Was anyone else accepted but struggling to afford attending?

mgm0286 · Mar 19, 2026

Hello! I was admitted to Columbia's Film MFA in Creative Producing with a $30,000/year scholarship, but I'm really struggling to decide if the debt is worth taking on. It's my dream program, but the tuition looks like it's going to be $118,000 a year. Does anyone have any advice?

Chris W · Mar 19, 2026

mgm0286 said:
but the tuition looks like it's going to be $118,000 a year

https://arts.columbia.edu/tuition/film

Tuition there says $77,840. Did you mean total for all three years?

mgm0286 · Mar 19, 2026

Chris W said:
https://arts.columbia.edu/tuition/film

Tuition there says $77,840. Did you mean total for all three years?

Hi Chris,

Here's the tuition breakdown they sent me. I really hope I'm wrong, because $118,000 for two semesters is a little scary.

Screenshot 2026-03-19 at 2.13.39 PM.webp

Chris W · Mar 19, 2026

mgm0286 said:
Hi Chris,

Here's the tuition breakdown they sent me. I really hope I'm wrong, because $118,000 for two semesters is a little scary.
View attachment 4652

Oh I see they're breaking it down with housing and total cost of attendance. $90k direct costs (tuition and fees) plus $29k estimated housing and transportation etc.

They gave you $30k off of the tuition each year?

mgm0286 · Mar 19, 2026

Chris W said:
Oh I see they're breaking it down with housing and total cost of attendance. $90k direct costs (tuition and fees) plus $29k estimated housing and transportation etc.

They gave you $30k off of the tuition each year?

$30k off for the first two years, which would leave me about 176k in debt not including interest or the thesis year. I feel like this is a big jump from what was listed as tuition on their site.

Chris W · Mar 19, 2026

@Patrick Clement did a pretty long post on this a while back:

Post in thread 'Columbia University - MFA - Fall 2018'

Mar 27, 2018

Congratulations to everyone that got accepted! If you didn't (and I genuinely believe this is the case) you will find your way so keep trying!

There has been a lot of posts about Financial Aid so I wanted to share some personal experiences and advice when it comes to financial aid at Columbia. I hope it will be helpful and let me know if you have any questions.

1. Grad PLUS Loans for Low-income US Students
2. "Scholarships/Fellowships"
3. "Service Positions"
4. Additional Money for Projects
5. Money Available (Laptop/Rent Increases/Utilities Increases/Health Increases)
6. Rando advice...

Granted he's also one of the people interviewed in this article:

‘Financially Hobbled for Life’: The Elite Master’s Degrees That Don’t Pay Off - WSJ https://share.google/fCz0HForlv84lbkqY

He talks about it here too:

Article '“The Blood Is More Conceptual”: Exploring the Vision of Seabold Krebs (AKA Patrick Clement) in “Bury Me When I’m Dead” (Part 2)'

This is the second and final installment of FilmSchool.org's interview with writer-director Seabold Krebs (AKA Patrick Clement), whose feature "Bury Me When I’m Dead" releases July 18 on digital platforms and VOD. In this installment, Clement/Krebs reflects on his experience at Columbia's MFA...

Alexa P.
Jul 18, 2025
7 min read
Category: Supporting Member Exclusives
best film schools in the world columbia alumni columbia soa columbia university filmmaker interviews indie film patrick clement top film schools

Chris W · Mar 19, 2026

mgm0286 said:
$30k off for the first two years, which would leave me about 176k in debt not including interest or the thesis year. I feel like this is a big jump from what was listed as tuition on their site.

Yes it's unfortunately one of the more expensive film degrees out there when COA (Cost of attendance) is factored in.

aliceleigh123 · Mar 19, 2026

mgm0286 said:
$30k off for the first two years, which would leave me about 176k in debt not including interest or the thesis year. I feel like this is a big jump from what was listed as tuition on their site.

First off, congrats on getting accepted to Columbia! That is a HUGE accomplishment and you should be proud and feel validation.

Secondly, thank you for sharing the cost breakdown. I’m waiting to hear back from Columbia for D&S and if I get in, will be in the same boat. I got accepted to Brooklyn College Feirstein, which would be a lot more affordable and have been trying to speak with students from both schools to determine if the cost is worth it.

Most students say it’s not worth it to go into debt. Columbia students said they do believe their writing has improved by miles and one of them got their 2nd year short film into Sundance. One of the Columbia students said she probably would have gone to Feirstein to save money. The Feirstein student loved her experience and still works there (she did work study). But the access of connections you get through Columbia is far superior.

Ive gotten to the point where I’m just going to wait to hear from Columbia and then do some real deep reflections on which path to my dream makes the most sense. It’s so hard.

It is nice to know, we’re not alone in figure out this big decision. Happy to talk more offline if you want to DM!

mgm0286 · Mar 19, 2026

aliceleigh123 said:
First off, congrats on getting accepted to Columbia! That is a HUGE accomplishment and you should be proud and feel validation.

Secondly, thank you for sharing the cost breakdown. I’m waiting to hear back from Columbia for D&S and if I get in, will be in the same boat. I got accepted to Brooklyn College Feirstein, which would be a lot more affordable and have been trying to speak with students from both schools to determine if the cost is worth it.

Most students say it’s not worth it to go into debt. Columbia students said they do believe their writing has improved by miles and one of them got their 2nd year short film into Sundance. One of the Columbia students said she probably would have gone to Feirstein to save money. The Feirstein student loved her experience and still works there (she did work study). But the access of connections you get through Columbia is far superior.

Ive gotten to the point where I’m just going to wait to hear from Columbia and then do some real deep reflections on which path to my dream makes the most sense. It’s so hard.

It is nice to know, we’re not alone in figure out this big decision. Happy to talk more offline if you want to DM!

Hi friend! Thank you for your kind comment. It's nice to know I'm not the only one going through this.

Congratulations on Brooklyn College! I applied and interviewed but haven't heard back yet. My other option is DePaul's Creative Producing program in LA ($7,500 scholarship over three semesters) or AFI if I get off the waitlist, but even then I'm sure it won't be funded and I won't be able to go.

Good luck with Columbia. If you have any questions I'm happy to help!

mgm0286 · Mar 19, 2026

Chris W said:
@Patrick Clement did a pretty long post on this a while back:

Post in thread 'Columbia University - MFA - Fall 2018'

Mar 27, 2018

Congratulations to everyone that got accepted! If you didn't (and I genuinely believe this is the case) you will find your way so keep trying!

There has been a lot of posts about Financial Aid so I wanted to share some personal experiences and advice when it comes to financial aid at Columbia. I hope it will be helpful and let me know if you have any questions.

1. Grad PLUS Loans for Low-income US Students
2. "Scholarships/Fellowships"
3. "Service Positions"
4. Additional Money for Projects
5. Money Available (Laptop/Rent Increases/Utilities Increases/Health Increases)
6. Rando advice...

Patrick Clement

Granted he's also one of the people interviewed in this article:

‘Financially Hobbled for Life’: The Elite Master’s Degrees That Don’t Pay Off - WSJ https://share.google/fCz0HForlv84lbkqY

He talks about it here too:

Article '“The Blood Is More Conceptual”: Exploring the Vision of Seabold Krebs (AKA Patrick Clement) in “Bury Me When I’m Dead” (Part 2)'

This is the second and final installment of FilmSchool.org's interview with writer-director Seabold Krebs (AKA Patrick Clement), whose feature "Bury Me When I’m Dead" releases July 18 on digital platforms and VOD. In this installment, Clement/Krebs reflects on his experience at Columbia's MFA...

Alexa P.

Jul 18, 2025

7 min read

Category: Supporting Member Exclusives

best film schools in the world columbia alumni columbia soa columbia university filmmaker interviews indie film patrick clement top film schools

Thank you for linking this! Super helpful article.

Chris W · Mar 20, 2026

I should also note that a lot of rules in regards to Graduate School loans changed with the so called "Big Beautiful Bill"

Major changes to student loan borrowing and repayment are coming. Here's what to know

“If you don’t understand it, that’s not your fault. It’s just phenomenally complicated,” says Winston Berkman-Breen, legal director at Protect Borrowers.

www.pbs.org

soom · Mar 20, 2026

mgm0286 said:
Hello! I was admitted to Columbia's Film MFA in Creative Producing with a $30,000/year scholarship, but I'm really struggling to decide if the debt is worth taking on. It's my dream program, but the tuition looks like it's going to be $118,000 a year. Does anyone have any advice?

Hi, i also got admitted to Columbia with same amount of scholarship offer as you. I really loved the faculty and loved everything about the program but still decided not to go

Im a writing major and the biggest reason I decided not to go is bc i think quality of the writing I write is more important than the reputation or name value of the school itself. Columbia definitely is a great school, but I don't think any education would be huge enough to cover that much debt…
This is random but i had a friend who did her masters in Columbia and she was like the richest girl i ever known haha so ya… i feel like Columbia is the school that kind of people can afford.

eepybee · Mar 20, 2026

Hi! I'm in the same boat for Columbia, but the Writing for Film & TV track. It's my top choice but it's a lot of debt to take on. I am waiting to attend the admitted student events and hopefully talk to current students before I commit.

I've been doing a lot of research on alternate forms of funding. Unfortunately, there really aren't any outside scholarships that I've found. Columbia is, however, trying to come up with their own private system to replace the Graduate Plus loan that is being phased out in July. It'd theoretically have a competitive interest rate compared to typical private loans. More info coming soon, they said, but likely not before the commitment deadline...

It really sucks that it's not a low-income-friendly school, and I'm sorta nervous that if I go my peers might all/mostly be people from a financial lifestyle/experience I can't relate to.

I would recommend Stony Brook's film MFA if you haven't looked into it already. They have a similar curricular setup to Columbia (first year everyone learns everything, second year you specialize, third year thesis) but are way cheaper. It's also Manhattan based (not Long Island where the rest of SBU is located) and associated directly with Killer Films, a very well-regarded indie production company. Their priority deadline was the 15th, but they're still accepting apps for this fall! I'm strongly considering them myself. Unfortunately the event they invited me to falls ON Columbia decision day so I'll realistically have to decide before that.

I hope this is helpful and would love to continue to convo with you since we're in such similar situations.

Chris W · Mar 20, 2026

eepybee said:
Columbia is, however, trying to come up with their own private system to replace the Graduate Plus loan that is being phased out in July. It'd theoretically have a competitive interest rate compared to typical private loans. More info coming soon, they said, but likely not before the commitment deadline...

Oh that's interesting. I wonder what that will be. Frankly I always thought student loans should be a one time fee without interest. For example, for even numbers let's say it's a $100,000 loan the fee is $15,000 (or some percentage) and you only have to pay back $115,000 and no interest would increase the amount due. It's the high interest that is killer as I've heard of people with balances way higher than what they graduated with even though they've been paying it off due to interest.

eepybee said:
I would recommend Stony Brook's film MFA if you haven't looked into it already.

@MagdaleneB from Stony Brook is quite active on the site and there's even a blog by a student.

My time in Stony Brook / Killer Films' MFA program

I've been chronicling my MFA in Film journey by posting weekly updates on Facebook. (Yes, people still use Facebook) In the process, it was suggested to me that I post here on FilmSchool.org so here I am.

briolson
Dec 13, 2024
Updated Jan 28, 2026
Blog entries: 6

Latest entry: Wrapped my third semester and started my fourth at Stony Brook, Jan 28, 2026

You can ask questions on their page:

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

In partnership with Killer Films, we offer a dedicatedly indie conservatory style MFA in Film with hands-on training, alongside one of the first stand alone TV Writing MFAs in the country.

5.00 star(s)
Views: 25,652
Reviews: 11
Category: New York

Here's our interview with them as well.

Article 'How to Get Into Stony Brook University: Exclusive Advice From the MFA Program Directors (Part 1)'

Stony Brook University is the hidden gem of East Coast film and TV programs. Featuring award-winning faculty and guest lecturers, the school focuses on independent film as well as groundbreaking television education. In 2024, TheWrap ranked Stony Brook no. 22 among the top 50 film schools, and...

Alexa P.
Dec 11, 2024
15 min read
Reaction score: 1
Category: Admissions Interviews
best film schools graduate film indie film mfa stony brook stony brook film stony brook tv writing top film schools top mfa programs

MagdaleneB · Mar 20, 2026

Hi - The BBB is killing academia! I'm happy to chat with anyone who is struggling with admission decisions and costs. We are a state grad film school about to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Full tuition (whole degree) comes in at 30k in state and 50K international. Our professors are working in the industry and most of them went to Columbia or NYU and we pride ourselves in offering a competitive education at 1/10th the price. For you writers, the TV Writing program is blue chip - headed by Alan Kingsberg who ran the TV Writing Program at Columbia for 20 years. He still has scholarships available. We're at MFA in Film Program | Stony Brook University | MFA in Film and I can be reached at magdalene.brandeis@stonybrook.edu

MagdaleneB · Mar 20, 2026

And thanks, Chris!

MagdaleneB · Mar 20, 2026

eepybee said:
Hi! I'm in the same boat for Columbia, but the Writing for Film & TV track. It's my top choice but it's a lot of debt to take on. I am waiting to attend the admitted student events and hopefully talk to current students before I commit.

I've been doing a lot of research on alternate forms of funding. Unfortunately, there really aren't any outside scholarships that I've found. Columbia is, however, trying to come up with their own private system to replace the Graduate Plus loan that is being phased out in July. It'd theoretically have a competitive interest rate compared to typical private loans. More info coming soon, they said, but likely not before the commitment deadline...

It really sucks that it's not a low-income-friendly school, and I'm sorta nervous that if I go my peers might all/mostly be people from a financial lifestyle/experience I can't relate to.

I would recommend Stony Brook's film MFA if you haven't looked into it already. They have a similar curricular setup to Columbia (first year everyone learns everything, second year you specialize, third year thesis) but are way cheaper. It's also Manhattan based (not Long Island where the rest of SBU is located) and associated directly with Killer Films, a very well-regarded indie production company. Their priority deadline was the 15th, but they're still accepting apps for this fall! I'm strongly considering them myself. Unfortunately the event they invited me to falls ON Columbia decision day so I'll realistically have to decide before that.

I hope this is helpful and would love to continue to convo with you since we're in such similar situations.

Just a note on Stony Brook admissions - we accept rolling admissions until July 15 for domestic and until May 15 for Internationals.... hope you reach out to chat with someone before you make your decision!

aliceleigh123 · Mar 23, 2026

MagdaleneB said:
Just a note on Stony Brook admissions - we accept rolling admissions until July 15 for domestic and until May 15 for Internationals.... hope you reach out to chat with someone before you make your decision!

Thank you so much for sharing this info! I missed the Jan 15th scholarship deadline but I’ll definitely be reaching out because I too am struggling to make a decision with Columbia based on tuition. I’m pursuing a program for Directing and Screenwriting.

FilmNerd47 · Mar 26, 2026

mgm0286 said:
Hi Chris,

Here's the tuition breakdown they sent me. I really hope I'm wrong, because $118,000 for two semesters is a little scary.
View attachment 4652

Brooklyn College cost me close to that because we have to pay for a lot of things out-of-pocket.

Chris W · Mar 26, 2026

FilmNerd47 said:
Brooklyn College cost me close to that because we have to pay for a lot of things out-of-pocket.

Feirstein is around $10k per semester isn't it?

Was anyone else accepted but struggling to afford attending?

Member

RIP Rob :(

Member

RIP Rob :(

Member

RIP Rob :(

RIP Rob :(

Active Member

Member

Member

RIP Rob :(

Member

Member

RIP Rob :(

Executive Director MFA in Film, MFA in TV Writing

Executive Director MFA in Film, MFA in TV Writing

Executive Director MFA in Film, MFA in TV Writing

Active Member

Member

RIP Rob :(

Similar threads

Users who are viewing this thread

Exclusive Supporting Member Benefits

Popular Threads