@staycoolboy99 Congratulations on the acceptances! If money were no object, Rutgers wins hands down, in my opinion. It’s a top-notch acting program and, yes, you can supplement voice and dance. Acting is so important in the MT world. But, honestly, I can’t speak to the other two programs. I do know that Montclair is fairly new.
@CaTenorMom If your son likes all programs equally, I would go with the one that saves you all that money and then you can supplement or set him up in NYC when he graduates 
Yes… he’s feeling extremely fortunate. Unfortunately, money is definitely an issue. He loved callback weekend at Rutgers. He keeps in touch with a few people he really connected with. So unless they meet Rutger’s is interested in meeting other offer’s, it’s not going to happen…But thank you for the input.
@bisouu RIght??? Is it possible that SUNY’s are about to become FREE?? Can this be possible??
That’s what I hear if you make less than $100,000 a year. @staycoolboy99
oops I guess it’s $125,000
@bisouu That might be the deal breaker…I just don’t understand how that can suddenly happen starting in Fall 2017
Would that include everyone already attending??? I would imagine that would effect many decisions being made right now. And many have already committed before this announcement.
I’m still interested in hearing more how one would supplement an already intense program. When? How?
I just saw a short video about the NY State free tuition. I learned:
Incomes under $100,000 is free and then by 2019 income cap is supposed to go up to $125,000.
While this sounds nice, there is no such thing as free. The salaries of professors and the operating budgets of these institutions must be paid somehow. I predict huge increases in out of state tuition, increases in state and local sales and income tax rates, and ultimately lower or capped salaries for staff and faculty that will result in a decrease in quality of service overall.
Another thing, if the income qualification is going up in 2019, that begs the question as to when it will rise again. Inflation is bound to affect this.
And lastly, a “condition” of the “free tuition” is that the student has to stay in New York for 2 - 4 years after they graduate. How in the world can they possibly enforce this? So does that mean that if a SUNY graduate gets a job offer in another state, they can’t take it? Or what if they work in NY for a year and then move out of state - Do you have to pay back tuition?
Enjoy this perk while it lasts. I can’t see it turning out well.
I agree @daughtersdreams! The piper is going to be paid in one form or another. And something or someone is going to suffer.
@daughtersdreams Sadly, I agree, too…It does not seem very well thought out…Sorry I brought it up!
So back to Montclair MT or Purchase acting supplemented.
@staycoolboy99 Create a separate thread Montclair MT vs Purchase Acting – I think you’d get more input that way. Good luck!
@staycoolboy99 My D is an Acting major at SUNY Purchase. I do not know anything about Montclair’s program but can tell you the SUNY program enjoys a long reputation for excellence. My D has grown so much in one year. It would be incredible to have access to that program at the in-state tuition rate! They allow accepted students to sit in on classes. If your S has not already done so, I highly recommend he take advantage! It made all the difference for my D when she was making final decisions last year. Feel free to PM with specific questions.
Read that the NY State free tuition converts to loans if the student moves out of state or does not maintain residency. Income from the loans will go back into the program to help fund the tuition grants.
SUNY Purchase is about to become even more sought after…
I wonder how this would work for young performing artists… for many NYC is the place of residence following graduation, but work is often itinerant and all over the country (ans sometimes abroad).
If a young performer who took advantage of the program lives in NY post graduation, but takes a 3 month gig in Colorado, or goes to LA to shoot a pilot, or films on location in Atlanta for a production company based in GA, or books a national tour out of NY, but the production company is technically in MD, etc… what happens?
I’d bet maintaining NY address, filing state income taxes in NY, registering to vote in NY, and / or having NY Driver LIcense or ID factor in to this…
I would look at what qualifies as residency for in-state tuition right now for New York public universities. I’m guessing the same, or similar, standards will apply. I’m certain the legislation sets forth the standards or will lead to regulations governing what qualifies as residency for purposes of free tuition.
I’m posting this as much as for myself as others. I see a lot posts from members (myself included) asking for input as we compare two or three final choices. Because, of course, we and our kids are trying to figure out which one is the “best”.
But I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s all so subjective and includes so many different elements that there’s just no way to come up with any truly valuable measurement of which program is better than another - for “you”. It’s sort of like asking us all to come to a consensus on which is the best dessert: cherry cheese cake or fudge frosted brownies or coconut cream pie. It all depends on preference, taste and what sounds good to us at the time.
My D’s audition coach asked her, what does your gut tell you? And that pretty much sums it up.
In the end, we/our student can only base the final decision on what seems right for them.
(I’m feeling like coconut cream pie myself.)
CUNY had a tuition free policy up until about 1977, when they made it open admissions (a guaranteed seat within the system for everyone who attends.) I’m assuming they have found a way to do both now. Generations of hard-working students received free education through CUNY in the past, and it ultimately lead to NYC’s tremendous growth into an international city.
I assume they will come up with a workable solution. I am also sure they will be able to trace SUNY graduates through their social security numbers and they will have to be residents/ pay taxes in NY state.
@staycoolboy99, my daughter is about to graduate from Montclair MT if you have any questions. The program is really not that new, but it expanded significantly about 6 years ago. I can’t compare it to SUNY or Rutgers because I don’t know anything about those programs. My kid wanted MT and MT only, and she felt that Montclair was strong in all disciplines. I agree with those above who say go visit, spend as much time as possible on each campus, attend classes, meet as many faculty and students in the program as possible. We spent 2 days at Montclair before making a decision. Again, PM me if you have any specific questions.