Hmmm…for classical VP CU Boulder has a pretty good reputation next to BOCO and NEC. Paying the surcharge would be tough. She could do the east coast for grad school when money is usually (but not always) more substantial.
We are at the tail end of a VP masters degree and I’m very thankful there is no debt. I think she’ll just be able to make it on her own with mom and dad as a back up. No debt (and a recent win at a competition - not easy for a mezzo - those darn sopranos are such show offs) is giving her the dollars needed to travel to auditions. She has friends facing this now. Great education and no dollars to have the flexibility to continue to pay for lessons and audition. VP is a marathon. If you go out to fast (expensive) you may not have the resources to finish the race.