<p>Hello College Confidential!</p>
<p>I am currently a first generation, first in family to attend college, high school senior who has less than a month to make my college decision. I have recently decided that I want to do something web oriented, more specifically in UI/UX design or even in human-interactions. </p>
<p>I got into Northeastern, DePaul, Loyola, SAIC, MICA, SVA, and RISD. RISD and SVA are completely out of my budget so they're out. I don't really like Loyola, and DePaul has stronger computer programs and is located in a better area. That leaves Northeastern, DePaul, SAIC, and MICA.</p>
<p>I am more design oriented, so I feel like and art school will help me develop a portfolio, but I am not sure how much coding is necessary for my career of choice. I want to learn how to code and liberal arts classes are very important to me.</p>
<p>NORTHEASTERN
I absolutely loved NU when I visited. I like having a campus in the middle of a city. Furthermore, NU offers creative industries where I can get a BA in Graphic Design & Interactive Media or a BS in Computer Science & Interactive Media.Then there's also the co-op which is a HUGE plus.
However, I was unable to see their arts department. Does anyone know how good their art program is? I know it's not NASAD accredited - is that important to employers? If I attend Northeastern, I will need to take out 60k in loans for 8 semesters.</p>
<p>DEPAUL
DePaul is in a nice area of Chicago, and I live in a Chicago suburb so it's very close to home. The facilities are nice, and the dorms are outstanding. Their computer program is decent and they have a good alumni network. I will only have to take out the subsidized Stafford loans to attend.
I don't know anything about the arts at DePaul, and personally, I'd like to be a little further away from home. The size of their art program also seems very small. It is also the least academic when it comes to my 3 UCs.</p>
<p>SAIC
I did a pre-college program at SAIC and I really liked it. They are well known in the art world, and being connected to the Art Institute is a plus. I can also attend SAIC on only subsidized Stafford loans.
However, I'm not a huge fan of their curriculum. I'm afraid the pass/fail credits will be too hard to transfer if I hate it. Furthermore, the lack of majors is both a positive and concern. </p>
<p>MICA
I have not visited this school, but it is very reputable in the art world. They do offer some web design courses, and have good liberal arts. I'm also a fan of their interdisciplinary program.
I've heard very bad things about Baltimore though, and I've heard people say it's okay if you have common sense. I have never heard any good things though. I'm the type of person that likes to be out more often, but I'm not sure I can do that in Baltimore. I'm also only 5ft tall and I weigh 93 pounds so I don't know how well I could defend myself. Essentially, I like everything about MICA except Baltimore. Their scholarship package will come mid April.</p>
<p>I've also been looking into other universities and I REALLY like Temple University. I think I like meeting people with other interests more than only artists, but I want a strong art community as well. Should I attend a cheaper option for freshman year and transfer or do a gap year?</p>
<p>Sorry this is so long! Thank you for your time and responses.</p>