UCLA Money vs. NYU and CMU Rep

<p>I am interested in Scenic design and event planning. I will go approx. 50-60k in debt if I go to NYU or CMU. I will come out of ucla with 50k in my pocket. Does the rep of NYU and CMU in theatre outweigh the cash i would save at UCLA?</p>

<p>Not in scenic design, no way. Don't go into hock for that....</p>

<p>Regardless of money, do not go into CMU drama unless you are totally committed to theater and willing to work extremely hard for long hours. That being said, if you get through it, the professional opportunities are excellent. The CMU alumni do their best to support the graduating class with jobs and advice, which is not the case at UCLA. You will have a professional "showcase" in NY and LA as you graduate, with portfolio review and introductions to working professionals in film and theater. I'm not sure how event planning fits into your goals-are you looking at theme park design?</p>

<p>Of the other schools, UCLA, USC, and NYU, which is the best? I have to take out 50k in loans after I graduate for NYU and USC. I don't have debt for UCLA. Anybody care to rank the 3 programs/tell me how excellent the alumni connections are?</p>