Parsons [$63k, strategic design and management] vs Depaul [$45k, marketing] vs Deffered Schools

Compare College Acceptances
1

Would love some advice as I go through the college process:

Here are the schools I am interested in:

Parsons - Accepted, total cost would be 63k a year.

Depaul - Accepted, total cost would be around 45,000 a year I believe.

Deferred from - Loyola Marymount, Fordham University.

I am honestly unsure of parent contribution each year, but we are comfortable.

Major/division admitted to at each college, if applicable to the college. Also, any special programs like honors programs or combined degree programs (e.g. BA/BS->MD).

Parsons (Strategic Design and Management) - This is basically a business and design major, and Parsons appears to have great flexibility for minors as well so I could minor in something either fashion or business related. The thing is the first year curriculum is very art centered as it is an art school, but I am honestly more passionate about fashion/business so I am a little nervous about that. The industry connections and internship opportunities are also one of my big justifications.

Depaul (Marketing) - I love how it is also in an urban area, that is a must for me. General connections in a big city is important for me, and I could also minor in fashion merchandising or something.

I hope to go into something related to business and fashion, hopefully in New York City. I am a huge fan of the city and have supports there (Close family friends.) I am super into the concept of creative direction, and the intersection that Parsons provides with the different disciplines of art, and just building a portfolio in different areas based on that.

My preferences are not a big emphasis on greek life, a decent campus culture but I don’t really mind as long as I can make good friends as I am pretty extroverted.

I just need help deciding if the cost difference is worth it, and help navigating the difference between a design school and a typical school. Feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences.

1 Like
2

What can your family comfortably afford (with no loans and no hardship)?

1 Like
3

You need to find out what your parents can comfortably afford, and whether or not you will be able to attend either university and complete your bachelor’s degree without taking on loans.

You would be far better off if you can graduate with your bachelor’s degree and no debt. NYC is an expensive place to live, and you are not going into a highly paying career, at least for starting salaries.

By the way both of my daughters were able to graduate university without debt, and both then took on “interesting but badly paid” opportunities that they could only afford because they had no debt. Avoiding debt can open up options for a recent university graduate.

Otherwise I am wondering if you feel that either school would be a better choice for you. While schools from which you were deferred are not things that you can count on, it is still quite early in the process and I do also wonder if you have other opportunities still to come.

3 Likes
4

Their expected contribution according to FAFSA is 130,000 a year, but that isn’t realistic as I have 3 younger siblings as well. They say they will pay for it and to not worry about it though, but I feel like the cost of living in New York is also an extra burden, so I feel like it isn’t as much about going into debt as worst case scenario I may go into a small amount of debt, but rather draining the resources they have.

1 Like
5

It makes sense to have an honest talk with them about what is affordable, especially with three younger siblings. Also consider the differences in campus life, curriculum, and possibly the student body between the two schools.
Adding: FWIW DePaul seems more in line with the other schools you chose to apply to with Parsons being more of an outlier.

6

Are you also applying to FIT? Because it has arguably the best alumni network and connections to the fashion world in NYC. You would have the option of choosing a major that goes more in the design direction or in the business direction. It is also less expensive than Parsons.

Of note, FIT also has a 1 year long “visiting student” program. You start out at one of the partner schools across the nation, majoring in fashion or merchandising etc. Then you spend your senior year in NYC at FIT. When you are done, you have a degree BOTH from your home institution AND from FIT. Graduates say that the program is successful in giving you access to the alumni network and connections in NYC. You can also save a lot of money. Some of the schools that participate are Madison, Kansas State, U of Delaware, Michigan State, Bowling Green, U of Maryland Eastern Shore (an HBCU). Here’s a link with the whole list if you scroll down some: Articulation Agreements

2 Likes
7

This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.