<p>FAM- I get what you are saying, but lets through a couple more variables into the mix and then it ends up a little more hopeful- except that I think we co-opted the OPs thread about not-merit aid.</p>
<p>Ok- the first variable I want to throw into the mix is VCU. If you go to USNWR and look at graduate school rankings (cant find undergraduate rankings) VCU is a very serious contender in most fields. VCU is also an incredibly good buy. Plus the kids who get some merit aid from MICA and so on also get merit aid from VCU. Ringer Ringers probably go for free. My son is probably ranked baby-ringer, and he got a really really decent package from VCU. So if Im MICA, or SAIC, and I see that VCU is up there in the arts rankings maybe I wont be so complacent with the ringers, and semi-ringers. Additionally VCU has the added appeal of being one of the top ranked art schools, and its in a university. So its affordable, and for all the kids who cant convince their folks that they really just want to go to art school, it is a good compromise. So then SAIC and MICA has too things they have to compete with, VCU is a cheap, more than decent art program in a university. </p>
<p>Now I cant remember what my hopeful second variable is…</p>