School of Visual Arts
Locations: New York, NY
Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's
Programs: Film/Video, Animation, Interior Design, Computer Art/Animation/Visual FX, Graphic Design and more (over 30 total)
Tuition Range: $14,700-$20,000
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Located in Manhattan, the School of Visual Arts is (as its name suggests) a college dedicated to various visual and media-related arts, hosting an enrollment of around 4000 students. The school offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs in arts-related fields, including Film and Video, Photography, Illustration, Computer Art, Animation and Visual Effects, and even Cartooning. Several unique master’s programs are also offered for art specialties, including M.F.A. degrees in Fashion Photography, Digital Photography, Live Action Short Film, and Social Documentary.
Since the school is structured in a traditional college format, you should expect to invest about four years into a bachelor’s degree. Full-time undergraduate tuition is $14,775 per semester, not including fees; graduate programs are priced higher according to program, up to $20,000 per semester on the high end.
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Student Reviews
Located in Manhattan, the School of Visual Arts is (as its name suggests) a college dedicated to various visual and media-related arts, hosting an enrollment of around 4000 students. The school offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs in arts-related fields, including Film and Video, Photography, Illustration, Computer Art, Animation and Visual Effects, [...]
Review by Matt M.
February 3, 2012 1.8I attended the School of Visual Arts (for film) based in Manhattan. I graduated in 06 with a very expensive BFA in film production, concentration in Directing. What the hell is that?
I had to take out loans, a private film school in NYC bends you over as if it was Ivy League. I’m still about 38,000 deep.
In very few ways did it meet my expectations. They don’t tell you going in, but you only get out what you put in. You could easily coast through with a 3.5 gpa by simply showing up to class and half-assing all your work. Looking back the greatest thing I took from film school was the friends I made.
I have found work since graduation, but all through personal connections or flat out hard work. Never once has someone asked if I went to film school or asked to see my diploma.
I’d recommend film school for people who seek a technical skill: Editing, animating, sound design. Anything else you either have the talent or you don’t. You don’t need 100,000 dollars to learn how to be a PA or Grip on set. For the majority, I’d say save your money, go right into the work force while holding an internship part time as well. You’ll learn more and make infinitely more connections.
Debt Accrued: $25,001 - $50,000
Found work after graduation? Yes
Review by Chris N.
November 18, 2011 1I am a 2005 graduate of SVA. It cost me nearly 100k in student loans to attend this school and I am still paying them off. I have barely been able to find PAYING work in my chosen profession. Everyone wants people to work for free. Its horrible and depressing. I would not recommend art school to anyone when they learn just about everything via the internet and practical experience.
In fact, everything I learned at school, I more or less could’ve figured out on my own had I just had the right equipment in front of me. And if I had to do it all over again, I’d forgo the useless diploma and pocket the 100k for myself, either putting it towards state of the art equipment or an apartment for myself to get up and running. It’s a hell of a lot better than living in debt going from job to job.
Review by Kate S.
November 10, 2011 2I attended a private music school in St Petersburg, Russia, but I studiesdFilm/Video directing in college in America at School of Visual Arts. I graduated SVA in 2009 (I did not get the chance to graduate music school due to my immigration to the states)
SVA did meet my expectations, although I do wish I had more classes targeting music video industry as opposed feature filmmaking, since I do not want to do feature films but would rather work in music video and live events.
I have been freelancing in the video industry here in there, but a degree can take you only so far. In this industry, it is more the connections that you have that can take you places.
As much as I love education, and push for it, and ask much of a safe place SVA was for growing and learning and experimenting, I would not go back to school, unless it is for graduate. I always just wanted to get out and do it on my own, and not be restricted by teachers and school guidelines (no matter how open SVA is to experimentation, there were of course boundaries).
Review by Tina T.
November 5, 2011 3I went to SVA as a Film Video and Animation major. I graduated from SVA in stop motion animation.
I now find myself over $40,000 in student debt and no way to make minimum payments with my loans about to default. When I was in school a friend also offered to cosign a private loan with me and now my inability to make payments is affecting him to and put a strain on a practically nonexistent friendship as it is.
The program at SVA improved more in my later semesters allowing opportunities I wish I had had the chance to partake in earlier on. The staff and teachers in general were great educators.
I would definitely go to a film or music school again, but one that did not cost as much money. Not one that would land me in the same type of debt I’m in now.