<p>theater mom, what I’ve found in the years since my D was auditioning/applying, which was in 2002/2003, is that more and more schools are tying their financial aid/scholarship money more strongly with financial need. Even back then, some schools did this but it seems that in the intervening years, it has become more prevalent. This does not mean that academics aren’t a part of the process, though, at those schools that consider academics. What it does mean is that the kids who have excellent academic stats are going to end up with more scholarship money if they also are demonstrating financial need. </p>
<p>There are so many permutations at the various schools, it’s impossible to make too many even semi-definitive statements about how the process works. Each school truly is different. Many schools have very little scholarship money available for talent alone. Often, the schools which are housed within larger universities are going to be in the position of the drama department not having the same amount of merit money available that may be available to students there who are in other majors.</p>
<p>At many of the most expensive schools, one of which my D attended, even those who feel that the f/a package they received was generous, are still going to be left with large loans to pay off at graduation. Or their parents are. The financial aspect of paying for college for these kids who are hoping to have a professional career in theatre is truly an important one to consider, in every aspect. You do not want your student to graduate with a large amount of debt, particularly in this major.</p>