Hi, I’m a high school senior currently trying to choose between Ringling College of Art and Design with a Computer Animation major and Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design with an Animation and VFX major. I’d just like to get any input people may have on the difference between these two programs and the quality of either one. Obviously Ringling has a great animation program, but does Drexel hold a candle to that? (side note- I know either way it will be a lot of work but I’m not worried about that because I am willing/passionate, just want to know about the quality of the programs)
I pretty much had my mind made up to go to Ringling but today I looked at my financial aid for Drexel and they’re offering me more than half the tuition in scholarships, versus Ringling who is only giving me $10,000. My biggest worry is just finding a job after college, and I feel like it would be worth it to go to Ringling to have better networking and bigger animation companies (pixar, dream works, etc) recruiting from Ringling. And I get the vibe from other posts I’ve read that Drexel will be a lot harder to network and get a good co-op in animation. Is that in my head or would Ringling definitely be a huge difference?
Summary: I’m super conflicted about great school + better networking vs. good school + more scholarships. Honestly any advice at all about either program is welcome!!!
Art school is expensive for sure.
The scholarship from Drexel may make the tuition lower but the cost of room and board there (from what I can find–and they require a meal plan) is 7K more a year than Ringling. Which makes Ringling actually cheaper for you.
The half scholarship say 23K at Drexel makes the tuition 23K. Ringling gave you 10 K which makes the tuition 30K.
But room and board is 7 K more/year at Drexal making the offer equal to Ringling. And Ringling’s other fees are less.
Look at the differences in ALL the fees and the break down for housing, student fees etc. Add everything up and then decide. Analyze the numbers. Then go to Ringling
Definitely understand where you’re coming from in terms of prices, fees and stuff.
While it is logical to think about your college education in dollars and cents, one would also have to consider the “softer” side of the equation. I personally think that scholarships are baits for schools to attract students but it is not without merit. However, the ROI in all these do add up. You don’t want to finish your education realizing that you’ve made the wrong decision.
Disclosure: I am a student at Ringling, but am not from the Computer Animation program. However, I have lots of friends who are students in the program.
Quality of program: I think it is quite obvious that Ringling’s animation program is the more rigorous between the two. (And might I say, the more prestigious.) You’re right on about the networks that Ringling’s Animation Department have in the industry. Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks/Blue Sky comes every year to recruit, and sit in for student critiques. While I’d say not everyone from the Ringling program gets a job at these places but the most talented few always do secure a great job after graduation.
I won’t comment on Drexel’s program because I have never been. But let’s talk about Ringling’s.
It is rigorous around here. Everyone says the same thing about the department. Prepare for lots of work, no sleep and very harsh critiques and things can get really nitpicky to get you to perfection. That said, the work depends on you and you alone. I can’t stress enough how many people think that getting into the program is the all and end all. The competition here is crazy, and so is it when we pit ourselves against other leading art schools. You can keep hustling and stay up top or get comfortable and come out average. It’s up to you. Each year, i’d say the top 20% of the cohort are solid, truly amazing because they worked hard to be that.
Also, the degree awarded here is a BFA as opposed to a BS (Drexel).
" sit in for student critiques"–and then it really is time to quake in your boots!
First words of advice my D remembers from CA at Ringling is “Look around the room. These are the people you will be working with for years. Don’t make enemies.” And it has held true. She graduated years ago and has an amazing network of successful Ringling grads whom she calls friends.