I’m an aspiring director and I was accepted to both BA Theatre programs (MMC with a concentration in Directing). I am a New York State resident, so Purchase is obviously the cheaper option but I’m not sure which to go with. I am worried with Purchase that the BA program is playing second fiddle to the much more known Acting BFA. I know that my success depends entirely on the work I do, not necessarily where I go but I was wondering if anyone had any input as to which I should attend. Thank you so much!
I don’t know the cost difference of the two programs, but if one is significantly less expensive I would choose that option. Take the extra money you will be saving and supplement with acting classes or other classes you may be missing. Also the money you save will be great once you graduate because you can start your life in the business with less stress.
The BA @ SUNY Purchase is one of the most popular majors on campus. There are so many opportunities to put up your own work, either original or established, published plays. I don’t know much about Marymount for directing, but I currently attend Purchase so I could answer more questions about that if you have any. 
Both good choices, and distinctly different environments. Does being in NYC matter to you? It isn’t for everybody, but my daughter absolutely loves being in the city and taking advantage of all it has to offer (including free tickets to lots of shows via the theatre department: she has seen Wicked, The Humans, Glass Menagerie, A Doll’s House, and more just in the past year). Or do you prefer the campus environment at Purchase?
Also look at opportunities to perform if that is of interest. Marymount focuses hard on training, and obviously does a good job of it based on their list of alumni. But, they don’t seem to have many performance opportunities; we talked to plenty of students there who didn’t appear in any shows until their junior or senior years. But at Purchase you will be competing with BFAs who may get preference.
Good luck with your decision.