State University vs Private Art Schools

[Junck]

I've been seriously considering an art degree still, but through all my research and looking, I've come across mixed reviews. Some say private art schools are a waste, moneypits, and overall not an experience worth the cost and that you can get the same knowledge out of a standard State Univ. ... I've had several artist friends suggest seeking out a Bachelors of Fine Arts at any "major" State University versus being in debt for likely the rest of my life by pigeonholing myself with a specific degree at a private art school.

SCAD was amongst my higher considerations for artschool previously, mostly because I'm familiar with the city and the school itself overall, and the local community college even offers a program that sets you up for attending SCAD.

Anyway, I'm wanting some opinions out there from those who may have a BFA from a SU or private college, or even a different sort of degree. What are your tips? What are your suggestions, experiences, and ideas on State U's versus private colleges...? Does it really come down to a matter of price differences?


I probably didn't word that right, but maybe someone will get what I mean :V

[Xeom]

I've looked at most fine art programs(at least in Florida) and if you want to do anything relating to illustration don't even bother from what I can tell.

You have 3 figure classes ever, and then the rest well is a lot of fine arts. They cover a lot of materials and method, but I don't think most of it will be useful. I guess it depends on the program its self.

I've seen some state colleges with illustration majors, but if there not in your state you're kinda paying the same price as private.

The other option of course is a atelier, its just really hard to get scholarships for ateliers.

[Maxine Schacker]

What you need is traditional fine arts training. That includes life drawing, anatomy, perspective and structural drawing, a solid design and comp class color theory, representational painting.

Obviously there are many other things you'll need to study depending on your goals (animation? Illustration? concept art?).

[Elwell]

There are some notable exceptions, but the vast majority of university art departments, both state school and private, are absolutely horrible.

[almaghest]

I doubt a degree from SCAD will pigeonhole you into any one area. For example, I know someone who graduated in Illustration and ended up with a job as a 3D modeler.

Anyway, if it's debt you're worried about, I highly recommend attending state or community college for 2 years to do general education stuff and possibly art history and things like Drawing I if they're offered. It'll save you a crapload of money and allow you to work on your portfolio. SCAD's pretty nice about scholarship money if you have a decent portfolio and good grades, so if you transfer 2 years of credit and get a decent scholarship, you could probably pull off a degree from SCAD with well under 20k in debt, which is probably about what you'd end up with going to a state school.

[Junck]

Xeom: Well, there are two local Universities accredited by the NASAD, if that counts for anything, which really I don't know if it does... (though SCAD and other schools I looked at weren't listed). Overall, I hear the two (Univ. of Alabama and Auburn University) aren't really that bad at all as far as education in general goes... Hmmm...

Maxine: Yes, looking at those and wondering to myself--what's the difference between big fancy private art-driven colleges, and University art departments? I would imagine the experience wouldnt be THAT much different. Maybe? I'm not 100% on my more -specific- field in art, as far as Illustration, concept, and whatnot. I'm interested in so many different portions of the art field that it's difficult deciding what to be inclined towards. Am I ignorant to assume a BFA is sort of a "generalized" degree for art? Though I suppose it's possible to enroll later in private art college for more tailored courses...

Elwell: That's my worry. :( It's a lot of money down the toilet if the departments are shit.

Almaghest: That's what driving me towards a Univ. currently, over a private art colleges: more FAFSA funding, student loans, scholarships, afaic. :P Then again I could be wrong. Noticing a lot of private ones have pretty steep requirements, and a little disheartened by the overall quality of their acceptance. I know ALL colleges tend to have a sellout point, but...

As of current, I've only completed Eng101, Eng102, Physical Science II (they let me skip I due to placement...dont know if that counts to credit), Speech, General Psychology... As of current, I have a 4.0, but not many classes under my belt, so I'm wonder what that'll count towards. Too old for a SAT scholarship, though if I was dependant on those scores, I've noticed I also qualify for that at SCAD and other colleges (unless you can apply for it evenif you HAVE been out of highschool for over 5 years?). I don't have too much more to go as far as general study classes, I think, so I'm looking at possibly starting the more art-centric classes soon.

Another concern of mine is exposure. I hear that private colleges, if nothing else, are great for company exposure--which I think is true, given in my time in Savannah, I was able to to go with some friends to some really interesting seminars held by big-time companies. Weighing the pros and cons... ugh, what a decision.

[Equality72521]

Well, just coming from my perspective, an Art Degree from a University, especially a Drawing/Painting Degree, is a waste of money and time. I went to a State University straight outta high school in their Drawing and Painting major. My thinking was I would be able to get a degree in what I love to do, and get a job with that degree. The thing is though, to get a job with a Studio degree, would be close to impossible with the competition from graduates from art school. Think if it this way: I know guys around 22-23 graduate with a business degree, only to end up waiting at a restaurant. If you want to pursue art as a career, its definitely not dependent on the degree.

That said, my experience at the University was severely lacking. Part was my lack of motivation, part inadequate classes for my needs. As for the upper classes for seniors, they are mostly studio time for paintings and little time for the business aspect of being an artist on your own. To be a freelance artist, one needs the knowledge of the art business to thrive, or you will be an easy target to take advantage of.

The plus side to a Private art school, those courses and knowledge is more easily attained. You get the connections and recruiters at Private schools, and you are surrounded by people with similar goals.

Im in the same boat as you are, deciding whether to go back to the University and run the HUGE risk of never pursuing art as a career, or go to the school of my dreams and the debt to go with it. I, personally, have decided to attend Ringling as a transfer student, and with diligence and hard work I believe I will make it as an artist in today's world.

Here is one of my first posts here at CA.org, its a little long, but i think drives the point home.

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1912874&postcount=92

[Storyboard Dave]

The plus side to a Private art school, those courses and knowledge is more easily attained. You get the connections and recruiters at Private schools, and you are surrounded by people with similar goals.

I think this is huge point to drive home. Recruiters come and will at least look at your work while it's still in the early stages and can help guide you. Guest speakers, visiting artists, access to facilities and being pushed by like minded peers never hurts. Also a lot of the faculty at smaller private places are still working professionals themselves (I look at the majority of my colleagues at where I teach and we're ALL still in the business to a certain degree).

If nothing else, it makes for a little bit more support and I'm also a huge fan of learning from observation. You'll be surrounded not just by people in your field but by other art disciplines (craftspeople, film makers, industrial designers, fine artists, graphic designers, etc.)- and all of these other influences could give you a little opportunity to explore related things.