Photography Schools?

Question

Ok my first question is this - What are some of the best photography schools in the nation?

My second question is - Are they really worth the $100,000+ that you're going to be shelling out for them?

My third question is - What are some good public universities that offer excellent photography courses without the private art school tuition?

Long story short - I don't have any money. I can't get grants because my parents make too much money apparently, but the govn't doesn't consider the fact that my parents have six kids to put thru college and they are not able or willing to pay even a quarter of what a private art school would cost. I know that as a photographer it is very unlikely that I would ever be able to repay that kind of student loan. I am so interested in getting a good photography degree and would really like to become a photographer, so any advice that you guys could offer would be great.

P.S. I live in Texas so public schools instate would be a nice bit of info.

Answer 1

I'm currently taking art (graphic design and photography) classes at Northern Virginia Community College. It's very cheap for in-state students, while for out-of-state students it costs almost four times as much, but still, I think their out-of-state tuition is on the same level as a four-year in-state university or art school. The art program at the Alexandria campus is really great -- NVCC students have priority when they transfer to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, which is said to be one of the best art schools in the nation (if not the best). I just went to community college because I didn't have enough money to pay for art school (I pay out-of-state) but I'm glad I've found that program. The instructors are very knowledgeable, all of them are professionals in their field, and the classes that they offer are exactly the same that you would take in art school during the first two years -- I know because I compared our programs to the ones in the best art schools in the US based on the catalogs I received from them. Also, our student work, class projects etc are on the same level as art school -- again, I compared our work to the samples shown in art school catalogs. So, if you can pay $3,000 per semester, I think this college could be a good option for you -- if you get Federal financial aid, you'll pay less than that. The only problem with it is that after two years you'll have to transfer to a four-year school anyway, if you want to get a bachelor's degree.
Otherwise, in Texas, there's a photography program at Texas Tech University School of Art, or there's an Art Institute in Houston and one in Dallas. I don't know how much they cost, though.

Answer 2

I wish I could refer you to a school locally in Texas but unfortunately I can only refer one from experience. Cal State Fullerton in California has a great photo department.

It's under communications so it's more diverse of an education to apply everywhere as opposed to strictly photography. Such courses that you would take complimentary to photo courses would be pr writing and advertising (to name a couple). These are critical courses because as a photographer you also need to be a good business person (especially with the saturation in the market today) Taking a photo in focus isn't enough in today's world.

It's cheaper than a private school or a specialized photography school. It also has several courses in photography such as photojournalism, studio photography and other courses within the photography field. You really get a chance to see where your strengths are while learning all the basics and refining skills.

Maybe a public school near you offers a program similar to this. You should check it out and good luck!

Answer 3

Do a Google search. There are several very good ones, one is located in San Francisco and several in NYC that tremendous Visual Design programs that include Photography as a major. "Good" is all a matter of perspective; what I consider good may not necessarily be what you consider good.

Not all "good" schools cost that much. Grants do indeed take into account the number of children (family composition) a family has. You have been misinformed there. Also, if you go to the public library (take plenty of writing paper or a laptop and expect to spend at least 4 hours there) and ask for the Grant Directory, which is but one source of finding grants from private institutions. There are others, of course. Take note on deadlines, requirements, etc. If you don't apply, you won't be considered; the monies are there for the grabbing but you must apply for the money in order to receive it.

Also, you can declare yourself emancipated (if you're at least 18 years old, in most states) and thus apply for financial aid (your parents won't be able to use you as a deduction) based on YOUR financial status; speak with a financial aid counselor and get the correct information based on your state's requirements.

I'm not able to comment on your last question. Sorry. Perhaps you can check out some of the photography forums and ask about the better universities and colleges that offer good programs to major in photography; www.nikonians.com and www.photo.com are just two that pop up in my mind right now.

Answer 4

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