Loans/Ringling/Other Schools

[jmascho]

Okay, long story short. I went to Ringling for one semester last year, left because it was so expensive. I came back home to work and save money, and that is obviously getting me nowhere. I have been considering going back to Ringling, and also applying to other schools to see if I can get some money from my portfolio. Here's my dilemma, I am on my own financially speaking. Is it stupid for me to got to a school that costs 20k a year with everything, or should I just go back to Ringling which costs 30k a year with everything and rack up even more debt? I am scared shitless and don't know what to do. I will be studying 3d/animation at whatever school I choose. I know Ringling is the best of the best with animation(CA kids got jobs even with this nasty job market), and I know some other schools that are somewhat cheaper that are also plausible. Problem is, is it totally inconceivable to take out these massive amounts of loans? Are other students doing this? Can a poor kid like me who works hard go to a big school like this or am I totally dreaming...I have thought about going to a community college or a small state school, but they seem to offer next to nothing. I know those credits wouldn't transfer well into an animation program. I'm working hard on my portfolio, and on the side, deciding where to send it...

I know MANY Ringling CA alumni view this board. What are your views on this? Have any of you been in this situation?

I appreciate any suggestions anyone may have. I am very confused at this point, and I don't want to make a desperate decision that will haunt me. Thanks for the help in advance.

[David]

jmascho, I don't go to Ringling but I am a student at a community college. You should take all your basic classes like drawing, design and all your liberal arts at a good community college and then transfer to Ringling. You will save a bunch of money and you won't have to worry about your english lit. final when you just want to work on your art.

As far as loans, I think thats how most people pay for school. Student loans are investment debt not consumer debt. A college education is the best money you will ever spend, just don't go nuts and stay away from credit card debt. Intrest rates for student loans are very low usally around 3% - 5% and if you have trouble paying they will work with you, unlike the credit card companies.

My 2 cents, I would like to hear other opinions on the subject.

David

[sic1]

I agree with David, get the core education courses out of the way at a cheaper college, then focus on the art.

It may be easy to pay for books/supplies with a credit card, but you'll pay for it later (unfortunately)

[winjer]

why dont you go to sva or pratt if youre in new york. Those are great schools. It sounds like you have some skill so you might want to give cooper union a shot too. They only take like 60 people a year for art but its totally free and worth a shot.

[carpal]

same situation here jmascho, I have heard the same things a million times. I don't CARE if its "good" debt or "bad" debt, the idea of having that much money hanging over my head makes me want to file bankruptcy right now.

Whatever though, I am giving it a shot. I am working on my portfolio right now to apply to ringling and if I get accepted I will go for it. Debt and all, I only have 60 more years left on this planet I figure I should jump start my life pretty soon here. If you want to be the best, put yourself in a position to be the best. you know you want to

There is actually no rush though, the community college plan is a good one.

By the way, you are a great artist already so if things don't work out you definitely have a solid foundation to fall back on. And can I ask what you thought of ringling while you were there? besides that it was expensive.


good luck

[pibb991]

just a word on the community college thing...
if you transfer to ringling from one you'll get credit for the basic classes but it wont help you graduate any earlier or save any money(ringling doesn't charge by the number of hours your taking), it will just allow you to take more art classes/electives.

[carpal]

damn, I remember reading about that. Well at least instead of sitting in a lecture hall doing math you could be out on the beach painting landscapes or something.

[Kortez]

well, I'd love to see where this thread goes. Cause I myself want so badly to go to ringling. But where I come from the idea of "saving for college" is so absurd cause a year at college here costs 1k.

btw. I thought Ringling cost 16k a year :(

[pHargrave]

You can save money with the Community College route, but only if you have the right courses to transfer as a second year student. This is fairly common for Graphic Design and illustration. It's less common for CA, but it does happen.

[dzu]

HI there.

I took out loans to get my degree and although I'm making a career change, if I had to go back and do it again, I would still take out the loans.

Student loans have several advantages that should not be overlooked. First, they have a very low interest rate compared to other loans. Many student loans are subsidized, which means that the government will pay the interest on the loans until 6 months after your graduation. Finally, student loans allow you to focus on your school and not worry about money. I took at subsidized loans totalling about $15000 for 3 out of my 5 years at 7% interest for a 10 year payment period about 7 years ago. My monthly payment is $168, which isn't bad since I don't have other debt and am frugal with my money.

You have to be responsible with your spending and keep your focus on your schooling rather than thinking that the loans are free money. They are truly an investment in your future because they allow you to get the education/skills needed for the high paying jobs later. Loans are not bad or good - they are merely a tool that can be used wisely or foolishly. Know how to leverage the strengths and minimize the weaknesses and you'll be ok. If loans were truly evil then almost nobody would own a house.

Many financial aid packages will include a mixture of grants, loans (subsidized and un subsidized), work study programs, and/or scholarships, followed by your EFC (expected family contribution - what comes out of your or your parents's pockets). Even an unsubsidized loan should not be dismissed outright because the interest rate is still very low.

Ask yourself what your goal is and what is it worth to you. I personally don't look at just the $$ figure, but rather I estimate the value of something per dollar spent. Is your Ringling education worth 3x the cost of a state college? Do you think that you will get hired faster or get the better job with a Ringling degree over a state college degree?

As for community college, I would consider it only if the credits you take can be transferred to your art school. Most of all, enjoy your time in college regardless of which path you take because it really is one of the best times in your life.

Dzu

[Ion]

going to CC and getting credits out of the way is a very smart thing to do, as long as your credits will be accepted by Ringling, or whatever school you transfer to.

i graduated ringling this past may, and got a job in july. i was pretty lucky. i have lots of friends who are still at home, not because they didnt work hard, just cause thats the way the job market is... its a right place at the right time kind of thing.