Syracuse Newhouse: worth the debt...?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Syracuse University
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<p>I know there is a thread similar to this one, but I wanted to explain my personal situation...sorry it's kind of long, but if you have any advice or insight it would be very much appreciated.</p>

<p>I got accepted into Newhouse, RD. I'm still shocked that I got into such an amazing school for its field. The financial aid package I received would be considered pretty freakin' amazing by many, too, but for my family and I, it's still a heavy financial burden. No matter what, I would graduate with a lot of debt from loans, too.</p>

<p>The issue is, however, is that I was also accepted to Franklin & Marshall College, a small liberal arts school that is nothing like Syracuse and is totally opposite. However, they offered me a near full ride in scholarships. It's a great school, but let's get real. If I'm really serious about getting into the entertainment industry, F&M is nothing compared to Syracuse. My parents are trying to inconspicuously push for F&M because it wouldn't be a financial burden.</p>

<p>I know I should have more faith in myself because I was admitted to Newhouse, but the fact that I have to choose between these two makes me heartbroken and confused. It's typical college freshman worries, I guess, but I'm starting to wonder: what if I'm not good enough to succeed at Newhouse, what if I end up being terrible in my major, or worse, what if I end up changing my mind and wasting my parents' money...?</p>

<p>To work in the entertainment industry has been my dream for the longest time (and is the reason I applied to Newhouse in the first place.) I went to the Admitted Students Program today and listened to stories from alumni and current students. All of the students who graduated from Newhouse almost immediately found jobs afterwards, and they all found them through the Syracuse connections...
-insert pang of desire-
But to follow my dreams are still rather costly, and are a huge risk: no matter what, I'd still have to face the fact that I'd be incurring a ton of debt if I don't succeed. That's a lot of pressure...</p>

<p>If I went to F&M, however, I'd probably have to give up following my dreams and settle for something else--but it wouldn't be quite as expensive for changing my mind as it would be at Syracuse.</p>

<p>So, any advice or input...do I follow my dreams and go Orange, or should I play it safe, but accept the fact that I should try something else and go to F&M? I talked to my counselor about this a bit, and she said no matter what you choose, go after it 100% and don't look back. Either way, I know for sure that I'm willing to work hard to get what I want, but I'm not sure which one will bring me closer to that. But as of right now, my heart definitely belongs to Syracuse...</p>

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<p>Couple of considerations that may somehow strike a chord with you (sorry that some are so negative):</p>

<p>1) I know someone who did well at F&M and after graduation worked as a cashier at a mall for 10 years.</p>

<p>2) It’s a shameful fad right now for Oprah and school counsellors and Barney to tell everyone to reach for their dreams. They simply don’t tell you that most people don’t get there. There’s nothing at stake for them to tell you this. It costs them nothing in money or, more importantly pride, if they are wrong.</p>

<p>3) It’s very impressive that the graduates all got jobs. May really make it worth going there. It is known as an excellent program. But did they mention their salaries?</p>

<p>4) But here’s what I really wanted to say. In the end, the best opportunities and jobs and successes occur for people who go looking for opportunities, reach out beyond the school while getting a bit of credibility by being AT that school (F&M IS impressive), meet a lot of people, have a pleasant personality, and who do realistic homework. I want to stress the “homework” part. </p>

<p>Can you look more closely at F&M and find out if there are professors who have connections to your interests? Who know people in the right places? Who have already placed students in internships in the past? Who have had students work in a formal or informal capacity doing projects related to your interests? I’ve heard that F&M has caring professors who would probably try to help you.</p>

<p>Go to the school’s website and see if they have detailed descriptions of each professor. If you see anything of interest, email that professor and ask questions. Could you visit? You must be an impressive student if you’ve been accepted in Syracuse’s selective program. Tell the professor/s your situation, all of it, and see if they can come up with a project that would eventually lead to opportunities comparable to what you would get at Syracuse. Some professors love having new projects that are inspired by a smart, motivated student. It makes them look good, makes them feel good, and costs them little in time and effort. When I was in grad school, I saw undergraduates approach professors, create their own opportunities and end up way ahead of their classmates in knowledge, job offers and recommendations. You might be surprised at how easily you can create opportunities for yourself. On their web site, is there an English professor who knows a Broadway playwright? Is there a music professor who spends their summers producing plays? Is there a business professor who advises a TV station? Is there a speech professor who tutors people in television presentations? Is there a history professor who advises international journalists? Is there a journalism professor who just left a newmagazine? Is there a science professor who helps a movie maker get a perfect color balance in film? Look closely. Ask questions. Follow leads. I’d be surprised if a school as prestigious as F&M didn’t have some major interactions with the true movers and shakers of the world. Or think of something related to your interest that would ultimately give you an edge in the field. My nephew got an impossible-to-get job in the recording industry by majoring in computer science then teaching himself everything about recording software. If your goals differ from the majority of other F&M students, you may stand out for any opportunity that arises. And if it means the difference between a secure financial future and a fearful one, well… think about it.</p>

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<p>Go to F&M. Debt is bad. Very, very bad. It will hold you back for years and years and years.</p>

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<p>Hi :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I was the other person who posted in the other thread if Newhouse was all the debt.
I’m also in the same boat as you but I’ve decided that I will go to Newhouse and get into debt.</p>

<p>I based my decision solely on the fact that it was either Newhouse or state school in Florida. There was a huge difference there and I felt that I will be throwing the biggest opportunity that I’ve ever gotten away if I decide not to go solely based off money. Newhouse is going to open so many opportunities that the school I was originally planned to attend was not going to be able to. So in my eyes is worth it.
Yes, I have that little devil on my shoulders saying “Are you sure?” or “You’re making a mistake”. But I say “So what!”. If it’s a mistake, then I think its a good mistake to make. If I regret it, Oh well. We are all humans and we all make mistakes but right now this decision of mine does not look like one.</p>

<p>Yet, in your case, you have another amazing school waiting for you. So like sofrustrating said, look into it and see what you find.</p>

<p>Good luck :)</p>

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<p>Newhouse is an amazing place for the right student. My step-son fell in love when we visited in August and was thrilled to be accepted. My daughter had a very different impression and had no interest in applying there. Both want careers in journalism but two very different kids. She did not like Syracuse (the city) and while the campus was lovely, the surrounding area was not for her. She’s still deciding between a few programs. It is important to follow your dreams, but money is a big factor, too. Perhaps you should go to F&M and see how you like it (not much to risk with a full ride)</p>

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<p>Just can’t leave this one alone.</p>

<p>Loan debt is a reasonable thing if you can reasonably expect to earn a high salary at the end and/or your parents are loaded. Are you sure you understand the expected salaries? Odds of graduation? Quality of internships? Did you ask tough questions?</p>

<p>Story. My D got invited to visit NYU, based on her PSAT scores and request for journalism. About 20 families in a room overlooking Washington Square. Parents of gifted students. Lucky enough to hear about this incredible program. Communications capital of the world. Uniquely connected. Special internships. Semesters abroad. $60K per year. </p>

<p>I asked about the internships. Wonderful! What, specifically? Print journalism, there was one. Editing captions for fashion spreads in Elle. TV, there were several. All NBC morning show. All serving coffee. For $60K per year, they got to serve coffee.</p>

<p>Advanced internships, like the Letterman Show, were for graduates. Unpaid, of course. Here’s what gets me. Letterman makes millions a year. Why should he get unpaid labor? Because he can. Because everyone wants a piece of the dream. Is it just me who thinks this is ultimately insulting?</p>

<p>The killer was that the NBC internship was identical to the one held by a student we had talked to at our state university. So much for unique connections.</p>

<p>Then I asked what percent of incoming freshmen actually got into the special communications/journalism program which didn’t start for real until junior year. 30. Not 30%. 30. NYU has 54,000 students. $120000 for a slim chance. And not for a $120000 per year engineering job. Probably for a low paying job or unpaid internship. </p>

<p>All but one family left grumbling. The other was a guy who said he was a rich rancher and if that’s what his baby wanted, that’s what she would get.</p>

<p>F&M wants you. They have extended their hope and wallet to you. Do more homework and make sure you fully understand the opportunites and odds. You don’t want to be the sucker who funds other people’s dreams.</p>

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<p>Sorry, I can’t cite the study, but…</p>

<p>A recent study tracked kids (twins, if I have that right) that were accepted at a few of the same schools. Those that chose the high road (say Yale), and those that chose the low road (say Big U), did about the same in the professional world. Conclusion was that it’s not what school you went to that made the difference, it’s the level of schools you were accepted. </p>

<p>Good luck in your decision. Big choices at hand.</p>

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<p>Briefly, because the other posts are not…</p>

<p>I would not go in to debt for Newhouse, but understand that you cannot equate F&M’s connections in the world you think you want to enter with the Newhouse alumni and network…</p>

<p>It is not worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt…but you are talking about apples and oranges here; a large public would even be a better comparison, even without a communications major.</p>

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<p>YOLO. Go to Syracuse.</p>

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<p>I can only speak from my personal experience as I am not sure what area of Newhouse you will be going into. I did not study in Newhouse but all 3 of my roommates did as well as my husband and all of his best friends from SU (10 guys).</p>

<p>We all feel that going to SU/Newhouse propped open doors for us in our fields. Most of us are working in our intended fields but not all.</p>

<p>the one thing i will caution since you mention debt is how little a lot of Newhouse grads are paid right away. My husband was fortunate that he did not have any school loans, majored in TRF production, interned at TV stations in Syracuse as well as local am and fm radio stations. When he graduated he was offered jobs at both ESPN and a Maine fox affiliate. He eventually worked at both but since he was a PA at ESPN he barely made more than minimum wage, worked 60 hour weeks and worked 6pm to 3am 6 days a week. It was a really tough job and for a time he loved it. he eventually rose to associate producer level but his pay was atrociously low. He is no longer in the prodution side of things but works with advertisers and Nielsen. he makes more and works better hours but his experience in production defintely opened the door to the job he has now.</p>

<p>I on the other hand initially worked at a library (bA from Speech communications and MLIS) and made more out the gate at a library in CT then he did as a PA at ESPN. I’m not sure what we would have done if he had had school loans.</p>

<p>Now, i am not saying not to pursue your dreams but be aware that it may be a while paying off those school loans and your dream job may not be what you thought. Everyone else was so jealous that he worked at ESPN but he ended up getting burned out and can’t watch Sports Center the same way anymore.</p>

<p>L</p>

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<p>Hey everyone, just wanted to say thank you for all the honest, brutally realistic, and insightful replies. I haven’t responded in a while but I have been checking this page often to analyze and contemplate on what I should do…</p>

<p>Little bit of good news: at the Admitted Student Program, I signed up for a call from Financial Aid. They called me, and I explained and talked about some things…when we hung up, I felt really discouraged because our conversation pretty much felt like there was nothing I could do but take out more loans. She (the Financial Aid person) said she’d talk to the director and call me back. I really wasn’t expecting anything, but a couple of days later I get a call in the morning, and she tells me they added a $2k grant to my package! (To anyone reading this: IT DOESN’T HURT TO ASK & HONESTLY EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION, YOU NEVER KNOW HOW IT CAN HELP YOU!!)</p>

<p>I also talked a lot with my college-savvy cousin about my decisions and options, and my financial position with Syracuse is not quite as bad as I thought. Yes, I would still graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, but it would be doable if I was realistic and worked hard and stayed focused…</p>

<p>As of now, I am still undecided, but I do feel that my situation isn’t quite as “dire” as it was before. I still can’t get over how extremely blessed I am to have such amazing options. I have one more month to think through what I truly want to do, what I might possibly be getting myself into, and you know, just the next four years of my life and my career afterwards…wish me luck! </p>

<p>Once again, thank you everyone for your insight and input. (: CC is so helpful. ^^</p>

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<p>Good luck amarawr!</p>

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<p>Sofrustrating’s post is pure gold. He has encapsulated how it usually works with these programs. I live outside of NYC, and see so many kids coming from top colleges, high rated schools, and it doesn’t usually pay off a hug debt amount. </p>

<p>The OP never gave dollar amounts in terms of what debt he would incur. If it’s over what the federally backed Stafford/Perkins amounts, then it is highly likely that his parents, not he will be taking those loans. If they are outside loans, he might be listed as the primary borrower, but he would need a credit worthy co signer, and that person might as well be the borrower for the obligation it is going to put on him.</p>

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<p>I would love to know what you decide. I am agonizing over my decision between Newhouse and University of Oregon Journalism program. The money comes out about the same as I did receive some money from both but a little more from Syracuse and I am an out of state (CA student). My sister goes to U of O though and I am very familiar with the campus. Also, while the weather in Oregon is not great I am a little afraid of what I hear about the frigid winters in Syr.
Oregon is known to have a good Journalism program, but Syracuse is among the best-I don’t know if there is a comparison between the two or not. I get the feeling that Syr is heads over Oregon. Part of me likes the idea of something new and very different, but I have spent my senior year as an exchange student in Brussels. So I have had new and different (and cold) for the past year. To make things more difficult, I won’t get back into the states until June so I can’t even see the campus (never been to Syracuse) before making my official decision! I am leaning towards Syracuse, because I think Newhouse is an opportunity I can’t pass up. But if I thought it didn’t make a difference I would probably choose Oregon. I completely realize how lucky I am to be able to choose between the two, and was so happy to be accepted into Syracuse/Newhouse.
Do many CA students go to Syracuse? Do they like it? And is the level of difficulty so hard that it is daunting? I ma leaning towards magazine journalism but am also really really interested in writing for film televsion. Any thoughts would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>Question–Since F&M gives no merit aid, presumably the “scholarships” you refer to must be financial aid. Was your package at Syracuse not similar?</p>

<p>I think F&M is a very fine institution–better overall than Syracuse in terms of a liberal arts education. But given your career goals, Newhouse is the obvious choice (cost aside). The Newhouse School has an incredibly strong alumni network that is very supportive of Newhouse students and new grads.</p>

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<p>“Journalism 12”…for journalism, choosing Newhouse over U of O will “make a difference”. Don’t let something like the weather determine your choice. Good luck! (of course I am biased, my S will be in Newhouse in the fall).</p>

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<p>I was also on the same boat as you. I was torn between a very selective program that gave me a full ride and lots of offers but I’d have to stay where I grew up my whole life. I felt the same way as you. F&M is trying to pull you in by giving you a great finaid package and telling you all the great opportunities they have, but it’s not what you want. </p>

<p>Ask yourself this: Where will you be happier? </p>

<p>I’m assuming you’re a great student meaning you will succeed whereever you go. Go for what you want, don’t just settle. </p>

<p>I’ll be coming out from Syracuse in lots of debt, but luckily, my parents are here to support me. However, I will be taking responsibility of my own debt instead of leaving it to my parents. My mom told me that mostly everyone goes through debt in their lives. Think of it as an investment. You get what you put in. </p>

<p>and you know what? YOLO so pick what makes you happy.</p>

<p>P. S. I also spoke with a finaid counselor and they gave me 3k more. :slight_smile: They’re generous but they will not go over your EFC amount!</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>I highly recommend going to Syracuse. The connections you make there will be amazing and give you opportunities that you won’t get other places. If you haven’t done so, PLEASE talk to the Financial Aid Office at Syracuse and explain your situation. I did that for my son, and I immediately got more money for him. He was also able to get even more money for himself this semester with some help from some administrators in his academic department. It may even help to talk with some people in Newhouse. Good luck! Don’t give up…</p>

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<p>Journalism12, I graduated from SU many moons ago, lived in Oregon, and I am very familiar with U of O. Both SU and U of O are great schools. Eugene is a very nice city - I would say nicer than Syracuse, albeit smaller. Both SU and the U of O are well known throughout the country, but SU has a deeper alumni network (there are a surprising number of SU alums in Oregon - ranging from Portland to Medford). In terms of weather, both can be kind of dark during the Winter, but Syracuse is much, much colder. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from considering SU as students adapt to it. I would say to you that you should visit both, if you have a chance, and determine which school “feels” better. You can’t make a bad choice as both are fine institutions.</p>

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<p>Journalism is a poor-paying field in general, and entry-level jobs in particular pay next to nothing. ($20-25,000 salaries are not uncommon.) Not to mention that the job market is absolutely atrocious with most major outlets laying off staff left and right.</p>

<p>Taking out huge loans for a journalism degree is a terrible idea.</p>