<p>One more thought, although most of the MT schools listed above would not be considered elite MT schools, some are, Cincinnati for example, and some are certainly more than respectable (Indiana, Ball State, Belmont, Central Michigan, Texas, Alabama). And all of the schools listed are good MT schools. If you meet their criteria to receive a full ride scholarship and can receive a free MT education from one of them; they are certainly worthy of your consideration. </p>
<p>MT students should apply to a range of schools. They should apply to a few schools which are a dream (so-called reach schools), schools that are in their range (so-called fit schools), and schools that are below their profile (so-called safety schools). If students only apply to top tier schools, even if they are fortunate enough to get in, they may still find themselves on the outside looking in due to financial concerns. MT students should not put all their eggs in the top tier MT basket. If they do, they may find themselves disappointed by both their acceptances and their aid packages.</p>
<p>Some of the schools on the list above would be considered by some as safety schools. But as long as you are going to apply to some safety schools, why not apply to some that you could potentially go to for free? For example, Troy University (AL), Northern Kentucky University, Southeast Missouri State University, Youngstown State University (OH), and Western Illinois University all have fine MT programs and all have full ride scholarships*. None of these schools would be considered first, or even second tier MT schools, but they are all good MT schools, and in my humble opinion, to not even consider them is rash. </p>
<p>*In the strictest sense, some of these schools are not safety schools, as they are not non-audition schools. To some extent, the definition of a safety school is in the eye of the beholder. One person’s “safety school” can be another person’s “reach school”. I don’t mean to denigrate the fine audition schools I list above by referring them as safety schools. Acceptance is never a “sure thing” if one has to audition for entry. All I am saying is that there are some schools where a very talented student can be relatively assured of acceptance, at least in comparison to their “reach” and “fit” schools. </p>
<p>Two thoughts to keep in mind:</p>
<p>1) No financial deal at a safety school is worth it, if the MT education you receive is sub par. </p>
<p>However, I would suggest that none of these “safety schools” offer a sub par MT education. And although they may not have the industry contacts of some of the elite MT schools, they don’t have the debt either. And many of their graduates do go on to solid performance careers. So much depends on talent, drive, and luck, not the school. </p>
<p>2) No education at an elite MT school is worth it, if you graduate with crushing debt. </p>
<p>It is unfair to suggest that all students who graduate from elite MT colleges graduate with crushing debt, some do and some don’t. So much depends on the finances of the family and the financial largesse of the school. However, we tend to focus on the success stories of those who make it big from these programs, but we should also keep in mind those who did not achieve success and were left holding the financial bag, so to speak. </p>
<p>In the end, it is a balancing act between what you can reasonably pay for your MT education and what the MT school can do for your career. “Vote” with your head and with your heart, and good luck.</p>