<p>I know there is another CMU v. RISD thread out there but I thought my problem was slightly different. </p>
<p>I am hoping to major in either graphic design (communications design at CMU) or Industrial design. </p>
<p>The central issue is: Do I go to CMU, who have offered me a $30,000 scholarship, or RISD who have offered me zip. </p>
<p>My family didn't save very much for college (don't ask) so I would be saddled with a fat bunch of debt at the end of the 4 years. However, some might argue that a RISD education is worth it, what with the weight that the name carries in the industry and the quality of the teaching. I could probably find a way to come up with the money for RISD if I was sure that is what I wanted, the problem is... I am not.</p>
<p>After visiting both schools I found that I liked both of them for different reasons. CMU in was so welcoming and friendly, I immediately felt at home there... but was more impressed by the RISD work.</p>
<p>FYI: Most people so far seem think I am crazy to turn down RISD at any cost...</p>
<p>Just curious, what state are you from? I am asking in order to see if you have a good state university that offers these things.</p>
<p>I think that both schools are excellent. I would take the one that costs the least, net of scholarships. </p>
<p>Frankly, if I were in your situation, I wouldn't have gone to either one. I would have picked a school like University of Cincinnati or Mass College of Art,both of which are a LOT less expensive than either RISD or CMU and are probably as good as either RISD or CMU, especially University of Cincinnati.</p>
<p>But taxguy, you are ALL for paying least amount possible for an education and not all people feel as you do. While I agree one can get a great education at schools like you mention, it is also important to some to pick the schools that best fit what they are looking for. Cost may be a factor but it is not the only factor in picking a school that is a good fit. I don't think name schools are worth more money. I would pay the same for ANY college for my kids, no matter the name of the school. But I do believe some schools may be a better fit and would not simply pick the cheapest option availbable if I could find a way to pay for the better fit. Notice, I didn't say a "better school."</p>
<p>You will get a great education for the money at CMU. The RISD reputation will not get you as far as the work you produce in your portfolio; that component is up to you in either choice.</p>
<p>This seems to me like the most obvious choice on earth.
Why the hell would you want 4 years of massive debt, compared to an equally great cheap/free education at CMU?</p>
<p>Pyxystix: My daughter graduated from RISD in industrial design four years ago. She was also accepted at CMU. She strongly preferred RISD because of overall reputation, program, and location (proximity to NYC). She got a wonderful education there.</p>
<p>Having said that, however, I recommend that you accept the offer at CMU. It is a highly credible program and the 'discount' you are being offered is a boatload of money if you spread it over 4 years. You're not going to make up that amount of money quickly once you graduate. Also, at CMU although they have a full studio program with 50-60 percent of your courses in studio courses, you have somewhat greater opportunities than at RISD to take courses outside of studio art that may help you in your future career.</p>
<p>As has also been noted above, your career is going to move primarily based on your portfolio (and your personal salesmanship and self-promotion), and less so on the school name on your diploma; but in any case CMU's diploma and program are both strong pluses in the commercial world. You're talking about one of the best known design programs in the country, not Cucamonga State.</p>
<p>soozievt, frankly, I agree except that I have a different definition of fit than you. My idea of fit strongly filters parental finances into account. To me, graduating with 65K or more in debt does NOT meet my definition of fit or even sanity. However, admittedly, I tend to be more financially oriented than the average bear.</p>
<p>Moreover, I would like to know if the OP even visited University of Cincinnati or Mass Art in order to consider whether trey would meet his needs.</p>
<p>CMU's education is known for almost all the programs they offer. RISD name doesn't outweigh CMU's. The job opportunities out of both schools will be the same. I don't think RISD is worth getting into complete debt for at all. It's just not financially smart at all.</p>
<p>ID is one of the best programs at RISD, and obviously I'm biased since I'm going there this fall :P but I'll just say that I'm personally in love with the school.</p>
<p>That said, I know CMU definitely has a good program and you have an enviable scholarship. Just perhaps not an enviable decision to make :P</p>
<p>And Taxguy, it's not that remarkable to get rejected from UCLA, considering it's one of the top universities. It's not going to necessarily look for the same kind of candidates as top art colleges, since I'd assume portfolio is not one of their main criteria for acceptance.</p>
<p>Based on what? I'd heard just the opposite, from people who made an explicit effort to transfer out of RISD based on the Industrial Design offerings ...</p>
<p>O_o really? My friend is a junior in it and loves the program, and I know someone else who just declared it. Everything I'd heard about RISD ID is good, from their collaborations with MIT & third world countries to the models I've seen out of the classes...</p>
<p>Kalonity, check out the core 77 web site,which deals primarily with ID. Most of the comments by the moderators, who are in the ID field, especially Moderator Yo, noted that RISD ID isn't that good and that the work that he has seen from RISD grads aren't that impressive compared to other schools. </p>
<p>I certainly don't know whether this is true. However, you should check out that web site. I can't give you the url for it because doing so would violate TOS. Just do a search for Core77 or PM me.</p>