I am 23 years old university student studying Interior Design in Toronto.
After finishing the first year I found myself more interested, and
have more talent, in computer graphics, so I'm thinking about changing
my major before it's too late.
  
I considered going into the Graphics Design at OCAD or Computer
Illustration at Sheridon College.
However, considering my age and some family issues, it would be better
if I can get a degree as soon as possible and get a decent job so I
can support my family.
 
These circumstances lead me to consider applying for Computer Graphics
at IADT (International Academy of Design and Technology) where I can
get a diploma in one year (You probably have seen their ads in TV
commercial).  But I have no idea about their reputation in the real
design field, and how much possibility there is to get a good decent
job after graduating from IADT.  I heard their tuition fee is around
$15,000 CAD, which is very high considering the university tuition fee
in Canada is around $4000 - $5000 per year.  Therefore, I want to make
sure that I'm going into the right school where I can get a quality
education and guaranteed (or high possibility) for job after
graduating.

So my question is -
What kind of reputation does IADT have in reality?
Is there good chance of getting a job after graduating?

Plus, if you have, any general comments about my career.. should I go
into university/college instead of IADT?  Will it make much difference
in the end?


Thanks.

I went to the American Society of Interior Designers' website.
(www.asid.org) They had a link to the website for the Foundation for
Interior Design Education Research (FIDER). (http://www.fider.org) 
They list IADT as an accredited program.

I am an interior designer.  You might check out my website to get some
ideas. www.TheInteriorAlternative.com.  You can email me at
roomscapes@comcast.net.  I'd be happy to chat with you.

Can't comment on the reputation of IADT, but I did visit a school
called Pacific Audio Visual Institute.  Their Computer Graphic Design
Program specializes in computer graphics for the entertainment
industry (music, tv, film) and they were even willing to get me an
internship at a local company.  I know a num,ber of people in this
industry and they are always looking for people to help design
posters, cd covers, etc.  Their web address is www.pacifcav.com.  Hope
this is of some use.

I'm actually near your same boat.  I'm a near-25 year-old looking into
graphic design programs.  IADT was one of the colleges I was talking
to.  Anyway, IADT has a good reputation and is always listed in "top
design schools" lists that I researched, but there's a little catch. 
I'm still not sure if this is a thing or not, but it was always only
the Chicago and sometimes the Tampa campuses that were listed.  Not
sure why, but I know each branch of IADT offers different degrees.

Well, I'm actually focusing on my in-state schools here that have
graphic art programs because I can't afford to pay off the huge
student loans I would amass at IADT on a graphic designers average
salary.