I haven’t read every reply but those that I did read have given great advice.
The conversation that I would have if I had an art student (and I had this conversation with both of my non-art daughters before attending college) is what are the job plans after art school? Depending on the focus, art-related jobs can be hard to get and can be low paying. What do the post grad jobs look like at the college she wants to attend? What are the job placement stats?
My niece graduated last year from an art school in NYC. I believe she is a very talented artist, but she chose a general art path and not one that showcased her skills as an illustrator. She wants to live in NYC and be a curator at a museum. Not an easy job to get. She’s worked part time at museums at the front desk and as an assistant to a curator for very low pay. Not enough to support an NYC life. She went to Ireland for a year to complete a post grad art program but will return to NYC next month. No job prospects. She plans to couch surf at a friend’s apartment for the time being.
A friend’s daughter went to SCAD for jewelry design. After graduating, it took her 2 years to find a related job. The pay wasn’t great, and she had to move to a city she didn’t like.
If your daughter has a true passion for her art than I would encourage her to pursue it, but I would make sure she understands that there may be challenges that come with trying to make a living doing it. I agree with those who suggested applying to universities and colleges with art programs so maybe she could double major or minor in an adjacent field or if she decides art isn’t for her, she has other options.
I understand that every parent is different and there is no “right” path but for me, if I was going to pay OOP for college, it needed to end with a job in which my daughters would be on a path to financial independence. As such, we had many related discussions before they applied and chose a major/college.