[quote name='SneakyPenguin']Digipen is very ingrained in the industry, so we get a bit more, but yes, the basis is a lot of math (we more or less get math minors by default). My course load is almost exclusively math classes or programming classes. We also learn about project planning, design, art (though not as much as the artist side), teamwork, etc. They try to simulate the industry, so that we are pretty much already experienced before we even go for our first job. Just last week one of the lead designers on the two Dungeon Siege games was holding a company day, and said that they value DigiPen students over any average person because of the hazing experience we get.
And I can tell you the reason those game design "schools" advertise to the jock (re: stupid) crowd. They have money. They pretty much take the money, give a half assed education that doesn't work at all, and run, leaving them high and dry in an industry populated by people vastly more qualified.
As for whether I'm happy, very much so. Was just talking with my friends about reforming The Clockwork Syndicate (our old team for sophomore year) to actually go and finish a game, independent from DigiPen, and try and get it published, on our own. In addition, I'm probably gonna end up working on a sound based shooter with one of those friends, just for shits and giggles. All this because of the education I'm getting.
Plus, one of my professors was the producer on James Pond 1 and 2, and that's just

ing awesome.[/quote]
Thats almost the same thing that happened when I went to Broadcasting school.
They would accept damn near anyone with a pulse knowing full well that 50% of the people there would drop out flunk out because of how strict they were. You had to keep a B- average in all 7 classes or you would be on probation...another grade below b- and they booted you out. (remember though this is broadcasting...you cant take a studio home with you to do homework. So everything was graded on hands on stuff)
We were producing 4 shows a week as well as a round table. Mother

as would drop like flies man. FLIES! My class started with a group of 43. We ended with 25.
But the people who tuffed it out and learned all they good got all the skills they needed to find a job easy right after. I have been working hard and have worked myself up to one of the top rookie freelancers in my area. If your program is anything like mine was which it sounds like it...its all worth it in the end.