I’m very interested in exploring filmmaking and screenwriting in college, but my family can’t afford full pay privates - our budget is around 20k. Lots of schools with great film programs (NYU, USC, Wesleyan) are way too expensive, even the ones that meet full need. I have good stats (2260 SAT, lots of APs) and strong extracurriculars, so I’m looking for lesser known/less competitive schools with well regarded film/writing programs that might give me merit aid. Thoughts?
Does your family qualify for financial aid (based on parental income, assets, etc?)
If so, then Chapman/Dodge might fit.
Total cost of attendance per year: approx $60,000
Merit aid: $20,000 to $25,000 per year
Financial aid: Depends on your parents income and assets
Net cost per year: ?? to $40,000 per year.
The cost of attendance for some California State University college (public, lower ranked college) run about $20-25K for CA residents, and maybe $30-35K for out of state residents. A CSU such as Cal State Univ Northridge (CSUN) is near Burbank, CA, and has lots of connections to the industry. But OOS residents would get no merit or financial aid.
Maybe 2 of the public schools in florida may work…forgot the names. I think you can claim residency at some point during your 4 years of college there. Good luck!
@petitbleu - check out the Motion Pictures major at Wright State in Ohio, an “inexpensive” school - even for out -of-state students. They also offer good merit scholarships for entering freshmen - you can use the financial aid calculator of the admissions website for a general idea of your award, but “talent” scholarships may also be possibility and awards can be stacked - and additional scholarship opportunities for returning students.
http://liberal-arts.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/degrees-and-programs/motion-pictures