I would very much appreciate any info from people who have experienced various courses.

Concerning your inquiry regarding college photography programs: Please consider the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. SCAD is a relatively young college, and not as well known yet as we should be, but we have outstanding programs (BFA, MA, MFA) that place equal emphasis on both vision and craft (Sean Doyle, a 1995 BFA senior,won the 1995 ICP Infinity Award in the Young Photographer category). We offer a well thought out and comprehensive curriculum covering traditional b&w and color, non-silver, and digital photography, large format, studio, and many other areas. We have 7 full-time and 2 part-time professors to teach about 225 BFA and 25 MFA/MA photography majors.

Bergen Hall, our photography building, is 5 floors and about 40,000 sq. ft. We have over 80 4x5 enlarging stations (a variety of b&w, color, private, and gang), 30 inch RA-4 and 20 inch R-3 print processors, a 20 station Mac digital imaging lab, studios & lighting, alternative process lab, galleries, view cameras, an on site store with supplies and E-6 & C-41 rack film processing up to 8x10; you get the picture. We are very well equipped and classes are kept small; 20 students maximum, usually
10-15 for MFA/MA classes. Our emphasis is on career preparation through individual attention and growth in a positive environment. We have a rolling admissions policy and a provisional acceptance program for those MFA/MA applicants who do not already have a strong photo background, but are willing to take several undergraduate courses in order to be brought up to speed. I encourage you to personally visit *all* the schools in which you're seriously interested. Come take a look at Savannah and SCAD. Most people like what they see.