Education for my Bachelor's in Music

Hi, my name is Agne Giedraityte. I usually go by Agne G.

I am a 21-year-old musician currently living in the Chicago area. I have been studying piano and voice for the past 13 years and have had many performance opportunities showcasing my singing. I've released 3 albums with the help of my fans, but now am entering a different chapter of my life.

I just finished my second year of undergrad at the College of Dupage in Illinois and am transferring to receive my Bachelor's in Vocal Performance at my dream school: New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. I've had this dream of studying there for a while, and it is amazing that it's coming true. But the price tag for a Bachelor's degree is higher than ever these days.

I once again turn to anyone who would like to help out with funding for my education. I have been applying to all the scholarships I can find, but there is still much more to go. I have applied for federal loans and am currently waiting for more details on them.

In the meantime, I will be super transparent and show you all the costs I'm looking at:

Costs (1 year):

Tuition $54,210

Room $12,560

Board $5,960

Comprehensive Fee $1,000

Books/Supplies $500

Total Cost: $74,230

Financial Aid (1 year):

Dean's Scholarship $23,800

Federal PELL Grant $6,895

Federal SEO Grant $3,000

Other Financial Aid (1 year):

Federal College Work-Study $1,500

Total Aid: $35,195

Cost - Aid = $39,035

More details:

The school requires me to dorm when I get there. I chose a double room (which is standard and cheapest), and will have a meal plan through the school (included in the “board” of “room and board”).

Because I already completed 2 years of music education, I am hoping that my credits transfer successfully and put me into Junior year (3rd year of college). This isn't a guarantee though, and many a time, incoming "juniors" are placed into sophomore year depending on the requirements of the studio/professors. I will be taking all my placement exams during the month of August and will only find out which year I am when I get there in person on August 28th.

If I turn out to place into sophomore year, I will take extra classes/summer classes to hopefully squeeze the rest of my Bachelor's into the two years I have been hoping for.

Given all the above info, there is still a little more than half of the costs that need to be covered. I will continue to apply for more scholarships, saving up all the money I earn through working as an organist, as well as any concerts I do this summer, and I will take a look at what kind of loans will be available to me.

Any sort of help is so greatly appreciated in this.