The costs for a student in the MFA program vary with each individual. The costs break down into three categories: fees, production and material costs, and living expenses. Fees directly related to classes are set by the Trustees of CSA and can be found at http://www.sfsu.edu/prospect/fees.htm.
The cost of books and other academic (non-film) supplies in the MFA program is relatively low compared to many graduate programs but a reasonable estimate for each year would be $250.00. During your time in the MFA Cinema program, you will complete one large project per year. In the first year, you will produce a short film, which should not exceed ten minutes in length. Approximate costs for the completion of films range from $2,500 to nearly $13,000. The amount spent vary from student to student, will be determined many factors, including film purchase and processing costs, food for your crew and actors, equipment rental costs, and many other expenses. The Cinema department provides cameras and auxiliary equipment, but DOES NOT PAY FOR PRODUCTION COSTS.
In the second year, you will learn about emerging media technologies and how they augment the cinematic experience. The cost for this project will be contingent upon how you choose to creatively approach this project. Students have created CD ROMs, interactive theater pieces, radio plays, video installations, and many other works. As you can see, the choice of media employed will affect the amount of money you spend for the second year project.
The thesis film will employ the education gained in the first two years of MFA study. This film will not be a feature, but will be longer than your first year project—fifteen to twenty minutes in length is usual.
Most students shoot 16mm film, and the costs will depend again on how you choose to approach this endeavor. The completion of this film will complete your MFA pursuit. The creative thesis or third year project can again vary greatly. It is possible to produce a successful thesis film for $5,000. One could also quadruple that figure. Overall, the material costs of the program might be between $15,000 and $30,000.
Financial restrictions should greatly influence whether or not you choose to apply to the MFA program. Please keep these possible restrictions in mind when deciding if you want to earn an MFA at San Francisco State University. These costs do not include tuition fees or living expenses! The San Francisco Bay Area is an expensive housing market. Rentals are scarce and expensive. On the other hand, part time employment has always been plentiful and reasonably well-paying.
