MICA vs SAIC vs DePaul for Web Design

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>Hello! I want to go into web design, more specifically UI/UX design. Unfortunately, none of the three schools I have narrowed it down to are the best for graphic design or IxDA. The design schools I got accepted to are WAY to expensive (RISD and SVA), and frankly, I do not think they're worth 200k in loans.
Money, clearly is an issue, and I'm from a Chicago suburb, so my parents would preferably want me to stay in Chicago.</p>

<p>MICA
I like the flexibility of the program, but it is still structured. However, I talked to an alumni, and apparently, their digital offerings aren't the greatest. I looked at their curriculum and there are only 2 web design courses. I emailed the department chair, and he hasn't responded. Also, I'm not so sure about Baltimore - MICA seems a little bit isolated. I'd like to interact with other college students, but according to an alumni, that does not really happen.
MICA gave me a 64k trustee scholarship, and after parent contributions, I will graduate with about 45k in loans.</p>

<p>SAIC
The South Loop is beautiful, and the museum is a huge plus. However, I think SAIC might be too conceptual for me. Furthermore, I did a small graphic design course here, and I didn't really enjoy it, though figure drawing was top notch. Any insight into SAIC's digital programs?
SAIC gave me 80k Distinguished Scholar award, and after parent contributions, I will graduate with about 25k in loans.</p>

<p>DePaul
This is my cheapest school, which is why it is still on here. I can graduate with a little more than 10k in debt. I don't know that much about their graphic design program, but this school can probably provide me with more tech knowledge than the other two, but definitely less art.
Could I go here and take art classes elsewhere? </p>

<p>Obviously, I want to end up with as little debt as possible. So, is design knowledge more important than coding knowledge? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>With SAIC being conceptual, I can’t see them being heavy in Web Design. It sounds like you need to expand your search a little farther. Perhaps something in driving distance of Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis?</p>

3

<p>Redbug, I agree - I didn’t see much design work at SAIC when I visited and I think it’s too conceptual of a school for a designer.
I’m running out of time though - these are the 3 I have narrowed it down to. I’m living on campus anywhere I go for the first year, but DePaul is located in Lincoln Park in Chicago.
Essentially, I guess I really want to know whether or not art school is worth the cost.</p>

4

<p>SAIC will require you to take their “foundation” year which will be a selected number of classes which will focus in many cases on conceptual theory. I don’t think you’re allowed to opt out of them and therefore you will spend at least one years tuition before you’ll even get to take anything other than those basic required courses. It will be at least one year before you can even take any of the design courses offered, computer or non-computer. Check with them, but that’s what I understand and considering that they’re not really known for design oriented classes and from what I’ve heard this might not be the option for you.</p>

5

<p>I suspect MICA has a foundation year also but it sounds like they’re a little more flexible. Since SAIC has given you an impressive amount of aid you might want to talk directly to them about your concerns re the conceptual thing and the foundation year. Yes, the figure drawing classes are quite strong. It’s unfortunate that a lot of their other classes aren’t as focused on strong technical instruction and so geared towards concept theory at least in the first years in my opinion. But I’m a firm believer in a strong foundation geared towards technical competency whether in drawing, painting or design . . . then take it where you want. Personal opinion.</p>

6

<p>I called MICA and they added a 6k grant, so now I receive 70k allocated over 4 years, which is great, but I’d still need to take out loans. I have decided that I’m probably not going to go to SAIC; it’s just too conceptual for my tastes. That leaves MICA with 40k debt (and transportation costs and art supplies), and DePaul with 10k debt.
Is art school worth the extra money?</p>

7

<p>any thoughts??</p>