We understand that tuition and related costs can be a primary factor in your educational decisions. At the same time, we believe talented actors must do what’s best for their career goals. So we have many scholarship, financial aid programs and financing options to make an SFT education more affordable for those with the talent and ambition to succeed. Grants, loans, and a range of federal, state and outside scholarships may be used toward an SFT education.

SFT Scholarships

Our National Scholarship Audition Tour typically awards over $800,000 in scholarships per school year. SFT Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and may reflect artistic promise and demonstrated financial need:

  • The Sanford Meisner Merit Award - based upon talent demonstrated at the audition. Special Provisions - will be renewed if the student is invited to return for the second year and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • The Mary Doyle Memorial Scholarship - based upon financial need and talent demonstrated at the audition. Ranges from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000 for the academic year

Special Provisions - To apply, a student must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must reapply for the following academic year. Selection based on financial need, talent, and a minimum 3.0 GPA

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Outside Scholarships

You may be eligible for a specialized scholarship from an outside agency. Some sources to explore are employers, unions, professional organizations, and community and special interest groups. A number of extensive scholarship search resources are available free on the Internet. You must notify our financial aid office if you receive funds from any of these sources:


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Financial Aid

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, School of Film and Television, believes that a quality education should be accessible to all qualified applicants. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and work-study programs. Our friendly financial aid staff can help you explore your funding options and help you meet filing deadlines.

All students who wish to be considered for financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA must be completed by May 1 of the academic year you will be attending. You will first need to apply for a PIN online at www.pin.ed.gov.

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Federal Loan Programs

One step on the path to financing your education could be a Stafford Student Loan. Federal Stafford Student Loans are some of the most affordable financial aid tools available to students and families, with interest rates lower than most other forms of financing and deferred payments until after graduation. Stafford Student Loans can also be consolidated after graduation, making them even more affordable. Visit www.hesc.org for application and further information. Federal PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent students. PLUS Loans are not based on financial need; eligibility is based on the creditworthiness of the parents. Repayment can be made over ten years at a fluctuating rate.

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Alternative Loans

Private student loans are offered by a variety of lending sources to help cover the amount of your tuition not covered by federal financial aid. You can get further information by contacting our Financial Aid Office.

This investment in your future not only requires your personal commitment, discipline, and focus, but in addition, a financial commitment as well. We hope that the following information is helpful as you consider attending one of the most prestigious conservatories of acting in the country.

The Financial Aid team can be reached at 888.645.0030, extension 4090

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The Financial Aid Process


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