Film degree - between UC Berkeley [$45k] and Iowa [$41k] [$25k from parents]

[Mwfan1921]

I echo those who suggest double majoring and/or building other employable skills, while getting directly relevant experience even if it is unpaid.

I’ve known several screenwriting majors from good schools who are trying to break into the industry. As myos1634 said, $48K is not a livable wage in LA. So, I would encourage you to minimize debt. Prepare to wait tables (or have any type of income generating job) while you are looking to break into the entry level roles that others have mentioned…these tend to be super competitive to get, often go to someone with a ‘connection’, and that pay $20/hour. You will likely be making more than that waiting tables if you choose wisely.

I know a young person who graduated with a screenwriting degree from U Miami about four years ago, really talented. Moved to LA. Started waiting tables. Just recently they finally nabbed one of these entry level $20/hr assistant type jobs and it was facilitated by meeting a customer at the restaurant where they were waiting tables.

My last point will be know yourself and what you are signing up for. How long are you willing to spend trying to break into the industry? Are you a relentless networker? Will you be comfortable cold calling people? Comfortable telling every single person that you come into contact with what type of role you are looking for? Etc.

In terms of choosing between the schools, I would pick the one you like best. Maybe Berkeley because of ease of access and location. If you have less costly options I would also consider those. None of these schools will open doors for you on their own, you will have to make it happen by networking.

Good luck.

[jym626]

Congrats on the acceptances! While Iowa has a wonderful writing program, as others have said, if it is not affordable and the cost to travel to/from adds to the challenges, sadly it may be out of reach.

I have to disagree to a degree with the “college is a place to get job skills” comment. If you wanted to learn a trade, you’d go to a trade school. College is an opportunity to sharpen critical thinking skills, to learn to analyze, reason, explore areas of interest, etc. But developing some skills/tools to increase employability, especially when you have an interest in a field that is hard to break into and is not high paying initially, and living in CA is expensive, is also important.

There was an article I read recently that noted that communication majors were seeing declining salaries (I think it was in Newsweek). That said, it may be a good double major option for you as it would allow you to break into a writing field after college.