Michigan’s Most Expensive High School Alumni Includes Chappell Roan

If there were a Midwestern equivalent to LaGuardia High School (the setting of the TV show Fame), it would be Michigan's Interlochen Arts  Academy. Located in the town of the same name, Niche.com ranked Interlochen the second-best School of the Arts in the United States. It's also the most expensive private high school in the state. But its list of alumni reads like a call sheet.

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Why Interlochen Costs So Much

Clocking in at over $75,000 a year for tuition, room, and board, Interlochen students live, breathe, and eat the arts. Students who have a passion for film, painting, dancing, acting, radio, and more (and very supportive parents or a scholarship) are given literal classes on how to pursue a career.

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But, does it pay off?

Well, based on the impressive alumni list you’ll find online, an argument could be made that the tuition is a great investment. I'd also assume names you’d only spot in credits or programs are making a living in the arts.

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Is a Creative Career Worth the Price?

But, as someone who heard a chuckle or twenty when I boldly stated in a Michigan high school that I wanted to make a living entertaining people, if you have the means and opportunity, go for it.

The world is filled with people who will tell you, "You won't make any money doing that," or "Ok—but what's your backup plan?" It's good to know that there's an institution out there giving aspiring artists a headstart, so long as you have a small fortune.

Famous Interlochen Alumni You Should Know

And speaking of the well-to-do, here's a look at 10 of Interlochen Arts Academy's Most Famous Alumni.