<p>So long story short, I cannot afford to go to the college I got into, even with my own job (plus seasonal work), the little financial aid I got and parental help. The only school I can still audition for (I'm a musical theatre major and no, I will not even consider doing anything else with my life) is an unaccredited 2-year certificate program in the UK. My plan, if accepted, is to go there for two years, graduate at 23, wait a year until I turn 24 and then be eligible to receive financial aid because I'll be "independent", according to FAFSA, even though I file my own taxes and my parens do not claim me as a dependent on theirs. (I'm currently 21 and my parents make $200,000 a year). I already have an AA degree from a community college. I think I can afford at least over a third of the cost: $15,000 tuition plus living and travel expenses, if I'm very frugal. However, that being said, I'm going to need a loan to cover a bit and my parents are unwilling to cosign for a private loan. So, long story short, does anyone know of any companies who give student loans to unaccredited, overseas programs? By the way, the reason that it's unaccredited is because it's new. Any ideas?</p>
<p>Nope. There aren’t any loans out there that you are going to qualify for on your own that will pay for this kind of thing. Sorry.</p>
<p>Take a gap year or two and save your money. While you are doing that, work up a new list of colleges and universities to apply to - maybe you will find something that is more affordable.</p>
<p>The career that you are proposing to enter does not require a college degree. You can quit the academic life right now and just start going to auditions. That would be another way to use your time while you are waiting to be 24 and independent from your parents for financial aid purposes.</p>
<p>I am sorry that the finances are not working out for you. </p>
<p>As happymomof1 says, a degree is not needed to pursue a career in the performing arts. You can work to save money, move to the city you would like to live in, work a job, audition, take class, etc… Look for schools that may be more affordable you if you decide you want to complete your degree at a university. In the meantime it will likely cost you less if you work, audition, and take classes (allowing you to save a bit, hopefully). </p>
<p>Even if you could take loans for $30,000 per year (to cover the other 2/3 of the tuition for the 2-year program in the UK), it would not be a wise financial decision. Even when you are 24 and do not need to use your parents information on the FAFSA, most schools do not meet need for transfer students… so, you are likely to need to take out loans to complete your degree even after you are 24.</p>
<p>If you move to a city … like NYC now, for example… work, take classes, audition, etc… by the time you turn 24 you will have NYC residency and could complete your degree at a CUNY for a more reasonable rate. Even a SUNY (like SUNY Purchase…) will be affordable once you are a NY state resident and independent for FA purposes. </p>
<p>It is very discouraging to have options that you cannot afford. But you do have more affordable ways to pursue your passion and further your training. It just may not be in a formal academic setting right now.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input. Where can I go to find resources to take classes; acting, voice, dance, as well as things like stage combat an stage makeup to flesh out my resume THAT WON’T COST AN ARM AND A LEG. Also, where can I go to find information on financial aid for transfer students. And with all due respect, it doesn’t discourage me in the least: it just makes me bitter, angry and deeply resentful, but it doesn’t deter me in the slightest from pursuing this as my career. Also, is it even possible to go to college if my parents can only afford $12,000 in loans a year, plus my puny salary (keep in mind I’m trying to support myself while I’m trying to “save” and it’s almost impossible), plus whatever scholarships I may miraculously get? (I don’t seem to qualify for a lot of them).</p>
<p>[Admissions</a> | Home Page](<a href=“http://www.uncsa.edu/admissions/]Admissions”>UNCSA Admissions - UNCSA)</p>
<p>The University of North Carolina School of the Arts</p>
<p>[Student</a> Accounts | Home Page](<a href=“http://www.uncsa.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionandfees.htm]Student”>http://www.uncsa.edu/studentaccounts/tuitionandfees.htm)</p>
<p>Tuition and Fees</p>
<p>It was suggested upthread to possibly move and seek in-state status, somewhere you could afford to live, work and finish school. My suggestion is above, tuition is $8000 for the year. They are well thought off and they do place some in NY employment.</p>
<p>Again, just a suggestion.</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>What state are you in? What do your own home-state public Us offer? Chances are that you could live off-campus, work full or part-time, and study part-time and thus complete your education in an affordable manner.</p>
<p>Depending on your location, some professional theater companies run their own schools. Those classes tend to be cheaper than colleges, and the teachers usually are working professionals.</p>
<p>By “discourage” I meant “disappointing,” not “deterring.” :)</p>
<p>As others have said an in-state public school in the state where you and your family reside is the most likely to be affordable. </p>
<p>As an instate student many schools tuition is under $12,000 per year. As a transfer student you would likely be allowed to live off campus (which could cut down on expenses), you also could cook for yourself instead of purchasing an on-campus meal plan. </p>
<p>As a dependent transfer student whose family makes $200,000 per year you qualify for federal loans ranging from $6500 - $7500 per year in your own name (depending on class standing in terms of credits). $200,000 is too high a salary to qualify for federal grants – As a transfer student it will be difficult to find a school that will give you institutional grant money to make an OOS public or a private university affordable as well, unfortunately. Most large merit awards are given to incoming freshmen for high academic stats. Artistic merit awards (which may or may not be available to incoming transfer students) are often much smaller. </p>
<p>In terms of finding independent classes – professional theatre companies often offer classes through their education department. You may also be able to find classes offered at a college in your area. If you are in a more urban environment there is likely to be some professional training studios that may offer classes “a la cart.” I do not know of a comprehensive list of programs offering individual classes. But, you should be able to find listing and advertisements for your community (or a community you are considering moving to).</p>
<p>Are you considering both two-year conservatories and four year college training programs?</p>
<p>PCPA Conservatory is a two-year program in CA which may be within your price range, even as an OOS student (and you can apply for financial aid, because it is affiliated with a local CC) – <a href=“http://www.pcpa.org/[/url]”>http://www.pcpa.org/</a> (click on "conservatory’)</p>
<p>Portland Actors Conservatory is a two year program in OR that may be within your price range as well. It is accredited and you can apply for financial aid – [Portland</a> Actors Conservatory - Admissions, Two Year Professional Actor Training Program](<a href=“ActorsConservatory.com is for sale | HugeDomains”>HugeDomains.com)</p>
<p>If you are in a state that participates in the Academic Common Market, or another tuition exchange program between states, you may be able to be granted in-state tuition or a tuition discount to a participating OOS program. For example, if you are from MD and attend the BFA Musical Theatre program at Coastal Carolina you are granted in-state tuition through the Academic Common Market.</p>