SDSU for BFA (San Diego: loans, public school, universities)

[Enquiring Minds]

I have applied to a few schools and was wondering if San Diego State was a good school for a BFA in Graphic Design. I also wanted to know the job placement rate upon graduating from SDSU.

It was one of the schools I had applied to and now I need to make a decision.

Thanks in advance!

[Enquiring Minds]

Sorry I meant a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design.

[htnspz]

I have an Applied Arts degree in Art with an emphasis in Interior Design from SDSU but I'll give you my perspective while I was attending. The Graphic Design department is very impacted due to it's popularity. I imagine that's the case with many schools. I'm sure it has a decent program as I know someone who went there for graphic design that now teaches at a University. There really isn't a job placement program that I'm aware of. In my program, there was an internship that needed to be completed and there were a list of companies to choose from. If they will be requiring an internship to graduate, they will most likely have a list for you as well.

I do know that the Art Institutes have a good placement program but honestly I think you are MUCH better off with a public school. I would NOT consider any private or costly universities for an art degree.

I have heard that because graphic design is so popular, there is a lot of competition for jobs and when there's competition like that, then wages go down. It's not uncommon for me to hear $10-12 an hour jobs in the graphic design field. This can not support expensive school loans.

So, I highly suggest that the topic is a passion of yours, that you pick up on computer programs fairly easy and that you are at least a little talented.

ETA: Part of the reasons why the wages are so low here in San Diego are also due to the weather and location. It would help if you went to school here but then moved out of the area to find employment.

[Enquiring Minds]

Thanks for your thoughtful and well defined reply, just what I was looking for! I thought you were going to say something like, go to an art school on the east coast like most people seem to when talking about college.

I wish I had more talent or interest in other things than Graphic Design for the fact that it is so popular, especially since the internet, everyone with photoshop calls themself a Graphic Artist. Why couldnt I be interested in something useful like being a doctor? LOL

Another factor that does not help is the wages in San Diego are lower, yet the cost of living is slightly higher. I guess the areas with better Graphic Design jobs (or most jobs for that matter) are usually in cities with harsh winters, or too much chaos, or both, such as New York City.