Frequently Asked Questions
The Student Body:
Where do your students come from?
For the 2012-13 academic year, our students are from 30 different states and four foreign countries
What is the male/female student ratio?
Our current male/female student ratio is 48/52.
What is the student/teacher ratio?
Our student/teacher ratio is 9:1
How many students are enrolled in each major?
For the 2011-12 academic year, 34% in Film, 14% in Fine Art; 19% in Graphic Design; 8% in Interior Design 13% in Photography; 7% in Art (BA).
What is the age of your student body?
In 2011-12, approximately 75% of our student body were 24 and younger; 20% were between 25-40; 5% are 41 and older. Watkins makes no distinction in its employment, contracting, or admissions policies or procedures, including the awarding of scholarships or other forms of financial assistance, on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, color, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
Is country music all Nashville has to offer?
Located along the Cumberland River, Nashville is a crossroads of American culture, and easily the fastest-growing part of the Upper South and the territory between Atlanta and Texas. Contrary to what many believe, Nashville offers its residents and visitors more than just a country music scene. Our city also has a thriving art scene that is very welcoming to new ideas and points of view. Recently, BusinessWeek.com ranked Nashville as #7 on its list of the “10 Best Places for Artists in America.” This top 10 list includes Los Angeles (as #1), New York, and San Francisco.
Do your graduates find jobs?
Our Career Services Office assists students with career advice, internships, and student work experience. It is their goal to help guide students to pursue their professional ambitions on their own terms by providing resume workshops, grant writing training, and guest speakers who can help answer questions about working as a professional artist. Our extensive internship programs in all areas has helped many of our graduates leave the college with both work experience and job offers. For more information about the Career Services Office, click “here”
Where do Watkins students live?
About a quarter of the student body live in on-campus housing. Many others shares houses and apartments close by or live at home.
Where do I get my books and supplies?
Although Watkins does not have an on-campus store we do have relationships with local bookstores and art supplies stores which makes shopping for class needs very convenient. At the beginning of the semester, students can place book orders on-line with e-campus, an on-line bookstore, and the books are delivered to the college for pick-up. If you choose to do so, you can sell most books back to e-campus at the end of each semester. Some students choose to order their books through sites such as Amazon.
Enrollment:
How many students are currently enrolled?
Approximately 400 students attend the college each semester
How many students apply… how many are accepted… how many start each year?
Each year we receive about 250 applications. Of those, about 60% are accepted and about 80% of those enroll.
What measures have been taken to ensure campus safety?
Every effort is made to keep our campus safe and secure. We provide 24 hour security, both with security personnel and an extensive camera system through the main academic building and outside of student housing. We are happy to say that, to date, the surrounding community has a very low crime rate and even minor incidences on campus extremely rare. In compliance with the Clery Act, Watkins posts its Campus Crime and Security Report each year on our website at www.watkins.edu/mywatkins
How hard is it to change majors?
If you choose to change majors after enrolling, you can do so by applying internally to the new program, presenting your portfolio to the faculty of that program and receiving permission from the program’s chair.
Will credits earned at a community college or another school transfer to Watkins?
We accept credits earned at previous institutions. However, each BFA program has very specific curriculum and all of your previous credits may not apply to that new program. You will receive an accounting of the number of credits accepted and your advisor will tell you where you stand in the program.
Do you offer dual-enrollment for high school students?
We offer dual enrollment for high school seniors in good standing into several foundation classes, general education entry level classes and art history. Duel-enrollment students enter as special-status credit students. For more information on how to apply, click “here”.
Do I have to be enrolled full-time?
Students can enroll part-time or full-time. To finish the degree programs within four years requires that student take 30 credit hours a year, however some students, because of life or work commitments, do attend part-time and take longer to finish.
Are there job opportunities on campus?
Institutional and federal work study opportunities are available through many departments at Watkins. Apply through the office of Financial Aid.
Applications, Tuition, Financial Aid, Scholarships:
What are the required ACT/SAT scores and high school GPA to apply?
We look for a minimum ACT of 21 or an SAT (new version) of 1500 and a GPA from either high school or college (with 12 or more credit hours) of 2.6. However, a strong portfolio can make the difference if your test scores and/or GPA are on the low side.
When can I apply? How long does it take to get an answer?
We start taking applications for the following fall’s entry on September 1st of the prior year. The final date for applications for fall entry is July 15th. For Spring entry we start taking applications August 1st of the prior year and the final date is November 15th. Generally it takes about 3 weeks to receive an answer.
What is the current tuition; are there additional fees?
Your tuition is based on credit hours taken. Starting with Fall 2013 tuition will be $675 a credit hour. Most classes are 3 credits. If you enroll full-time (15 credit hours a semester; two semesters a year), your yearly tuition would be $20,250. In addition, as of Fall 2013, the student fee is $55 per credit hour. Again, if you register for full-time for the year, the fee charge would be $1,650, bringing your yearly total of tuition and fees to $21,900. Some classes also require an additional printer fee of either $20, $75 or $90 depending upon the course. Film majors pay an additional equipment fee of $250 a semester.
Does Watkins offer financial aid?
Watkins College of Art, Design & Film offers financial assistance from various programs comprised of federal, state, and institutional funds. Students interested in applying for financial assistance are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), list our school code 031276, be admitted as a degree-seeking student at the College, complete the Institutional Application for Financial Aid (admitted students only are provided the institutional application) and meet all eligibility requirements to participate in the student financial assistance program. The FAFSA can be completed, electronically, at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This process will enable you to get your results, the Student Aid Report, 14 to 20 days quicker than if you mailed the paper FAFSA application.
How will I know how much aid I am eligible for?
Our financial aid office can help you determine your eligibility for grants and loans.You can email them at [email protected].
Does Watkins offer scholarships?
Watkins offers a variety of scholarships based on academics as well as portfolio. Scholarships are awarded based on faculty recommendations after reviewing completed applications for admission and portfolio submissions. Recipients will be informed within their letters of acceptance if they have been awarded a scholarship. No specific application for a scholarship is required. Usually only one scholarship may be awarded to a student, but occasionally, an unusually exceptional applicant might be offered a combination of scholarships.
Will financial aid cover the cost of on-campus housing?
Financial aid may cover on-campus housing. Check with the financial aid office for requirements.
When is tuition due?
Tuition for first-time enrolled students is due at registration. Various tuition payment programs are available. Check with the business office for details. For current students, fall tuition is due in mid-August.
What is the Watkins tuition payment plan?
Watkins offers an Interest Free automatic draft installment plan divided into 4 payments- the first of which is due at the time of registration. Interested students and parents should contact the Business Office Manager for Student Accounts at (615) 383.4848 ext. 7412 or [email protected]
Is there a fee to park on campus?
Students park free on campus but a permit sticker is required and available for registered students from the facilities office.
Does tuition cover my books and supplies?
Tuition does not cover the cost of books and supplies but under certain circumstances they may be covered under financial aid.
Student Life:
How much is on-campus housing?
For 2013-14, housing is $3,190 a semester; $6,380 for the academic year. If a student elects to attend Maymester, it is an additional $400. If a student stays on-campus for the entire summer, including Maymester, the cost is $1,200.
Is there a meal plan?
Watkins does not offer a meal plan, but does have a café available during class times. Restaurants are also located conveniently within walking distance of Watkins’ campus. Also, our on-campus apartments have a full kitchen.
Is health insurance available?
Watkins can provide contact information for students seeking health insurance coverage. Watkins has information from The Sentry Student Security Plan. Students should contact the Director of Student Life for a brochure or for additional information. Email [email protected].
Is professional counseling available?
The Student Assistance Program is a professional counseling service offered through Family and Children’s services designed to help students identify problems and seek solutions. The SAP is a pre-paid service to Watkins students and their immediate families-providing three face-to-face sessions at no cost.
What if I have a disability?
Students who have been diagnosed may be entitled to reasonable accommodations by the instructor. Students should contact the Office of Student Life to make their disability known and develop a plan of action for the semester..