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The Ringling College of Art and Design

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA+ Faculty AccessibilityA
Useful SchoolworkA- Excess CompetitionB+
Academic SuccessB+ Creativity/ InnovationA
Individual ValueA- University Resource UseA+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyB+ FriendlinessA-
Campus MaintenanceB+ Social LifeB
Surrounding CityB- Extra CurricularsB-
SafetyB
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Arrogant, Snooty, Closeminded

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful

Female
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Surrounding City
B-
Highest Rating
Educational Quality
A+
She rated most things higher than other students did.
Date: Sep 05 2007
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
Someone has to say it, so I will. Don't waste the money on this school unless you want to do Computer Animation or Game Art and Design. These two majors are what this school is known for. The department is strong, and the job outlook is better for these two majors. Although I will say they do have a pretty nice Illustration and Graphic Design department, but I'd hardly waste the amount of money it costs to go here to get a major in those fields.

Ringling doesn't advertise much, which is actually a good thing. They use more of their money into getting new equipment for the students and taking care of the campus, and getting good faculty. This also means you have to really dig to find the place.

I've found the faculty to be very nice and friendly. I was worried about running into snobby professors, but I have yet to have any who are like that at this school. The students are a mixed bag. There's the eccentric rebelious art student types, who always make me want to burst out laughing when I see them walking around in tons of goth layers out in the 90-100 degree heat, the brainless individuals who think since they can't do anything else they might as well do art, and the more down to earth level headed people (who will surprise you with how creative they are). Depending on your major, this will affect your social life. The main major at this school, Computer Animation, has the students locked up in the computer labs for many hours, so you won't be doing much. So don't do that major unless you love what you're doing. The other majors vary in terms of how much social time you'll recieve.

If you want to save money, I'd suggest you spend one- two years at a community college earning liberal arts and the studio classes that are required in the CORE program. You'll save 1/4th the tuition, and in most majors the main classes for your major don't begin till Sophomore or Junior year. Just make sure your credits can transfer. From what I've seen, the first year is a joke. All the freshmen I've talked to are bored for they're not being worked hard enough. By Sophomore year the work load increases.

I feel this school offers more concrete direction depending on whatever major you choose, which is different from many other art schools that are more lackadaisical about majors. If you need to explore the kind of art you're interested in, don't go here. But if you know exactly what you want to do, then Ringling is a good choice.

I personally like that it's a small student body and that Ringling actually has a campus. And yes, one side is next to the ghetto of Sarasota, but I have yet to see any crime around here or weird people. Then again I don't go out at night. I commonly see security riding around on their little golf carts. Really if you don't go off the campus into the ghetto area you should be fine. Ringling also disposed of the gas station that was close to campus that had been a nasty drug dealing spot. This took down on crime immensely.

 
Responses
questionI know someone who is considering going to Ringling for their game art and design program. He goes to NEIA right now and is really disappointed with their programs. Would it be worth it to move from MA all the way to FL to change schools? I can't find much on the job placement for this field, but you seem to believe it is decent at least. thanks for any help
questionHow is the game art department. There are not many schools that have this major for kids who are good at art but want to incorporate it with digital media. Do they give much financial aid? My son is interested in this major but the school seems very expensive
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