I know I’ve read about this topic in both the MT forum as well as this one, but I’m so exhausted from searching for an answer that I thought I’d ask again. Please forgive this newbie. My D has a very long list of schools, and I’m wondering if I should just narrow it by what we can likely afford. She’s applying to both MT and Acting programs and I simply hate the idea of her being accepted and then finding out we really can’t afford it. I know many have said NYU and Emerson do not give much aid. Any others I should take off the list?
I’m also curious to know about Emerson. Based on the regular Emerson academic board here on CC, there are many people in various majors (including film production) getting merit money based on their grades/stats, but you don’t see theatre kids saying they got merit money from there.
A few years back, my S was offered merit money with his offer as an MT major at Emerson.
Thank you @artskids! I’m so glad to hear that.
I know someone who got a full tuition ride at Emerson a couple years back–she was an early applicant.
As far as I know, there is literally no American college in which it is impossible to get merit/need grants/scholarships. The year my S got into NYU Tisch, he was told point blank from several people that NYU Tisch ‘never’ gave need based grants. That year, he got nearly a full ride.
However, there are colleges in which it is much less likely, usually because of limited funds. ANd there are some schools that are more likely to offer grants/scholarships.
Regardless, if you are very much wanted, it is much more likely you will be offered grants/scholarships. But you cannot possibly know in advance if that’s the case. The trick is to apply to a wide range.
To increase your odds of getting a grant/scholarship, it’s wise to include programs within both in-state colleges and within private schools that offer grants. I would personally include around 2 colleges whose first criteria is likelihood of getting a grand/scholarship based on the stats of my kid, regardless of the status of the theatre program.
There are no academic or need-based scholarships at CCPA. It’s all based on audition. They don’t even look at FAFSA or grades.
Just to clarify, by “merit/need” I was including talent. For BFA programs, talent is a form of merit.
NYU Tisch only gives $ if you show need via fafsa and CSS profile. You must show need to get $.
NYU Steinhardt gives merit $ without necessarily showing need.