mistahbang

I got into SAIC and CCA and received scholarships from both schools. SAIC is offering $12,000 a year while CCA is offering $18,000 a year. My first choice was Chicago, but since CCA was offering more money, my first choice is now CCA. Reputation wise, I heard SAIC was more notable and prestigious then CCA. I am going as an undergrad. What would be the best course of action for me? Any feedback or input would be great. Thank you

*Waiting on RISD, but doubt I got any big scholarships from there.

kaii

Honestly, the location of CCA is choice for a lot of people. It's right in Oakland/San Fransisco and you can drive up to Sacramento if you want to see their art scene or drive down to LA on occasion. Chicago and San Fransisco have different art styles as well; pick the school who's art is more like your own/their focus is more on to you. But if it were me, CCA would be my choice. My art teacher went to SAIC and she really liked it, so it's a good school too.

Marionette

I was just wondering whether the 12K you got from SAIC includes all the grants and scholarships they offered or just the basic merit scholarship, because to answer your question, they gave me more generous grants in my financial aid package compared to Pratt, which is less prestigious (although it might have to do with the fact that I completed my application almost a month late for Pratt and on time for SAIC).

mistahbang

well the 12k was just the merit scholarships itself. Altogether, including the loans and financial aid, it comes out to 22k.

Marionette

Congrats! If you can afford it, I think you should definite go for the school you likes better and not let money dictate you, because you will have a easier time paying back loans if you graduates on time and successfully, and to you'll have a better chance graduating on time and successfully if you like the school. Personally, I think 6K is a lot of money, but not enough to make the decision for me, you know? Unless CCA also costs a lot less than SAIC.

kathismom

My daughter is just finishing her first year at CCA (Illustration). The school main campus is in a beautiful part of Oakland called Rockridge. It's about 10 min to Berkeley. She has some classes in San Fran and next year will have more there. She is not terribly challenged there as far as work load but she's getting great grades, her teachers love her and I figure if you stand out, you'll be in a great position at the end of 4 years.

Check them both out and decide for yourself. She likes small schools and is really enjoying the location - goes to concerts in San Fran, takes the BART all over, goes to Berkeley.