This sheet is designed to give you a general idea of the costs involved in attending RMSP Career Training courses. These costs are not included in tuition. The estimates are based on past feedback from students. Individual costs will depend upon the equipment you already own as well as your lifestyle needs.

Summer Intensive (SI) and Advanced Intensive (AI)

Living Expenses

Estimated Rent: $400 – $900 per month dependent on room/apartment, furnished/unfurnished, utilities included/not included, etc.

Estimated Living Expenses: $600/month (food, transportation, utilities, etc.)

Equipment and Supplies

The amount you spend is an individual decision and is, of course, dependent on what you already own. Most students in SI and AI spend in the range of $1000 to $5000 on equipment and supplies. We estimate that the cost of equipment and supplies needed for the 20 week program could be in the range of $7,000 if a student needed to purchase every item on the equipment/supplies checklist. Keep in mind that in addition to your camera gear, you will need a laptop computer installed with required software. Please check the Equipment and Supplies List for minimum specifications for your laptop and software requirements.

A complete Equipment & Supplies List is available to you upon enrollment in the program. In the meantime, please see the Career Training Equipment & Supplies Checklist. Keep in mind that many students are able to make strong, successful photographs with simple cameras and a limited selection of lenses. We recommend starting out with a minimum of equipment and adding as you go. Generally, your equipment needs will change and grow as your photographic work evolves; depending upon the project or field you’re working in.

In addition, you will be receiving a great deal of information about equipment during the course(s). We want you to make informed purchasing decisions and recommend that you purchase equipment during the summer and fall as you learn about what makes sense for your type of photography. We do ask that you come with a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer and some basic supplies - but beyond that, feel free to buy during the program.

Professional Studies

Details regarding equipment, supplies and housing for Professional Studies courses will be available online in the months prior to the course start date. Because these courses are designed for practicing photographers, students likely own the equipment they need for these courses. Generally, the Career Training Equipment & Supplies Checklist covers the equipment needed for Professional Studies courses. Any additional specialty equipment requirements will be communicated to enrolled students in the spring before the program begins.

Estimated Hotel Costs: $350-$700 per week (average $50-$100/night).

Estimated Car Rental: $250 per week. Carpooling is encouraged.

Meals: $5-$20 per meal depending on your lifestyle.