<p>I was looking at SCAD for a while until I heard about it not being accredited. Now I'm looking at different colleges and universities, particularly RISD and some in California and New York. </p>
<p>I'd like to attend RISD, but its too expensive for me. I'm not sure I would get a scholarship, much less a full ride, and my family could not pay for it if I didn't...</p>
<p>There are other colleges I know of; California College of the Fine Arts, Columbia University, or School of Visual Arts in NYC, but I haven't heard much about them.</p>
<p>Any recommendations for graphic arts colleges? Can be anywhere, although I prefer a bigger city or university. I plan on attending Mississippi School of Art for the last two years of high school, in hope that it will look nice on my portfolio. I am an all 'A' student, so I think I'm covered for grades. I'm only worried about money, now that SCAD is out of the question. Somewhere a scholarship might be possible, or where it's a little more affordable would be great. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>I don’t know of any art colleges that give more than token scholarships. And in reality a good artist doesn’t necessarily need a degree. Another issue with art schools is that is All you do. A friend of my daughters attended one for two years but she left because it drove the joy of art from her because of all the deadlines and work. If you do attend MS school of art then ask them what they recommend. You may also want to consider majoring or minoring in art at a more traditional college where you might actually get some aid.</p>
<p>Would it not be hard for someone in a business to hire you though, if you had not been to school for the area you’re applying for? I’ve heard just going to the wrong college can make people turn you down; would it be harder to find work if you had not gone to school at all?
I’m still new to this, so you can correct me, but I don’t really understand…</p>
<p>Thanks for the ideas you proposed, I think I’ll use them.</p>
<p>What kind of business do you mean? Most art people get their gigs from word of mouth or from what people have seen. It’s usually more important to have a good portfolio and good connections. You should be able to develop those through the MS school.</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad is spot on. Traditional Art School is only one route of many. It’s often the most expensive way though…</p>
<p>The most important factor in gaining employment or freelance jobs in design on graduation is your portfolio. However, your levels of college debt may force you to take a job(s) that leave you no time or energy to market yourself as a designer. Full time jobs as a designer are comparatively rare. Most (who are still working in the industry) are freelancers. This means they have to tender and seek out jobs while at the same time building up and maintaining their reputation and business clients. Art teacher is a popular choice for those who want/need a regular paycheck. You can also go for any of the jobs/careers open to someone with any major- police officer, k-6 teacher, social worker, retail management, administration, military etc. </p>
<p>Traditional Art schools tend to be private and tend to cost a fair amount with few full scholarships. You are more likely to have your talents recognized through a merit scholarship as well as be eligible for needs based aid at a traditional 4 year university or college. Yes, you will have general ed classes in addition to your major but this can give you and your artwork more scope. You also get to mix with a wider range of majors with very different dreams and ambitions.</p>
<p>You also have the choice of a 2 year cc. If you want to get working earlier you could do a design course there. College fees are generally at their lowest at cc and you may still be eligible for aid. </p>
<p>Use the search function on the cc front page and play around with it. Your cheapest options will be public colleges in your own state. This doesn’t mean an inferior education nor an inferior art education. In design, your college name means even less than a fine artist who might trade on it. It’s 100% about your work. You just need to find the right place for you to grow :)</p>
<p>Thank you, highland_poppy! I think that’s something I’ve been looking for; I just want a college that I’ll be comfortable with. (Of course, there are the financials.) But like you said, portfolios are an important part… and perhaps a college that isn’t a big name will be better, seeing as it would be more affordable for me, especially if I got a scholarship, and also might be lower key and not “drive the joy of art from me because of all the deadlines and work”.</p>