grad schools investigation

So, even though I don't see myself going to grad school anytime soon, I did look up a number of them so that if I could live my dream life (gracefully juggling my family, work, and school with time to spare for a nap once a week), I would consider applying to these schools.... No order of importance, mind you- this is really a fantasy for me until my kids are at a more independent chapter in their lives. Anyhow, here goes:

1. Alfred School of Art & Design http://art.alfred.edu/graduate/mfa-ceramics.html Voted #1 of the best grad schools by U.S. News. This would totally be my top choice if I could live my dream life- but it's way out in west NY state. Unrealistic for me to say the least, but I like what the faculty is making and I was impressed with the online photos of the studios.

2. Rhode Island School of Design www.risd.edu/graduate/ceramics/Default.aspx Also in the list of best grad schools by U.S. News at #3, this is also a really fine school! I know a few people who went there- financially it is WAY out of my league! The field work in other major cities would present travel and family issues for me. What I heard from my friends, it is a really intense and challenging program, but I would be up for all that!

3. Ohio School of Fine Arts www.finearts.ohio.edu/art/programs/grad-mfa-ma/ceramics Another school with high rankings in the 'best grad schools' list. I would never move my family all the way to Ohio for the sake of my education, but this school also interested me. I liked the faculty statements and their work was very unique. I like the approach to graduate education. But Ohio???? Na- I live, work, and have my family cemented here for long time to come.

4. University of Oregon http://art-uo.uoregon.edu/index.cfm?mode=areas+page=ceramics-courses Also on the 'best grad schools' list, but it is a 3 year program. I like the educational philosophy that the school has and I would totally love Oregon (having been there a few times), but 3 years is too long for me,- other schools have 2 year programs. If my kids were at school all day, I would consider a progrm like this. I love school- so I could really wrp my head around this if circumstances permitted...

5. New Paltz School, Part of SUNY http://www.newpaltz.edu/ceramics/overview_grad.html Having lived near New Paltz, and knowing I could make the 90 minute drive there at least twice a week, I think this is the most realistic option for me. I also liked the fculty statements, their work and the style of the program. All in all, this is the most feasible for me and my current life.