Neverhere

So, I've kinda had my mind set on UNSCA for a while because it has everything I want: great Actor's Training, a Directing possibility, full stage combat training, I like the campus-y atmosphere, some awesome makeup classes, and the academic courses I have looked at all got me excited. But, as we all know in this business, you should always have a plan b, c, d, e, f....even a plan z! So, I was poking around at a couple of other schools and would love to get some of ya'll's opinions on them. One of the biggest things I want is to leave school with my advanced stage combat, possible even my combat choreography, license. Money is kind of an issue, and I don't want to spend more than $28,000 a year in tuition. I live in NJ, close to Philly, but I don't really have a preference on location. So far I've poked at:
University of Minnesota/Guthrie
University of Michigan
Mason Gross
University of Hartford (not to interested in going there, but it does have a lot of things I like)
University of the Arts (parent's are pushing me to apply there)
Northern Kentucky University
Carnegie Mellon (obvious my dream school, but not likely to happen)

Are there any other schools that I should look at, and what can you tell me about the programs above!
Thanks!

ChasieLooHoo

Your list seems expensive, but there are always scholarship opportunities. I would recommend looking at Northern Kentucky University. It's a newer program, but I've heard really good things about it. I'm from Louisville, Ky, and it is where everyone seems to go around here for theater. The tuition is a lot cheaper too.
NKU:
2012-2013
Undergraduate Full-Time Non-Resident (12-16 hours)*


$7,872

NJTheatreMOM

If stage combat training is a high priority for you, you might want to look at this list of schools:

SPT Training Opportunities | The Society of American Fight Directors

Sometimes South Jersey kids don't want to go to school in Philadelphia, but two of the schools on the above list, UArts and Temple, are practically in your own back yard.

LeftofPisa

^And Temple is verrrry affordable. Even for an out of state student if you have good grades. Money saved on tuition is money available for additional opportunities, including stage combat training!

stagemum

You can get certified in all (eight?) weapons at UArts. With a scholarship and Stafford Loan, they might come in close to your financial range. They also have an intramural fencing club (one of their few sports programs).