<p>The tuition at Julliard is more than $30,000 a yr. I can't imagine that most graduates can pay that off unless they get famous which is quite rare. Does the school usually provide enough scholarships or grants to cover tuition and living expenses for students? How much debt do graduates usually graduate with?</p>
<p>The tuition is $35,000, if you add in room and boarding (dorm and meal plan) it adds another $13-16,000, plus books and expenses brings their estimated total up to $55,000. This is not even the most expensive program around. You will also need to look at what you can afford to spend on college, taking on debt is hard as you are not guaranteed a well paying job when you graduate.</p>
<p>I have a daughter at Juilliard, not an actor. Their tuition is definitely lower than that of other conservatories-- and kudos to them for that. Students are required to live on campus the first year; after that, many move off campus. Those with families in the NYC metro area often move back in with their parents. Others move to Harlem, Washington Heights, Brooklyn, etc., and commute in by subway. Juilliard actors often do become quite successful. My acting daughter was not accepted to Juilliard (and it was probably not right for her at this stage of her development) but for those accepted, I think the investment (loans) may be worth it, more so than at other expensive programs where future employment is not as likely.</p>
<p>As for financial aid, I cannot speak to the theater program. Juilliard does offer merit scholarships to students in its other programs. After freshman year, students (including actors) are eligible to compete for performance and teaching fellowships. These are quite competitive, but if you get them, the benefits are excellent, both financially and in terms of training and exposure. My daughter at Juilliard has three of these fellowships, and they make it possible for her pay rent and buy groceries. The fellowships are a huge help-- I do not know of other conservatories or universities that offer this kind of professionalized fellowship program for undergrads.</p>