Have gotten into both schools and I have no idea where I should go. I recently toured Chapman and was blown away by the facilities in the new Digital Media Arts building, but I don’t actually know much about how good the program is and what its rep is (I’ve heard mixed things). Then there is also Cal State Fullerton which I hear is a good program as well (and much less money) but I wasn’t sure how good the program was in comparison to Chapman. I really want to do animation and get into the industry. I’ve been taking classes for 10 years now and am trained in studio art and have always loved animated movies/tv shows and the whole behind the scenes process of making the characters, designing their worlds and backgrounds, and telling their stories. Is Chapman worth the investment?
You and your parents are the only ones who can decide if Chapman is “worth the investment.” If money is a big factor, i.e. your parents will really have to scrape to pay Chapman’s COA, then go to the state school. Chapman’s program is excellent. The smaller size translates into lots of personal attention, and the facilities are top notch. Have an honest discussion with your parents about finances though.
Money isn’t a huge issue. I got a decent merit scholarship and my family is pretty well off, but money is money and we try to save where possible.
DS has been trying to decide between all of the animation programs which he was accepted to which also include Chapman and CSUF. The link to my thread and thoughts about Chapman can be found on it.
DS and I have been looking at student reels, placement into internships/jobs, and networks/connections. DS didn’t give a full look at CSUF because he had limited time, so looked closer into SJSU, LMU, CSUN, and will be visiting Chapman next week.
As for animation reels, go onto both colleges websites to view reels or look on youtube. I’ve got some links I’ll try to post in a PM to you. DS had emailed the chair of both departments. I can PM to you their responses. As for internships and job placement, both colleges seem similar. CSUF will probably take 5 years to graduate from while Chapman will take 4 years,. There are 25 kids per year in chapmans program and maybe 70 kids per year at CSUF.
Bottom line is that both options would be great. Good luck.
Ok. Thanks for everything YoHo YoHo. I ended up committing to Chapman. CSUF is probably better for the price, but I like the Chapman as a school (campus, dorms, class size, overall feel) better.