I decided to apply to graduate school for an MFA in art. From the start, I decided that I wouldn't go unless I got at least full-tuition somewhere (while hoping for even better than that, but not counting on it). I know that going to graduate school for art does not guarantee any future employment prospects and thought it would be foolish to do so if it meant taking on debt.
At first came a string of rejections, which I expected. Then I eventually got accepted into 3 programs. One offered full-tuition, one offered free tuition and a stipend only in the second year (first year would be all loans), and one gave me a full-ride (tuition plus a stipend that is more than I make now!).
The reason I'm writing here is because I was baffled by the reactions of certain family members. Some were concerned that I was letting "money win out" and asked, "are you picking the best school in your favor?" Even after reassuring them that I didn't apply to any schools I wouldn't consider attending (duh), they seemed so concerned that money was clouding my judgment! While I would have preferred to live in the cities where the two schools that offered less are located, I didn't see the hypothetical opportunities there as an overriding factor over debt.
Can anyone else relate? Was I a "fool" to choose a school based on financials? Would you take on debt to go to an Ivy League school when you could go to a different, well-regarded university for free? Do tell.