State schools are where it's at. I also attended a local state school, graduated in 5 years, but doing a co-op program every other semester the last 3, making

State schools are where it's at. I also attended a local state school, graduated in 5 years, but doing a co-op program every other semester the last 3, making decent money at the time ($17 an hour) and getting real work experience. I left with no debt, 2 years of real work experience, and a solid degree from a respected university (GA Tech). The college debate is so messy because the outcome is highly dependent on what you want out of it. I think for most of the arts - if you want to practice that art, you're far better off skipping college. The folks teaching there are not practitioners, they're professors in the subject. They will help you become an academic in the space, and that's likely not what you're after.