I did my CFI and II for about half that. Why on Earth would you pay 12k just to do it at the academy you're at when there are tons of places hurting for CFIs right now. I know of quite a few that will pay for your II and MEI after you are working there.

It's getting tough to be a pilot? Tell that to all the guys that couldn't even get into a jet until they had 2500 hours.