Ithaca College
Locations: Ithaca, NY
Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's
Programs: Business, Psychology, Art, Music, Film, Television/Radio, Sound Recording, and more (over 120 in all)
Tuition Range: $35,000 per Year
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Located in Ithaca, New York, Ithaca College began as a conservatory of music in the late 19th century, and has since expanded to include over 120 degree programs in disciplines ranging from Business to Psychology to Journalism. For a private school with an enrollment under 7000 students, Ithaca College also offers a surprising number of media-related majors, with bachelor’s programs in Cinema/Photography, Film/Photography/Visual Arts, Television/Radio, and Sound Recording Technology.
Ithaca College is a conventional institute of higher learning, generally requiring a four-year commitment to complete its bachelor’s programs. As a private school, Ithaca College leans toward the high end of the spectrum with regard to tuition costs: about $35,000 per school year for undergraduate students, plus an additional $12,000 for room and board.
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Student Reviews
Located in Ithaca, New York, Ithaca College began as a conservatory of music in the late 19th century, and has since expanded to include over 120 degree programs in disciplines ranging from Business to Psychology to Journalism. For a private school with an enrollment under 7000 students, Ithaca College also offers a surprising number of [...]
Review by Evan E.
January 19, 2012 3.8I went to the Park School of Communication at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and graduated in May 2008. No honors or anything, but I got the diploma. I graduated with about $18,000 in debt. 3 years later I’m down to about $15,000. Never missed a payment.
I’m not sure I knew what to expect going into film school. I definitely didn’t realize the scope of film, the great variety and depth of film that existed, and Ithaca enlightened me on that front. I know that I was very frustrated during my time there; I felt like I wasn’t getting to make as many projects as I would have liked, and I was a bit too immature for some of the theory courses I had to take. In hindsight, I realize that I was busy as hell and I wish I’d done more of the readings. 20/20, I guess.
About 6 months after graduating I landed a job with Vice TV, my #1 pick, which I held for about a year, before getting another job producing a travel series. That one flew me all over the world and was awesome. Eventually I spun that experience into a somewhat-stable career here in NY.
I’ve been frustrated, though, by how difficult it’s been to find production work in NY. I’ve observed that it’s a very insular community, and I haven’t had much luck breaking into it.
Would I recommend my school? Yes, in the sense that if you’re going to go to a film school, it might as well be Ithaca. It’s got a lot going for it that I only realized afterwards.
But no, in the sense that film school might not be for everyone. I’ve worked with a lot of people who didn’t go to film school, and they’re not doing so bad. My co-producer on the travel show was self-taught, and I’ve watched a lot of good work from untrained filmmakers (I’m thinking Long Treks on Skate Decks). Generally, I think film school is a must if you want to produce. But if you want to shoot, or direct, or edit? I’m not so sure.
Debt Accrued: $10,001 - $25,000
Found work after graduation? Yes
Review by Vann W.
December 20, 2011 2.3I attended Ithaca College for film production, class of 1977. Yes, that is a very long time ago; back when we were cutting 16mm film with razor blades and video recording was done on 2″ video tape. I also took a semester off to attend The Institute of Audio Research in NYC where I took a series of classes in audio production. I did graduate from I.C. with a BA in Cinema Studies. Back then I think it cost something like $5000 a year, and my parents could afford that so there was no debt involved.
I did end up with a full career in both audio and video/film production. Right after college I went into business with a friend from school owning and operating a small recording studio and a sound reinforcement company. After a few years of that I got involved in corporate and industrial video production and eventually got work in broadcast television. During that time I won a couple of Emmy Awards for working on The View at ABC. I left there a year and a half ago and spent the next several month filming and editing a full length documentary for a paying client.
If someone I knew was intent on going to school for film production I would definitely tell them to look into Ithaca. They do have a fine program up there. Of course it has changed a lot since I was there, so I am not familiar with exactly what they have available right now. I would tell people, however, that just as important as what you learn and what equipment you get to play with, is the people you meet and the connections you make. The two different directions my career path has taken – audio production and TV production – have been the direct result of working with friends I had in college.
Would I do it all over again? For myself, I would have to say yes, because I have been satisfied with my career overall, but it started at a much different time in history. Nowadays, if someone is just getting out of high school and wants to pursue that line of work, I might tell them that there may be better ways to invest $150,000 in their future. The industry has changed a lot in 35 years, and the opportunities are not the same anymore.
Found work after graduation? Yes
Review by Kyle K.
November 2, 2011 3I attended the Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, where I majored in Cinema & Photography. I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I do not have any student debt, as I received a full scholarship through the Park Foundation. The Park foundation funds 15-20 full scholarships every year based on excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. “Park Scholars” must maintain a 3.5 gpa average, engage in community service throughout all four years at Ithaca College, and maintain good judicial standing. In return, the scholarship program provides full room and board, plus an additional stipend for expenses.
I think I got more out of my experience at Ithaca than most Cinema & Photography students because I worked on tons of projects. In general, the introductory courses were a complete waste of time. Although this wasn’t the case for all students, the specific professors I worked with were subpar, at best. That said, my advanced classes were incredibly valuable. I learned more in my Directing and Cinematography courses than I did in most of my other courses combined. I wish there had been more “real world” instruction, especially as it relates to large, collaborative productions.
I have been working for the last year at Insignia Films, a Manhattan based documentary production company. Additionally, I have been working as a freelance cinematographer. I will be leaving Insignia Films this month to pursue cinematography full time.
There is a lot to be said for having access to an unlimited amount of free equipment with which to learn and hone one’s skills. Plus, perhaps the most valuable element of a film school is the opportunity to meet and network with hundreds of people with the same interests. Most of my freelance work has come through former professors or classmates.
I would definitely go to film school again. However, if not for the Park Scholarship, I would almost definitely attend a different school. One of my friends from high school attended RIT, and I think the program there, while less prestigious, was far more practical.