<p>Gil...I'm confused. You are a GRAD student. You already have your bachelors degree. Does NU require parent information for grad finaid? I don't believe they do.</p>
<p>If you accept offer of admission, to get a visa, (and this has to be done next month), you have to give proof of being able to pay, which makes getting a scholarship very difficult. Also, I know a lot of international kids who cannot get a scholarship because they cannot demonstrate need. It kind of makes no sense to me because in essence I have almost no savings or assests, but I have to prove that I can pay by April 15th. </p>
<p>If I recall, household income is definitely on the form. Maybe I'm missing something but I know a lot of Canadian kids who cannot get scholarships at good schools because their parents just make a little too much (and this is for grad school).</p>
<p>I am seeing what I can do to make this a bit easier. Apparently the $60,000 estimate sent by Northwestern is quite high, and may not cost nearly that much.</p>
<p>Gil is correct - in most countries (not just the US), in order to get a Visa you have to prove that you will not become a drain upon society. That is, you have to show that you have enough money to take care of yourself, insurance, etc.</p>
<p>Since he is a foreigner, he is not eligible for US aid. Federal aid is paid for by taxpayers and is therefore logically only available to citizens. It's not "mean" - rather, you can look at it as a "benefit" of citizenship.</p>
<p>The cost quoted by colleges often is much higher than actual tuition, room, and board. It includes books, travel, etc. It is meant to help folks get a realistic idea of how much money you'll be putting out over the year.</p>
<p>Schools have International departments who are much more used to dealing with the problems and issues, and would be the best place to start, when discussing options. They may not have scholarships and grants available, but might have other ideas.</p>
<p>I'm sorry Gil..I keep forgetting you are considered an international student...</p>
<p>I'm with Shennie....call the studio teachers. They may be able to advocate for you. I DO know students who have gotten increased music merit awards from NU with teachers advocating on their behalf. It's well worth a try.</p>
<p>Is it normal to borrow like $80,000 for grad education?</p>
<p>No, I don't think it is. I think most grad students look for fellowships, teaching assistantships, etc. Especially for music majors, who will probably not be graduating directly into high incomes, I would be very nervous about taking on much debt. Some schools have work studies available, as well, that will allow students to earn at least something. Whether those are available for international students is up to each school - it depends upon whether the money is federal or private.</p>
<p>Sometimes music students try to supplement their income with per service orchestras or other gigs. But it's tricky lining up the school and the gig at the same time.</p>
<p>yea the problem is that as an international student I can't work in the US.</p>
<p>It is neither normal nor advisable. The monthly payment on that loan would be ruinous on a starting musician's salary.</p>
<p>You need to speak with someone at NU who understands the visa process and the options available for international students, and you also need to speak with the teachers who have accepted you. You will not be eligible for US Federal aid, and there are not very many schools that provide as much in gift aid to international students as you need.</p>
<p>I am not sure that a per service orchestra would be able to hire you (at least officially). Some of my Canadian musical friends tell me that obtaining playing gigs in the US has gotten much harder in the last few years and that the hiring organization has to jump through hoops to demonstrate that they could not have found a US citizen to fill the position before you would be issued a work permit. Also, some teachers and schools do not want their students involved with outside performing groups without their explicit permission.</p>