<p>My son is an A-/B+ student (hasn't taken ACT yet), who is interested in going into Graphic Design. He always has had a knack for artistic endeavors. We are from the suburbs of Chicago.</p>
<p>For various reasons, we are shying away from "art schools" like SCAD, RISD, etc, mostly because we believe in a rounded college experience with some balance to the classwork. Plus those schools are far more than we can pay. This eliminates schools like Yale, Carnegie, or others that are expensive and private colleges. Plus he wouldn't get into most of them.</p>
<p>What "regular" schools or state schools have good graphic design programs that would translate well into entering the workforce? I've heard decent things about the Big Ten programs like IL, Iowa, Penn State. But what else am I missing? Would prefer not to send him to California.</p>
<p>Definitely consider University of Cincinnati, School of Art and Design for their Graphic Communication program. They have a terrific coop program that will give him great experience plus good job contacts.</p>
<p>They also have several tracks within the graphic design program: 1. print based desigh, which includes branding, packaging etc., </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Interaction design,which includes applications for smart phones and tablets, websites, online training systems and games, and</p></li>
<li><p>Time based design, which includes editing of film and/or video, animation for television, games, movies or websites</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Don’t completely discount your ability to afford a school because of the published tuition. For example, a friend’s daughter was accepted to several out of state public schools and received scholarships that brought the price down to the cost of in-state tuition. She was a good student, not an exceptional one.</p>
<p>Thanks - yes- this is more possible with a more traditional school. These art schools are crazy high on tuition. Even with 10-15K scholarships/aid, they would be about as much as an out of state, larger institution.</p>
<p>One of my old childhood friends is faculty at CCA in California, and it seems students LOVE it there, but I would need him to pull major financial strings for us to make that work. And even then, it’s an art school that doesn’t offer the same type of experiences.</p>
<p>It’s funny, my son is a two-sport athlete in HS, including wrestling. He’s in incredible physical shape, could be a Calvin Klein model, but he’s shy and introverted. I just can’t see him fitting in with the typical arts-only crowd. Another reason we want to have him go to a larger institution with all types: nerds, jocks, awkwards and otherwise. He also wants opportunities to join diverse interest groups.</p>
<p>Any other options? I’ve heard NC State might be a candidate for this.</p>
<p>Check out Northern Michigan University. They have a fairly new stand alone art building, and their lower OOS tuition with scholarships my D was offered brought the price down to what she would have paid instate in Florida or less.</p>
<p>Look at Virginia Commonwealth. They have an excellent art college with graphic and I think interior and industrial design and all sorts of fine arts. Their out of state isn’t too bad and they offer some scholarships.</p>
<p>How much is UCincinnati? I can’t imagine that it is the same or less than Penn State (which you mentioned) for out of state–the co-ops are really an attractive feature, it lets you spread out the cost over 5 years, while the students get work experience, which is typically paid experience.</p>
<p>kmanshouse, if you check out non- resident tuition, there is a way to get instate tuition at University of Cincinnati after the freshmen year. Also, they are pretty good with scholarships. Moreover, as noted above, starting at the end of the sophomore, kids get paid coops that probably pays for half or more of the tuition. It is worth considering especially because of its sterling reputation for design.</p>
<p>Just a word of warning about Cincinnati’s program - it is extremely rigorous. I’ve known 2 kids who have dropped out in the first year because it’s pretty rough. It’s a great program, but it’s not for those who aren’t completely committed.</p>
<p>Suzy is right. My daughter graduated from the DAAP school there and worked like a DOG throughout her time there. However, I am not sure that they are any harder or tougher than other top art and design programs.</p>
<p>Taxguy is right. I know my D at MCAD and other students I’ve known at other art schools work their butts off the entire time as well. She is currently taking 4 studio classes, 1 humanities class and just had her Junior review. I’m not sure if she even slept at all in the last 36-48 hrs. The foundation year is usually the ones that weed out the students that are not totally committed to the program. Those that thought art school would be a piece of cake degree are awakened, often rudely. It is not for the faint of heart.</p>
<p>I checked out Cincinnati, and it sure looks like a great program. Might be a bit expensive for us, but with the co-ops, maybe this will help. Looking at the mid 50th percentile of the students they accept, my son would likely be toward the bottom of that, or potentially below. Might be a bit “much” for him. Not sure.</p>
<p>Regarding the rigor - my take on that is as long as it’s not ridiculous, that’s fine. If art is what you love the most, it shouldn’t feel as much like work. Hours should fly by if you enjoy what you are doing. But he should have SOME balance.</p>
<p>I’ll check out Northern Michigan. Any others? I would like a good list of 5-10 schools of this type to check out. We are planning on some visits Spring/Summer of 2013.</p>
<p>Look at Herron at Indiana University/Purdue Univ in Indianapolis, Kendall College of Art and Design (part of Ferris University in Michigan)–I’m not sure about their Graphic Design–my kid’s looking at Fine Arts-- but both offer good art programs in conjunction w/ a university & might be easier to get into than UC/DAAP. Ferris offered my kid in-state tuition based on grades and portfolio.</p>
<p>Thanks, will check those. Reading about Northern Michigan some - sounds like a school my son would love, however, three kids in the art department (from a different website) unanimously say that due to its location, they are very limited in their job searches. They like the program, but have struggled with employment.</p>
<p>artmama - how are the schools you mention in helping their students with employment opportunities?</p>
<p>Yes, the location is why my D didn’t want to consider it, she was looking for a larger city with more opportunities.</p>
<p>As far as balance, yes my D does have some. She is a kid who has to take every assignment a step above what is required. But she does find time to go to the mall, some college sponsored fun things, etc. Some semesters are harder than others, and she loves what she does, but puts a lot of stress on herself.</p>
<p>What kind of school culture are you looking for? Any preference in size, location, etc.?</p>
<p>I would recommend University of North Texas. It’s not that well-known for academics, but it’s great for artsy professions (music is huge there) and their Communication Design program is solid. You could probably get great scholarships too.</p>
<p>Hmmm, what kind of culture. I guess open-minded, somewhat racially diverse (my son is half Filipino and is pretty dark skinned), with some geographical diversity. I looked into SUNY New Paltz - as that has come up. It might work, but 94% of the students are from NY, so it might be hard for him to fit in.</p>
<p>Generally not too picky on that though. He is not into football, so a school that is dominated by the football scene would be a turnoff.</p>
<p>Location - something not hard to get to. If it’s far from Illinois, it should be close-ish to a major airport. Size - something larger than 5,000 students, preferrably larger than 10,000.</p>
<p>Since you are looking at SUNY New Palts, why not consider SUNY Purchase. they have a BS in Visual Arts which requires more liberal arts classes than the BFA and allows for a minor in an academic subject. They also have a program called New Media which is housed in the school of liberal arts.</p>
<p>Also take a look at Syracuse University. They can be pretty generous with financial aid. They have a very strong school of art and design within the larger university.</p>
<p>Don’t rule out Carnegie Mellon. Admissions to their design programs is competitive but not as competitive as say, Computer Science or Engineering. They also offer a home test to bolster student’s portfolios if needed. If you qualify for financial aid they can be quite generous.</p>