Hello all,
Currently I am trying to decide between the four colleges listed above (I know it is certainly an oddball ensemble of schools). I come from an extremely poor family, and affording tuition is a major concern of mine.
Emerson College: by far my top choice. I love the city, the school, the program, and the students. Unfortunately, it is very $$$ for someone with no family financial contributions. How is Emerson when it comes to financial aid?
Bard College: my second choice. I like the campus, and the artistically drive student body. Also very expensive, but for whatever reason, I feel like Bard has more financial aid to offer (I don’t know for sure as I have not received my packet from any schools except SFSU and UCSB)
SFSU: ranks relatively well in the world of film schools. I like the city but not the school, very subpar, the one benefit is that I will get enough government aid to cover tuition price (in-state resident)
UCSB: beautiful campus and local area. I really enjoyed the campus when I visited, but their film program does not compare to any of the schools listed above. I am extremely passionate about film, and UCSB’s lack of a program does raise some concern within me. Yet, through UC Blue and Gold, I can attend this school without paying a dime.
What should I do? Go to my dream school (Emerson) and possibly struggle financially, or settle for UCSB/SFSU. And should I even consider Bard?
Did you get into these schools? Did you get your financial packages? If you didn’t apply yet, did you run the Net Price calculators and see what looks affordable? Any college decision must be made taking finances as well as fit into account.
I advise waiting to make any decisions until after you receive your aid packages from Emerson and Bard. You never know, they might turn out as affordable as UCSB. If you go to UCSB - does the Blue and Gold give you a grant for room and board - or are there loans involved?
No one can tell you what your financial aid package will look like without knowing the particulars of your situation. Emerson is not known to be super generous. Did you apply for aid? Did you get your package yet?
If you’re still a junior or something, also consider BU.
Thank you all! Yes, I was accepted into the schools listed above. I applied for aid, but currently I am working out the Noncustodial Parent waiver with my counselor, so until we are done, I do not know how much aid I will receive. I won’t make any decisions until I receive my packet, but if you were in my shoes, what schools would you learn towards?
@redpoodles I applied to BU, they said I am guaranteed acceptance if I go in as a transfer. I’m not willing to do that, plus I prefer Emerson’s film program over BU’s
What, in particular, are you trying to study? Film Production, Animation, Film Studies? Emerson has a well regarded film program as does SFSU (both top 25 according to the Hollywood reporter). UCSB is more Film Studies oriented. Not sure about Bard, don’t know much about their program.
UCSB has the advantage of location, being near LA, which is good for internships and, hopefully, connections.
Keep in mind that if you want to work on the creative side, most internships in the film industry are unpaid. So paying a lot for college might make it difficult to take those lousy unpaid jobs that help you get started.
@FilmerMom I am studying film production with an emphasis in screenwriting. I visited SFSU and was not impressed. The student body didn’t seem to excited about the school, as it is largely a commuter school
Worst case scenerio: Emerson does not give me enough FA. Is it worth it to go into debt for a school with a film program as amazing as Emerson? And if I have to settle for the affordable option, should that be UCSB or SFSU?