A/C prob

Hi, I have an older acura (91) and my air conditioning has just gone out. I've been told that the compressor and clutch coil need to be replaced as well as the receiver/drier. The quote I got was about 1300$. I am a poor college student and obviously can't afford to pay that but I was also told that since the A/C is connected to the fan belt system, I will continue to hear a loud grinding noise (apparently because of some bearings in the belt system) every time I run the engine and eventually my fan belt will break and that will cost me more money. I was wondering if there are any solutions to stop the grinding noise or keep my fan belt from breaking without having to replace the whole a/c system? Is it a good idea/ a lot cheaper if I looked for used parts to replace it with? Any suggestions will help me. Thanks a lot!
-Lexi