I want to learn martial arts for self defense, what should I look for?

First thing I am going to say is... Krav Maga. It's an Israeli form of self defense that is just brutal. It's meant to save your life and if enough experience and the oppurnity is there, easily kill theirs. I'd say an hour class each is plenty. The one year contracts are pretty normal, if that is the only thing they will still offer after asking about a shorter contract, well that's all you can do. The cost ranges all over. What are some costs you've been told?