ms_kathi

They are willing to give me credits for studio work, as I have some experience in the field, which could also minimize some of the degree costs. Also FM degree usually pays out with 60-70,000 as a starting salary. I was also thinking of doing a paid internship, and maybe a waitressing gig to pay for c.o.l I mean I know it's expensive- that's my concern. But don't other people take out loans for school?

I have no idea! haha Realistically it'll be like 60,000. I probably won't do a double master, as they suggested. But still 60,000 is a lot of money. Sigh, any ideas- anyone?

Hey there, I got accepted into my first choice school, Pratt Institute, with a scholarship of $6000. Yay, but the tuition alone is 16 grand per semester. Not including books, living ect. Right now I'm looking at $60-90,000 of debt to attend Pratt. I made it through my undergrad debt free. I attended Cleveland State Uni. for my undergrad- good urban planning school, but I don't feel challenged & I don't want to be stuck in Cleveland. I have the option to go to CSU for the Fall semester at a way cheaper rate (like 6g per semester), but should I just take the debt on? I plan on working in the private sector after graduating, so should I spend money to make money? It is an investment- I suppose. It's just hard to say yeah I want that much debt. Any suggestions- anyone else in this situation? Thanks!

Hey There, Those are all great programs. Since Penn is housed in a design/arch school- it's going to have a focus of design. Great school, but I don't think it focuses as heavy on policy. Rutgers is super policy based- it's what they do best. It's similar in each case. Rutgers will allow you to create more contacts on the east coast. UCLA will allow you to create more contacts on the west coast. It's all about where you see yourself in 5 years. it's not to say you can't up and leave- you always can. However, you have to see this as you are setting yourself up to be in this place for a while. I would check out Planetizen. Just google it. They have a planning guide you can purchase for $49.00 It really helped me out when I was trying to decide between which programs I wanted to apply for. But there is a small portion which has student feedback and ratings of the programs. It breaks down the pros and cons of the program, cost, deadlines, job rate after graduation, internships ect. It was great, but like I said I bought it in the beginning. I know that Rutgers doesn't have a large classroom size. I can't say anything about UCLA. I didn't have any interest in their program.