Ok, I thought I might chime in about Montclair State as it seems to be coming up a lot in this thread.
I went there for my undergrad and after researching and applying to graduate schools, I have realized how fantastic their graduate program really is. And NO I don't get any kind of kickback for saying this (although maybe I should lol).
1. For those of you who are looking to be in NYC, it is in commuting distance. Going to Chelsea is a regular occurrence to visit galleries and write papers etc.
2. You get your own studio, with a lock. I've come across many programs with shared studio spaces and limited privacy.
3. You have access to that studio 24/7. I thought this was a no-brainer, but again I was surprised to see some schools have limited access.
4. The library and adjoining cafe are 24 hours as well. It wasn't until one of my best friends who is up at New Paltz told me about the erratic hours of their library, and how her Starbucks closes at 9pm! that I realized how lucky we were at MSU. This might sound like a minor thing, but remember you have to live in this new environment and tiny things like that might make a difference. I know I'm not a happy camper without a cup of coffee.
5. They have a visiting artist EVERY WEEK. As part of Art Forum, an artist comes to do a lecture each week, beforehand that artist makes their rounds to the graduate studios to look at people's work.
6. Additionally there is usually another lecture featured at the Montclair Art Museum about once or twice a semester. And depending on the artist, afterwards, the MFA's and faculty go to dinner at a local restaurant.
7. The faculty. There are some real top notch people who teach there. In my final year of my BFA, I felt like I was put through the ringer, but I am so grateful for that. I feel like they really pushed me to be a better artist.
If I hadn't gone there for undergrad and if I wasn't trying desperately to escape the NY Metro area, I would totally go there. So those of you thinking about applying, go for it! Because I really think in the next coming years, they will be a big contender.