<p>I'm an incoming graduate printmaking student and was planning on attending Maine College of art for my MFA and recently found out I was accepted into RISD after being on the waiting list. Any thoughts out there? I really like Maine's program but I'm wondering if the RISD name and experience is worth more. (Because, I'll be paying a lot more!)</p>
<p>In Fine Arts, I think MECA is one of the most under-rated school in the country. It has a great program, good facilities, and a very talented and caring faculty. Portland is an affordable, safe, funky, beautiful , and art friendly city. A great place to live and make a living as an artist. That said RISD has the rep. and you will be studying with the best and the brightest. Are you from Maine ? Did you get your BFA @ MECA ? If so, there is something to be said for getting out of "Dodge" for a bit , and the contacts you make @RISD will most likely be more abundant and better connected. I know MECA is very flexible with tuition, which RISD is not. Both schools are great; you can't go wrong. Tough decision, good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. I got my BFA from the Hartford Art School in Connecticut. Did you attend either MECA or RISD?</p>
<p>Artschoolmom, couldn't have said it better. I visited a friend in Maine and decided to check out the school while I was there. I was very impressed with the work that I saw. In addition, they offer a number of merit scholarships for top students, which RISD doesn't do.</p>
<p>My daughter did the early college program at MECA and loved it. I would say that the work she did there changed her life. She was offered a merit scholarship at MECA, but we live in Maine and she wanted a change. She also got merit money from Pratt , where she is going in the fall, but received no money from RISD. It wasn't a good fit for her anyway. I know many people who have attended MECA as well as faculty, and I have heard only glowing reports from all. I think it is a really special place.</p>