I’m currently an Indiana Resident looking to go to film school. I have a 3.6 uw gpa as well as a 30 ACT. I know that with those stats the big film schools would be too much money for me to be able to afford. Do you guys know of any places I could go for cheaper? Thank you so much in advance.
How much can your Family pay each year?
Your stats can get you merit at some schools that have film programs but those programs aren’t the big name ones…but are still quite good.
Maybe ask your question here:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/
I haven’t been to that forum and maybe good info there. That said, many of these forums are full of mostly students who don’t seem to concern themselves much with costs.
What programs would you suggest looking into?
@mom2collegekids actually there are parents who post on places like music majors and dance, and drama, and film…not just students.
There can be a plentiful amount of information gained by asking folks who have or are looking for similar programs.
@nikstoll22 will you have a portfolio of film work when you apply? Check Chapman in CA. The school has a wonderful film school, some saying it is one of the top schools in the country. But you would need a good film portfolio there. The school also has decent need based aid as well. The location in Orange County is a good one.
I have a feature length screenplay and several short films ready to put in a portfolio. When I ran Chapman’s net price calc it said I’d be paying 30k+ per year, which is waaay too much for me.
Emerson, while not a devoted “film school”, may be a good option for affordability while attending an art focused university. The starting price isn’t cheap at 46k but it’s lower than a lot of other schools and but I bet you could get more FA and scholarship there than other places. They offer degrees in Visual Media Production, Visual Media, and Production. They all focus around filmmaking or can be catered to filmmaking, it’s just what you prefer or are more interested in.
Emerson’s cost is closer to 60 when you factor in room and board.
@nikstoll22 you mention in post #6 that 30,000 is more than you can afford? What is affordable for you and your family? What is your projected FAFSA EFC?
On another thread, the OP says the EFC is $4000. If that is the case, the student will receive about $2000 in Pell Grant funds and can take the $5500 Direct Loan.
I would agree that with an EFC of $4000, a $30,000 college would be too costly.
@happymomof1 I know your kiddo isn’t a film major, but do you have any suggestions?
Ball State has a Telecommunications Major that offers a minor in film. Since you are in state, you could get cheap tuition there - I did a quick calculation, and including scholarships, aid and subsidized loan the total COA is 7K, even with the padding for books, transportation, etc. I know it’s not full film major - but the school has excellent facilities and with access to all the equipment you could do all sorts of student projects - something to think about.
University of Arizona has a film school, and they offer out of state merit scholarships. With your stats, and a $4K EFC, they would be around $21K per year - that’s less than 30+ but not sure if that is in your range.
Given the EFC, the place to look first is in state. At least one of the public Us there surely has a decent film program. Go there. Work your profesors’ contact list, and follow up later with a solid MFA if you decide you need one.
My nephew is studying film making at Emerson - and loves it. Had the opportunity to transfer to BU at the start of his sophomore year but has opted to stay at Emerson. He is full pay so no idea about financial aid opportunities.