Purchase College vs University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of study at SUNY Purchase College and University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)?

  SUNY Purchase College offers a broad liberal arts education alongside strong arts programs. You'll find a wide range of majors in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and the arts. UNCSA, on the other hand, is exclusively focused on the arts. It offers conservatory-style training in dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking, and music.

• How do the admissions processes differ between SUNY Purchase and UNCSA?

  Both schools require applications, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. However, UNCSA's admissions process places a significant emphasis on auditions or portfolio submissions, depending on your chosen art form. SUNY Purchase also considers artistic talent, but its admissions process is more holistic, evaluating academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays alongside any artistic submissions.

• What is the typical student body size and campus environment like at each school?

  SUNY Purchase has a larger undergraduate student population, creating a more diverse social environment with a traditional college feel. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces. UNCSA has a smaller, more specialized student body, fostering a close-knit community focused on artistic collaboration. The campus environment is highly focused on artistic practice and performance.

• How do the tuition and fees compare between the two institutions?

  Tuition and fees at SUNY Purchase are generally lower than those at UNCSA, especially for in-state students. However, costs can vary depending on your residency status and the specific program. It's always best to check the most current tuition information on each school's website.

• What are the career prospects like for graduates of SUNY Purchase and UNCSA?

  Graduates of SUNY Purchase have a wide range of career options, depending on their major. The liberal arts foundation provides a strong base for various fields. UNCSA graduates are well-prepared for careers in the arts, with strong connections to industry professionals and opportunities for professional development. The focus is on preparing students for careers in their specific artistic disciplines.

• Does either school offer a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies?

  While both schools encourage collaboration, UNCSA's structure is more focused on individual artistic disciplines. SUNY Purchase, with its broader curriculum, offers more opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine their artistic interests with other academic fields.

• What kind of on-campus housing is available at each school?

  Both SUNY Purchase and UNCSA offer on-campus housing. SUNY Purchase provides a variety of residence halls, while UNCSA offers housing specifically designed to support the needs of its arts students, often including studio spaces or practice rooms.

• How do the schools support student artistic development?

  UNCSA's entire curriculum is designed to support artistic development, with intensive training, performance opportunities, and access to professional-grade facilities. SUNY Purchase provides strong arts programs with performance and exhibition opportunities, but also emphasizes a broader liberal arts education. Both schools offer resources like studios, performance spaces, and faculty mentorship.

• What is the overall reputation of each school?

  Both SUNY Purchase and UNCSA are well-regarded institutions. SUNY Purchase is known for its strong arts programs and its commitment to a liberal arts education. UNCSA is highly respected as a leading conservatory for the arts, with a national and international reputation for excellence in its specific disciplines.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a traditional college experience?

  SUNY Purchase College is generally a better fit if you're looking for a more traditional college experience, with a broader range of academic programs, a larger student body, and a more diverse social environment. UNCSA offers a more focused and specialized experience centered around artistic training.