University Of Southern California announces free tuition for MFA program

The MFA programs at the University Of Southern California will be tuition-free and it will allow USC to more competitively recruit extraordinarily gifted creatives who bring distinct stories and experiences to stage and screen with no financial barriers.

Image source: LA Times

The University Of Southern California (USC) announced that the students who will be attending the USC School of Dramatic Arts to receive their Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) in the acting and dramatic writing programs in the academic year 2024-25, will be attending the program free of tuition fees.

The new and existing students will not be required to pay any tuition fees for their studies. Through this, the university aims for more talented artists from diverse backgrounds to get access to world-class education without financial constraints. This will help students to complete their studies without any financial burden, especially at a time when actors and writers are having a tough time getting opportunities in TV and film as there are not many opportunities out there.

School of Dramatic Arts Dean Emily Roxworthy said, “Removing the tuition burden for the MFA acting and writing programs is an important investment in the future of storytelling and the performing arts. So often we see exceptional talent unable to reach their potential because financial barriers keep them from accessing top-tier training. At the USC School of Dramatic Arts, we’ve been privileged to witness the unique voices and multi-hyphenated ambitions of these diverse young artists. By offering free tuition, we can now give more of these promising students the artistic home they deserve.”

Steady donors provided full-tuition scholarships

The program serves 35 students, and 100% of them have been receiving financial assistance through scholarships or grants.

Due to the steady support of scholarship donors, full-tuition scholarships were possible. These donors included community leaders, who inspire the generous philanthropy that will continue to grow SDA’s endowment, the leadership of the School’s Board of Councilors, an advisory board composed of notable professionals, alumni, and community leaders.

Actress and Board Member Connie Britton said, “Providing full tuition scholarships to the current and incoming MFA acting and dramatic writing students is a commitment to creating opportunity for all, and emphasizes the School’s value in telling diverse stories from varied backgrounds regardless of financial means. We’re letting the storytellers and performers of tomorrow know that we believe in them and the power of their dreams. I’m so proud to be supporting this groundbreaking initiative!”

The university is providing an Affordability Initiative launched by President Carol Folt in 2020 to ensure tuition-free attendance for undergraduate U.S. students whose household annual income is $80,000 or less.

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