SVA vs. NYU TISCH for PHOTOGRAPHY

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

Hello. I have been accepted to both School of Visual Arts and NYU Tisch for their photography programs but I am having a hard time choosing. I actually got accepted into several more schools for photography but ultimately decided that NYC is where I want to spend the next four years.
I just am not sure where to go and which school will benefit me most in terms of the opportunities I will get, the type of photography I can focus on, after graduation connections, and factors like that.

So far, I know that Tisch has a MUCH smaller department than SVA. I heard they accept 36 students each year into the photography program. meanwhile SVA currently has 427 students in their department (if their website is accurate and updated). so SVA might be more competitive in terms of trying to get noticed by professors, but not too sure about this.

The only thing I am worried about the photography program at Tisch is what type of photography they mainly focus on. I’ve heard that it’s diverse, as in different students focus on different types of photography, but is this department mostly fine arts based? because ultimately, I would like to go into portraiture/studio/fashion/editorial type photography. but I’m also not afraid to experiment with other types.

In terms of internship opportunities and after graduation connections in the industry, which school has a better reputation and is more respected in the photography industry? It’s really important to be that I am able to get internships while at school and a job immediately after graduation.

2

I don’t know your financial situation but the debt you will be carrying upon graduation might be a part of your decision. Entry-level photography jobs don’t typically pay much, so the less you’ll have to pay back in loans the better.

Overall, SVA is more commercial-based and NYU/Tisch is less so. Also, you might want to check out the professors at each school. SVA usually employs working professionals that have “day jobs” in the field they are teaching. I’m not sure about Tisch.

Your ability to gain employment is based on many things, but essentially your drive, desire and talent will determine if you get the job. Networking helps, but nothing beats talent.