MFA arts 2015: FUNDING AND DECISIONS

[dryheat]

Hey dryheat- How did you hear that you're on the waitlist for UCI? I interviewed there but have not heard back either way regarding a decision. I have been hesitant to call for fear of hearing bad news. If you don't mind sharing I would really appreciate it!

 

After chatting with bannedinbc, another poster on here who applied to UCI, I went ahead and emailed Kevin. He got back to me pretty quickly and just said I was on the waitlist, which I guess they don't always tell people? If you haven't heard anything from them at this point, I bet there is a good chance you're on the waitlist also. 

 

U of Chicago seems like a solid program (just had a look at it). The faculty is pretty accomplished and varied. I hope they release the spot for you. I've also heard good things about UC irvine.

I am considering Northwestern and Cornell now. Northwestern's funding offer is crazy good, but I'm not a fan of the fact that every single person in the faculty is from SAIC. It's weird. I've also had comments on not having many graduate courses to take. So I don't know.

 

I think it's a program that gets overlooked sometimes, but I think it's just starting to hit its stride. All of the faculty members I spoke with seemed really excited to be there, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it become one of the more talked about programs in the next 5-10 years. They also have a brand new art building, really nice studio and exhibition space, and one of the better visiting artist programs I've seen. I also think they have their act together administratively, as well. They've been the most open and communicative at every step in the process, and one of the faculty members emailed me after I was put the wait list just to check in, see if I had any questions/concerns, etc. Plus, as you said, Jessica Stockholder, Theaster Gates, William Pope.L, Catherine Sullivan...

[chewgumdrawlines]

Thank you for the info dryheat!

[KSuverkrubbe]

Help Help Help Help Help!

 

Okay so a school I had sort of tossed out for the running (and that told me their deadline was the 22nd) just counteroffered me 80% tuition<< this is Syracuse University. It is a 3 year program.

 

I had decided to pick Boston University if Rhode Island School of Design hadn't offered me anything better (they still haven't contacted me - why?) ....which offered me full tuition...

 

I can't decide if it is worth the extra year at Syracuse to pay an extra amount of 15,000 extra dollars. i mean if the program felt to me like it was leaps and bound over Boston then heck yes!!! But....it reallly is about evenish in my mind. I just feel like I don't even know...

Edited March 24, 2015 by KSuverkrubbe

[KSuverkrubbe]

I have received $37.000 scholarship from Yale, that covers the tuition (which is $35.000) + 2k health insurance , I can also take out

$10.000 in unsubsidized loans for the living expenses.

 

From UCSB I have received free tuition + $30.000 fellowship which I can use for the living expenses ,

granted Santa Barbara is very expensive

 

 

Still waiting on RISD and CalArts offers but I hear they only cover about 15k out of 40k tuition, their funding isn't as good as Yale.

dang you did VERY well for yourself . Part of me screams for you to go to Yale but that just may be me being starstruck by the name and the money for going there. I feel like Yale graduates tend to do well though....

 

Maybe I don't know as much about graphic design though. I'm in for painting.

[aparticularkindofheaven]

Thanks, I'm going to Yale because it fits me the best.

 

At UCSB is a fine art program, I'd have a lot of freedom to do whatever I want and I don't think I'll be as challenged.

 

dang you did VERY well for yourself . Part of me screams for you to go to Yale but that just may be me being starstruck by the name and the money for going there. I feel like Yale graduates tend to do well though....

 

Maybe I don't know as much about graphic design though. I'm in for painting.

[Milkyways]

I have received $37.000 scholarship from Yale, that covers the tuition (which is $35.000) + 2k health insurance , I can also take out

$10.000 in unsubsidized loans for the living expenses.

 

From UCSB I have received free tuition + $30.000 fellowship which I can use for the living expenses ,

granted Santa Barbara is very expensive

 

 

Still waiting on RISD and CalArts offers but I hear they only cover about 15k out of 40k tuition, their funding isn't as good as Yale.

YALE

period.

[Leahdog]

YALE

period.

Yea, Yale!!!

If RISD offered you a full ride, then maybe RISD, but RISD doesn't normally do stuff like that... So... Yale!! (But maybe wait and see what RISD says and try to play them off each other.)

Edited March 25, 2015 by Leahdog

[Coreythegiraffe]

Yale! Enough said.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Coreythegiraffe

[aparticularkindofheaven]

Yea, Yale!!!

If RISD offered you a full ride, then maybe RISD, but RISD doesn't normally do stuff like that... So... Yale!! (But maybe wait and see what RISD says and try to play them off each other.)

 

Although RISD is a great program, after my visit I was clear that Yale is a much better fit for me.

[TEM33056]

Hi everyone

I am hearing rumors that we will begin to be contacted regarding funding offers and scholarships from Hunter? Has anyone else heard about this or been contacted by the school?

[Milkyways]

Hi everyone

I am hearing rumors that we will begin to be contacted regarding funding offers and scholarships from Hunter? Has anyone else heard about this or been contacted by the school?

Hi TEM....I don't know if this has changed this year, but as far as I know Hunter didn't offer any scholarships (I heard this both from MFA students and faculty members).

[TEM33056]

I have heard both. One side says that Hunter does not offer funding, and others have told me that they had been offered scholarships.

When I went to the interview, the faculty went on an on about the various programs they had such as visiting artists that were funded via donations. I just find it weird that they are receiving these donations, yet aren't receiving any that are specifically ear marked for scholarships.

I also wonder about the large number of international students that were interviewed. Being that they aren't able to receive financial aid or in state tuition, how are they expected to pay? It just seems weird to me. The only thing that makes me think it might be the case is the relative affordability of the program.

[Milkyways]

I have heard both. One side says that Hunter does not offer funding, and others have told me that they had been offered scholarships.

When I went to the interview, the faculty went on an on about the various programs they had such as visiting artists that were funded via donations. I just find it weird that they are receiving these donations, yet aren't receiving any that are specifically ear marked for scholarships.

I also wonder about the large number of international students that were interviewed. Being that they aren't able to receive financial aid or in state tuition, how are they expected to pay? It just seems weird to me. The only thing that makes me think it might be the case is the relative affordability of the program.

Well now that I think about it, it might be possible that some students receive some sort of funding (maybe through T.A.s?), but if that's the case it's a very well kept secret. Maybe they connect you to external funding?  Or they might be starting to do it (it makes sense if they have the money...and they're huge so they probably do!)

 

As for the tuition costs, they are very low for in state people. My husband attends the program, he is an international, and he pays full out of state tuition, which is still cheap compared to other universities in NYC (8k/ semester, adding up to 32k for the whole program).Manhattan is pretty expensive. The studios' rent would cost more, so it's still a good deal. There are lots of internationals, you're right, but they're mostly from Israel, Korea, France and other countries where income is relatively good. Other have come with funding from their own government (Mexico, Colombia, China)

 

There is a very popular event where students donate a piece (anything that can be sold on the spot), and Hunter holds this big auction. A lot of NYC people attend it and the money they raise is destined to pay the visiting artists. 

 

Anyways, if the funding rumors are true, please let us know. That would probably make Hunter even more desirable.

[TEM33056]

Thanks for that Response Milky Ways.

This is the scholarship I heard about. Or at least the fund that generates it.

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/alumni/giving-to-hunter/scholarship-welfare-fund

[carterjohnson]

Hi guys! long time lurker here.

So, this was my 3rd time applying to grad school for painting with little luck before and I've been pleasantly surprised with the outcomes.  I'm hoping I might be able to get some advice from you all that will help me make my decision SOON.

 

I have been accepted to Yale but because they require parent's financial information (my mother refuses to provide this) then I will most likely receive zero funding to attend.  I was phoned by Rutgers yesterday and offered a teaching assistantship which would give me full tuition plus $25,000 per year.  So, is the Yale prestige and the "promise" of gallery representation really worth $100,000? I'm leaning towards Rutgers at the moment and drool at the thought of being able to make all and any painting I could want to make while I'm there since I won't be worried about money. It's the best problem to have and I have been SO fortunate, but, HELP!!!

 

Hi Jaygray,

Got the same offer.

Visited Rutgers today (03/26) and loved what I saw. I also got accepted to Hunter and now, like you, trying to make a VERY difficult decision. At this point I'm 50/50. ugh...

 

Have you decided yet?

 

[carterjohnson]

Thanks for that Response Milky Ways.

This is the scholarship I heard about. Or at least the fund that generates it.

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/alumni/giving-to-hunter/scholarship-welfare-fund

You going to Hunter?

[TEM33056]

Yes Carter, I already accepted their offer. Will be going in the fall.

Edited March 27, 2015 by TEM33056

[Milkyways]

Thanks for that Response Milky Ways.

This is the scholarship I heard about. Or at least the fund that generates it.

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/alumni/giving-to-hunter/scholarship-welfare-fund

thanks!

[hooraypublic]

Hi guys! long time lurker here.

So, this was my 3rd time applying to grad school for painting with little luck before and I've been pleasantly surprised with the outcomes.  I'm hoping I might be able to get some advice from you all that will help me make my decision SOON.

 

I have been accepted to Yale but because they require parent's financial information (my mother refuses to provide this) then I will most likely receive zero funding to attend.  I was phoned by Rutgers yesterday and offered a teaching assistantship which would give me full tuition plus $25,000 per year.  So, is the Yale prestige and the "promise" of gallery representation really worth $100,000? I'm leaning towards Rutgers at the moment and drool at the thought of being able to make all and any painting I could want to make while I'm there since I won't be worried about money. It's the best problem to have and I have been SO fortunate, but, HELP!!!

I think you should really speak with Yale directly and honestly let them know the situation and let them know your you're the one paying for the tuition. It can only help at this moment.

[chiboi2015]

I think you should really speak with Yale directly and honestly let them know the situation and let them know your you're the one paying for the tuition. It can only help at this moment.

 

I spoke with Yale directly as I have the same problem as Jaygray (my father wouldn't provide his finances) and they said there is nothing they can do unless I have court documents proving neglect/abuse. so if you don't have that they can only offer you loans. 

[Milkyways]

I spoke with Yale directly as I have the same problem as Jaygray (my father wouldn't provide his finances) and they said there is nothing they can do unless I have court documents proving neglect/abuse. so if you don't have that they can only offer you loans. 

If having a successful art career in a big gallery is a main concern for you, and you can actually find the loans to pay that humongous tuition without getting a mortgage/selling your kidney, don't stop considering Yale just yet. It's the price to pay for a potential entry ticket to the elite of the world (in art and pretty much everything else). Your parents probably have some good money if they don't want to disclose their earnings and even if it isn't yours (yet), I imagine you can still be supported somehow by them. The worst case scenario is having to go back to your parents for a while. But when you're 80 and you say "I went to Yale", it will probably make you feel proud. Happy snob is still happy.

 

If your parents don't have as much as I think and/or you want to travel right after you graduate/ be free of commitments, or are less concerned by becoming a gallery best-seller, then choose peace of mind and go to Rutgers or whatever school offered the best funding. Also if you choose this path you'd better be 100% sure of your decision, or you might end up feeling frustrated and depressed later for not taking a risk that might have made you happier. 

 

 

But that's just my humble opinion from the outside B-)

[chiboi2015]

If having a successful art career in a big gallery is a main concern for you, and you can actually find the loans to pay that humongous tuition without getting a mortgage/selling your kidney, don't stop considering Yale just yet. It's the price to pay for a potential entry ticket to the elite of the world (in art and pretty much everything else). Your parents probably have some good money if they don't want to disclose their earnings and even if it isn't yours (yet), I imagine you can still be supported somehow by them. The worst case scenario is having to go back to your parents for a while. But when you're 80 and you say "I went to Yale", it will probably make you feel proud. Happy snob is still happy.

If your parents don't have as much as I think and/or you want to travel right after you graduate/ be free of commitments, or are less concerned by becoming a gallery best-seller, then choose peace of mind and go to Rutgers or whatever school offered the best funding. Also if you choose this path you'd better be 100% sure of your decision, or you might end up feeling frustrated and depressed later for not taking a risk that might have made you happier.

But that's just my humble opinion from the outside B-)

Well personally If I get off that Waitlist, Im going. I ended up forcing my father to send his finances (he lives abroad). But that's what they told me would happen if I couldn't get his info

[FAR]

I would totally avoid ANY loan.

If you have the money go for it. Or if you have someone else to give you the money...

Nowhere is going to give you a ticket fo any success... It is just your self and your work!

Easy equation: a) finish your MFA in golden school, then get a job to pay 100,000$ - 150.000$ back. Forget about having a studio and even time to focus in your work.

b ) zero debt. Studio, and time to make work... no need to pay back anything.

Same story all the time! Go where your clue tells you to go. But don't let 2 years give you 10 of headaches!

IF someone is giving you a full ride is because they want you: and they will treat you well.

That's my right brain opinion and previous experience w grad school .... And what I see on my own peers...

Good luck!

Edited March 27, 2015 by FAR

[photochick]

I would totally avoid ANY loan.

If you have the money go for it. Or if you have someone else to give you the money...

Nowhere is going to give you a ticket fo any success... It is just your self and your work!

Easy equation: a) finish your MFA in golden school, then get a job to pay 100,000$ - 150.000$ back. Forget about having a studio and even time to focus in your work.

b ) zero debt. Studio, and time to make work... no need to pay back anything.

Same story all the time! Go where your clue tells you to go. But don't let 2 years give you 10 of headaches!

IF someone is giving you a full ride is because they want you: and they will treat you well.

That's my right brain opinion and previous experience w grad school .... And what I see on my own peers...

Good luck!

 

This is my sense. Unless you are a contemporary art prodigy with a golden path laid to success or are comfortable with a lifetime of debt, go with the school that is offering a full ride. It's important to be mindful of finances.

 

Administration at a school is giving me a headache with funding, and if this is how they are treating me before I've accepted, imagine if I was in the program.

[Derpderpderp]

I do think this speaks to why mfa programs generally favor candidates who have some time out of school...because they have demonstrated that not only do they have the motivation outside of the academic community but also the ability to make time to make work with a full time job (i work 50 hours a week in a completely unrelated field). With or without an mfa you have to make time to work.