's music scene and food culture create a creative atmosphere that complements game development studies. The area offers lower living costs than major metropolitan areas while maintaining cultural richness. Oil and gas industries traditionally dominated the region, but tech sectors are expanding. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Academy of Interactive Entertainment with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lafayette, Louisiana 70506-4293

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Academy of Interactive Entertainment?

Academy of Interactive Entertainment admits 42.59% of applicants. The school focuses on game development and digital media training, so they look for students with genuine interest in these technical fields.

How much does Academy of Interactive Entertainment cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $33,319 annually. About 48% of students receive financial aid, with graduates leaving with a median debt of just $12,000.

What are the academic programs like at Academy of Interactive Entertainment?

The school maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its specialized programs. Students focus intensively on game development and digital media skills in this technical college environment.

Does Academy of Interactive Entertainment have good graduation outcomes?

The school boasts a remarkable 100% six-year graduation rate. Graduates typically make monthly loan payments of just $127, reflecting both the focused career training and manageable debt levels.

Where do students at Academy of Interactive Entertainment come from?

All 113 enrolled students are Louisiana residents. The student body is 61% male and 39% female, reflecting the demographics common in gaming and tech programs.

Is Academy of Interactive Entertainment affordable for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $29,298. Nearly 48% of students receive Pell Grants, making this specialized training accessible to working-class families.