Does it really matter which college I attend?

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hi,
I figured I would ask this question in here because I would really like to read some feedback from adults. </p>

<p>I was planning to attend UArizona's film program if I did not get accepted to USC/UCLA. However, I will be unable to take out a $22,000 parent plus loan or alternative loan. UArizona, UMASS:Amherst, and Arizona State are now out of the question due to financial issues.</p>

<p>I am a transfer student. I just graduated from a community college in New York. I have been looking forward to transferring to a school in a warm climate. My other main concern is affordability.</p>

<p>I received a 50% tuition waiver scholarship from Hawaii Pacific University.
Usually everyone's initial reaction is, "WOW! HAWAII! HOW EXCITING!" then, "HPU, never heard of it. Why not Uarizona or SBU? those are good schools."</p>

<p>At HPU, I would be majoring in Multimedia.I would have the opportunity to study all aspects of technology from video production to photojournalism to graphic design. From what I've read, multimedia is a lucrative career field, so does the school name really matter? I also think I can attend a more prestigious university for grad school. </p>

<p>Here are my other options:</p>

<p>I was also accepted to Stony Brook University's Journalism program. It is a tier 1 school. In state tuition is approx. $5,000 but considering living on campus. I really dislike the idea of 1) Staying on L.I. for another two years, 2) cold weather 3) unpredictable field and 4) stepping further away from filmmaking. </p>

<p>I received about $10,000 in scholarship money from Long Island University. They have a film department. I do not know much about their film department. Again, I dread staying in Long Island. I checked out salaries for L.I.U. grads and it wasn't great compared to HPU and SBU. </p>

<p>I want to experience something completely different but I'm wondering if I am making the right choice by choosing Hawaii Pacific University.</p>

2

<p>Why can’t you take out the parent loan?</p>

3

<p>I’ve got to tell you, I think Hawaii Pacific sounds like a great opportunity. I think with multimedia what matters most is what you can do-- not where or even how you learned to do it. Oh, and if you are originally from Long Island, I think going out west for college can be a great eye-opening experience. If HPU is affordable, I think it’s a great idea-- just double-check how your credits will transfer because having to add an extra semester or two could wipe away what looks like savings.</p>

4

<p>Is Hawaii affordable for you? Transportation is expensive. </p>

<p>I would tend to advise you to stay on Long Island. See if you can pick up some filmmaking coursework at NYU or the New School. Stretch those dollars you have as far as they will go.</p>

5

<p>Housing and living costs in Hawaii are outrageously expensive - check these out before you decide on your college.</p>

6

<p>Housing is $650-$700 a month for off campus student housing. My stafford loan will cover tuition and housing. Tuition and Housing are taken care of by the scholarship, stafford loans, work study and my father offered to pay $350 a month towards housing.</p>

<p>My mom will be paying for the meal plan and air fare.</p>

<p>I am working this summer to pay for books for each semester.</p>

<p>“Is Hawaii affordable for you? Transportation is expensive.”</p>

<p>The school has a FREE shuttle that picks students up from the airport and housing. I am also taking a bike. the place I am staying at is 15 mins away from where my classes will be.</p>

<p>Tuition: $3,700 a semester for 15 credits
Housing: $3,500 for August-December and $2800 for Jan-April
Books: $900
Transportation: Free school Shuttle, bike, and student discount for bus pass.
Airfare: Student discount- $750 for round trip ticket
Meal Plan: $1492</p>

<p>scholarship: $7,430
Work Study: $4,000
Stafford loan: $7, 500
Mom: $4,000
Dad: $3,150
Summer work: $1200</p>

7

<p>It sounds like your ducks are in a row and bound for Hawaii to me! The fact that you are a kid from NY who chose to head off to HI on your own combined with a great portfolio should take you far.</p>

8

<p>The scholarship will be renewed for two years as long as i maintain a certain average. I checked my credits. 85 credits have transferred and I need 124 to graduate. If I go to Stony Brook, that would really set me back.</p>

<p>I’m thinking of taking individual film courses at New York Film Academy later on.</p>

9

<p>I didn’t see the cost of a surfboard, sunscreen, and multiple bathing suits in your list!</p>

10

<p>I’m all for cheap/affordable schooling, but I’ve heard multiple, less than positive things about HPU–campus condition, unexpected fees, housing, and academics among them.</p>

11

<p>“I didn’t see the cost of a surfboard, sunscreen, and multiple bathing suits in your list!”</p>

<p>LOL!</p>

12

<p>“I’m all for cheap/affordable schooling, but I’ve heard multiple, less than positive things about HPU–campus condition, unexpected fees, housing, and academics among them.”</p>

<p>I’ll try it out for myself and see what happens. If it’s really that bad, I’ll enroll at another university in the spring. But I’ve talked to both HPU and UH grads and I feel confident this will be a great learning and cultural experience.</p>

13

<p>Have you visited the school yet? It’s important that you experience the hassle of flying to Hawaii as well as seeing the school and its facilities before making a commitment to attend.
On the other hand, if you’ve all ready committed to the school before doing this, chalk your first semester up to a learning experience. If you end up not liking it, you can always try to transfer out.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>