Shadowdragonlord, I see what you are saying by your comment about the uselessness (for lack of better word) of learning 3d art at an institution. But I think you are off on a couple of things. By saying "by the time you are done, much of your knowledge might be obsolete". This is completely false. If you attend a good school, they keep up with the times and are always teaching you cutting edge techniques. And getting a degree will not guarantee you a job but again if you attend a good insititution, they will help you in finding a job after graduation. Good art schools also help you build amazing portfolios that will get you entry positions at most CGI locations. ...but you are right in saying that the reason to go there is to get money, money and more money :-) Me wants to get paid!