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(I wrote an earlier post titled "Need Suggestions on Small Colleges"...)

I'm trying to decide if I should be up to my eyes in debt going to a small private college (University of Hartford, Clark University--I've never actually heard of these colleges until I went on a college search engine) or a large well known college.

I've come to realize I'm pretty sheltered in terms of what colleges are out there and how good they are in general since schools in California talk about nothing other than UCs.

Basically, I'm just wondering if I should really worry this much about going to a "brand name" college. My sister feels I should go to a community college and transfer to the best university I'm able to get into whereas I'd prefer to do the opposite and go off into some small college in the East.

By Ksolo (Ksolo) on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 12:49 am: Edit

Your sister's advice is not a bad one. That path actually saves you quite a bit of money too.

If you want to go to a small college in the East, look into some of the more reputable liberal arts colleges, such as Notre Dame, Holy Cross, Colgate, Swarthmore, and Boston College.

University of Hartford is okay, but for the price, you might as well go somewhere that has more prestige. Clark University is even worse. Not only is Clark University a mediocre school, but it's in a boring city - Worcester. It's absolutely unwise to move from California to Worcester, MA. The only reason anyone should make such a move is if they are going to Holy Cross.

With whatever college you choose, make sure it's good. Don't just come to the East just for the sake of going to the East. You might regret the decision later on.

By Sarcasmgirl (Sarcasmgirl) on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 11:58 am: Edit

Thanks for the suggestion. The tuition and fees are really scaring me, especially since I don't know how much financial aid will really cover.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 01:03 pm: Edit

Sandy,
I replied to you on the other board - and I agree that it's worthwhile to look at community colleges in Calif - some are really good. If you are looking for graphic design, you may be able to take more directed art classes your first year than you would at a 4 year school.

That said, don't rule out the cal state schools -
Cal State Chico has an EXCELLENT graphic design program AND has a smaller-school feeling lacking at other cal state schools. UC Davis also has a very good art department, although they are known for sciences. I believe Cal State Humbolt also is good for art and graphic design. You might also check out the University of the Pacific and the University of Redlands - both a step up academically from the schools back east you currently have on your list. Also, they both will allow you to apply any california state grants to your tuition and they are both good about financial aid.

You could then transfer from these schools after two years if necessary.

By Sarcasmgirl (Sarcasmgirl) on Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 06:07 pm: Edit

I'll look into those, too. Thanks.

Yeah, right now, I'm seriously considering Orange Coast College (jr. college) and then transfering to another school. I'm actually starting to look into art schools (Pratt Institute and MA College of Art) since I haven't had much luck with finding a college with a communication/graphic design major.