NYU Tisch vs Emerson College for Film

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
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Yikes! Really trying not to treat this post like a diary entry, but my emotions are running very high right now. I applied to NYU as a complete joke. I did not think that I would be accepted, given the low acceptance rate. Besides, even if I DID get in, I was certain that the price would be far too overwhelming to consider. However, I was accepted yesterday on a scholarship, that when combined with grants, would make my cost of attendance around 46,000 per year (compared to over 77,000), which is at the very upper limit of my affordability. I would have to take out massive student loans- 20k or 30k a year- but from what I have heard, loans are a small price to pay for the “NYU name” and the guarantees of success that come from being a film student at the #3 film school in the country.

As far as Emerson- it perfectly meets my study needs. I want to pursue directing and cinematography for film as careers, but I also want to study screenwriting and editing. I’m passionate about pretty much everything behind the camera, and I put a lot of research into making sure that my top choice film school would NOT make me specialize or choose between my areas of interest.

I had my heart set on Emerson before I even heard from NYU. Emerson’s tuition exceeded what my parents were able to pay, so I was desperately applying for private scholarships… until I got my financial aid package from Emerson. I was so happy to receive my scholarship that I actually cried because it made Emerson more practical and affordable. My yearly cost of attendance would be about 30,000- and that’s without taking out any loans. Plus, I attended a preview day, met with counselors, and got to know a ton of accepted film majors. The campus, the city, and the people all gave me the right feeling about Emerson.

I was totally emotionally attached to Emerson. But now I’ve been accepted to NYU, and even though the price isn’t “affordable”, it’s possible. Reachable. So now I’m re-evaluating my entire decision.

I haven’t visited the NYU campus, or even New York City at all, for that matter. I grew up in a suburb and have been going to school in downtown Dallas for 3 years. I’m comfortable with cities, but preferably smaller ones like Boston. NYC, however, is something else. The school is huge, as is the community of filmmakers in NYC. I’d be having to fight very hard for opportunities and attention. In Boston, it would be easier for me to become a “big fish”, if you know what I mean.

So here’s my dilemma (as if this isn’t all a dilemma): Should I go to NYU, even though the city is out of my comfort zone? Should I take out massive student loans, even though the benefits of NYU’s connections will basically ensure my financial success and ability to pay off the loans? Is it more important for me to study at a school that perfectly fits my needs (Emerson), or does the brand name of NYU outweigh the cons of picking a specialization? Is the competition of NYC healthy for me, or will it overwhelm me and delay my career?

If anybody is having/has had a similar dilemma, or any comments on my college rant, please reach out :slight_smile: I’m seeking as many opinions as possible so that I can make a more informed, more fitting decision.

Thank you!

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@emilyloumiller Congrats on both your acceptances! I am familiar with both schools and I live in ny so I will try to help. First thing you need to understand is that there is NO program that will guarantee your success after graduation. Both your schools are fabulous programs and both will have connections. Definitely NYU is higher on prestige scale, but that is only for people outside the business. People inside the business will think of them exactly the same. Both are top 10 film programs on any list you will find.

My daughter graduated NYU tisch bfa acting last year. She has many friends that were in the film program. She was in many of their films. They loved the program but they are struggling after graduation just as anyone else would be. It’s a very large program in a very large school in a very large city.

My son is your age and he is accepted to Emerson film and it’s now one of his top two choices. We visited last year and we are going back next weekend for accepted students day. (He did not apply to NYU because we knew it was not a good fit for him. ) Emerson is small and intimate, Boston is much easier to navigate. 1 out of every 5 people in Boston is a college student! It is probably the best college town there is.

So if Emerson gave you a more generous scholarship and you prefer Boston to NYC, I think this is a no brainer. NYU will not “ensure your financial success”. I promise you that. No school will. Good luck and I hope that helps!