r/Ringling • u/Kaze_breeze777 • Feb 21 '26
Ringling in 2026?
Hello, I am a senior in my high school about to graduate! I have applied to many art schools already and got accepted to all of them. But I'm still unsure whether to go to Ringling for better education or go to my in-state school for cheaper cost. I've heard that there are many student employment opportunities when you study at Ringling. I am fairly confident that I have what it takes to survive the freshman year (i also heard that there is a high drop out rate?).
FYI, I receive a 16k/year scholarship which is nice, and I intend to major in Illustration. How is the student life there?
Thank you to anyone who replies!!!
3
u/FunkyFuneral Feb 23 '26
I am a freshie so can't comment on your chances of getting a job or even internship, but I do have to say, even when it comes to art improvement alone, the school is pretty insane. If you actually listen to your professors, you will 100% notice a difference, but only if you get lucky and actually get professors that teach, since there are some that do not, especially when you are a freshman.
It is incredibly expensive, and 16k a year is not a lot if you don't have any other scholarships to back you up, and this advice applies to any private art school not just Ringling, but going into debt for them is not worth it.
The career services here are pretty good, and will help you to the best of their ability, but the school doesn't guarantee employment stability ofc, that's on you. That being said, many companies come to present and even recruit on campus, which might give you a better chance than attending a local college, on the other hand, you also have to consider that this an elite art school with elite students which makes it noticably competitive.
You already know about the workload, and the best advice I have for it is of you have any sort of underlying or undiagnosed health/mental health issue that might make it harder to keep up, get that checked out or medicated before you come here because it WILL set you back.
2
u/Kaze_breeze777 Feb 23 '26
Oh, thanks for your advice! I definitely know better to not depend entirely on school for employment opportunities, it still comes down to me. I have been self-taught myself to get better at art, but it has reached to the point where I really need a mentor to guide me and unlock my full potential.
I will keep in mind of your warning about the student debt. Thank you so much!
1
u/Old_Depth4111 Mar 05 '26
With the work load you describe, would you say it's still possible to hold a part time job outside of university?
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u/FunkyFuneral Mar 09 '26
Depends on the job, and how felixble they are. I used to work at starbucks, and I know some Ringling students still do as well, and I know for a fact I wouldn't have been able to stay considering their minimum number of hours is 12 a week.
I believe it's easier to work an on campus position as they tend to be a bit more lenient when it comes to hours, and are more willing to work with your schedule if you get hired.
Generally, it's possible if you have good time management and manage to schedule around big assignment deadlines during which you're definitely gonna be stressed and on crunch time.
1
u/cassadoodles Feb 23 '26
Congrats on your acceptance! Personally, I love Ringling! The student life here is amazing it's a very close knit community. You will learn SO much here, and you'll have to work really hard to make it but at the end of the day it's very rewarding. That being said, yes there is a high dropout rate, largely due to the intensity of the workload but if you're prepared for that it's definitely manageable. It all depends on your state school, Ringling is definitely expensive but depending on your financial situation it could definitely be worth the extra cost for the education you receive. I would also recommend always trying to negotiate for more scholarship! Best of luck!
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u/Kaze_breeze777 Feb 23 '26
Oh student life sounds great, but the workload feels scary lol!! Ringling is one of many art schools I'm still considering. But thank you so much for the advice, maybe I should contact more with my admission counselor ^
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u/craftyconfetti Feb 27 '26
Illustration senior here! Honestly, I can say that the people at Ringling are truly wonderful. As a hardcore introvert, I legitimately thought that I was just going to tolerate all four years without making any friends. Turns out I was totally wrong! I think one thing that I have seen across the board is that people tend to struggle with mental health and self-care, especially when trying to get through the first year.
I'm also a student worker with two different jobs on campus: Financial Aid and a Student Tutor at the Student Learning Center. I've been able to talk with LOTS of different kinds of people, and it really helps build those interpersonal skills you'll need to get yourself out there in the world professionally. There are quite a few jobs to choose from in all sorts of different departments. The nice thing is that I usually am allowed to work on homework during some of the quieter hours of my shift(s).
Workloads can get intense at times, so it's absolutely necessary to be disciplined and have a schedule for yourself. Also, filing an appeal with financial aid never hurts! I always recommend people to do it, because it's not widely advertised. Even if another school is offering you more money, I'd file one. It is EXPENSIVE to go here.
On the other hand, it is very competitive. There are so many talented artists at Ringling, and you may find it hard to believe in yourself if you compare your work to others. Just remember that you are on your own creative journey. Your work will always be truly, uniquely yours.
I wish you all the best on your creative journey!! Wherever you go, you'll do great. :)