<p>I agree that it is certainly most prudent to do a general cost, program, fit and reputation analysis on the front end when putting the application/audition list together. I would submit however that it is too difficult to predict with any level of certainly which BFA/BM/BA MT program that your child would be admitted artistically and even more difficult to predict what artistic merit scholarships your child would earn at that school if admitted. Academic merit awards have a bit more certainty (e.g. a certain SAT score will provide X dollars). A child could have a great ACT score and be “the last one” admitted to an MT program. The award to make the school affordable could come solely as an academic scholarship and the child could receive no artistic award because it is being allocated to others 'higher" on the list. Conversely, for another family, the bulk could come as an artistic award with no academic merit and the school becomes affordable fo that reason. Or a need based award kicks in. We all know how competitive this process is. I guess what I and others who have gone through this process are suggesting, don’t simply rely on sticker price and perceived reputation alone. If a student is fortunate enough to be admitted to one of the 22 listed above or any of the other very excellent programs, there are several ways to earn affordability.</p>