Prospective Students

Financial Aid at Eastman

Prospective Students

Financial Aid/Scholarship Information for Undergraduate Students

At Eastman, we understand that the decision to invest in the highest quality education is substantial. That is why we provide a robust scholarship program, with the goal of enrolling an artistically talented class of students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, generosity of spirit, and represent a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Last year, we awarded over $19 million in scholarships, with nearly 100% of our students receiving merit scholarships. Additional scholarship support is provided based on financial need.

Though we are not able to meet the full demonstrated need of all of our students, we use our scholarship budget to make Eastman as affordable as possible for all admitted students. Our admission process is need-blind for the first round (approximately 90%) of decisions and can be need-aware when admitting from the wait-list (the remaining 10%).

Our Financial Aid staff works with students and parents through the process of applying for scholarships and other types of financial aid. The awarding of financial aid cannot occur until after a student has completed the admission application, the audition/interview process, all financial aid forms requested and has been accepted.

Eastman awards the following types of financial aid:

Eastman scholarships (All admitted undergraduates receive an award) – All students must complete a CSS PROFILE. Your award will be need-informed which could result in a higher renewable scholarship.
Federal/state grants, loans, and work-study.

To receive full consideration for all available funding (including Eastman need-informed Merit Scholarships):

All undergraduate US citizens and permanent residents must complete the following:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Eastman’s FAFSA Code is 008124.
- 2025-26 FAFSA application will be available in December 2024.
- The FAFSA needs to be received in our office by February 28th.
- CSS PROFILE for Domestic Students Eastman’s CSS Code is 2224.
- 2025-26 CSS PROFILE is now available to complete.
- The CSS PROFILE needs to be received in our office by February 28th.
All undergraduate international students must complete the following:
- CSS PROFILE for International Students Eastman’s CSS Code is 2224.
- 2025-26 CSS PROFILE for International Students is now available to complete.
- The CSS PROFILE needs to be received in our office by February 28th.
Applicants with specific questions regarding financial aid should contact the Eastman Financial Aid Office.

Eastman Need-Informed Merit Scholarships

All admitted undergraduate applicants, both domestic and international, are considered for renewable scholarships. Eastman need-informed scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and are based on a complete review of the application file and audition. Other factors can include the school’s enrollment needs, and our overall goal of making an Eastman education accessible to admitted students. Financial need is therefore also a consideration in our merit scholarships.

A select number of students will be offered Dean’s awards, recognizing exceptional promise in performance (Dean’s Performance Award) or scholarship (Dean’s Scholar Award). The Eastman scholarship awarded to an entering student is a 4 year award (up to 5 years for dual degree or until degree requirements are completed, whichever is sooner). Transfer students’ awards are renewable based on the entering class year (for example, 3 years for an entering sophomore).

You will receive one half of the annual scholarship amount for up to eight semesters (up to ten semesters for dual degree or until degree requirements are completed, whichever is sooner) of full-time undergraduate enrollment provided you remain in good standing, make satisfactory academic progress towards your degree, maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 or higher, and complete the CSS PROFILE each year. An undergraduate’s scholarship will have a monetary reduction each semester if the CGPA falls below 3.0 or these expectations are not met.

University of Rochester Tuition Benefits

If one of your parents is an employee of the University of Rochester, you may be eligible for dependent child tuition benefits. Since both the benefit and Eastman scholarship funds can help with the cost of tuition only, you may be eligible to receive a combination of tuition benefit and scholarship funds that can approach or match, but not exceed, the cost of tuition. Eligibility for this benefit is determined by the Office of Human Resources and is applied for in HRMS.

Federal Aid Programs

Students (US Citizens or permanent residents) who wish to be considered for Federal funds (grants, loans and work-study) must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

State Aid Programs

Certain states, outside of New York, will allow their grant programs to be used at colleges in New York. Contact your state agency for more information.
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant program for students who are residents of New York State. It is based on a family’s taxable income and the student’s level of study. In addition to the FAFSA, a separate TAP application is required by the state. The Eastman (Rochester, University of) TAP code is 1016. The TAP award is available for up to four years.
New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence provide up to $1,500 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study in New York State.

Completing the 2025-26 FAFSA

Be sure to visit our FAFSA Simplification Page (here) for up-to-date information about the new FAFSA process.

How to Create a FSA ID & Password
How to Create a FSA ID without a Social Security Number (SSN)
Eastman’s FAFSA Code is 008124
Eastman’s FAFSA Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
2025-26 FAFSA will be available in December 2024.

Completing the 2025-26 CSS PROFILE

What I Need to Know? Click Here
Eastman’s CSS PROFILE Code is 2224
Eastman’s CSS PROFILE Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
2025-26 CSS PROFILE is now available.

Financial Aid Notification

An undergraduate financial aid notification will typically include some or all of the following:

Eastman scholarships.
Federal and/or state grants.
Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility.
Federal Work-Study eligibility, if need is established through the FAFSA. Work-study jobs are available through the Concert Office, the Sibley Music Library, Dining Services, the Student Living Center and numerous other offices throughout Eastman and the University of Rochester. The University of Rochester Student Employment Office manages the work program for all students. Job openings are posted online and students can apply for these jobs through Job Link. More information can be found here: UR Student Employment
Outside grants, awards, and prizes. Applicants are expected to seek outside scholarships through music clubs, service clubs, city and state organizations, competitions and other Internet resources throughout their years in college. All outside awards must be reported in writing to the Eastman Financial Aid Office and may replace loans and/or work-study earnings in the financial aid package typically not resulting in any Eastman Scholarship reductions.

Special & Unusual Circumstances

Your merit-based need informed student financial aid review represents the results of a detailed analysis and careful evaluation of the application information that you have provided to this office through your audition and potentially supplemented by filing the PROFILE and/or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We do realize that significant changes (recent unemployment of a family member, serious health issues, the need to consider a dependency override, etc…) in your family’s circumstances may have occurred since you filed the PROFILE and/or FAFSA. Re-evaluation of your financial aid package may be given under special or unusual circumstances by submitting an email request and supporting documentation. Please keep in mind if an adjustment is made they are typically very small. Reach out to the Eastman Financial Aid Office to determine if your circumstances qualify for reconsideration under either a special or unusual circumstance.

Undergraduates Enrolled in Two Degree Programs (Dual Degree)

Dual degree students are those who are enrolled in degree programs at both Eastman and the School of Arts & Sciences or the Hajim School of Engineering, pursuing a BM and a BA or BS. All students new to the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music should apply for financial aid through the Financial Aid Office at the Eastman School of Music. The University of Rochester has their own financial aid office, and they do not serve students who are admitted into the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music through this program. If you are currently enrolled at the University of Rochester and are adding a BM from Eastman, your financial aid will remain administered through the University of Rochester.

All dual degree applicants who are not currently enrolled at the University of Rochester should apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA (domestic students) and a CSS PROFILE (domestic and international students) for Eastman.

PLEASE Note: You should also consider applying for financial aid at the University of Rochester (FAFSA & CSS PROFILE for domestic students, CSS PROFILE for international students) in the event you are offered admission to the University of Rochester only and not the Eastman School of Music and wish to pursue an education there. You can find more information here: University of Rochester Financial Aid Office – Prospective Undergraduates

Once enrolled as a Dual Degree student will only receive tuition bills and financial aid/scholarship support from the Eastman campus. The Dual Degree program is planned as a five-year program. As long as satisfactory progress is made on both degrees, students will be eligible for five years (ten semesters) of financial aid so long as this time is needed to complete requirements for one or the other degree. Once degree requirements are met financial aid/scholarship support ceases.

Additional Information

For further assistance, please contact:

Eastman Admissions Office at 585-274-1060 or admissions@esm.rochester.edu
University of Rochester Admissions Office at 585-275-3221 or admit@admissions.rochester.edu
Eastman Financial Aid Office at 585-274-1070 or financialaid@esm.rochester.edu
University of Rochester Financial Aid Office at 585-275-3226 or finaid@rochester.edu

Financial Aid/Scholarship Information for Graduate Students

The Eastman School of Music provides financial support to its graduate students primarily through graduate scholarships and stipends. Graduate applicants, who are invited to audition or interview for their program and are recommended for admission to the School, are automatically considered for support, though some assistantships require an audition or interview. Applicants can indicate interest in specific assistantships in the graduate application. Graduate scholarships and stipends are determined by the Graduate Studies Office.

For further information, please contact Eastman Graduate Studies Office.

Federal Aid Programs

The Graduate Scholarship Program is unable to meet the financial need of all our graduate students. Eastman’s Financial Aid Office helps graduate students apply for financial aid to help with their educational expenses. Students (US Citizens or permanent residents) who wish to be considered for Federal Student Loans and/or Federal Work-Study must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Completing the 2025-26 FAFSA

Be sure to visit our FAFSA Simplification Page (here) which provides new and up to date information about the brand new FAFSA form and process.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
How to Create a FSA ID and Password
How to Create a FSA ID with a Social Security Number (SSN)
Eastman’s FAFSA code is 008124
Application Priority Deadline: February 28, 2025
2025-26 FAFSA will be available in December 2024.

Graduates are notified of their acceptance by the Admissions Office which includes access information to their financial aid notification via ESM FAONLINE. Acceptance of an offer implies that the student finds the offer to be agreeable and has a reasonable plan for meeting any expenses not covered by school funds for the duration of their degree program.

Special & Unusual Circumstances

If a graduate student’s financial circumstances have changed drastically due to unemployment, medical expenses, loss of personal funding (Social Security or Child Support), etc., then the student should contact Eastman’s Graduate Studies Office via email at gradstudies@esm.rochester.edu. Students who encounter unanticipated hardship during their enrollment may submit a financial aid appeal, but should understand that school funds are typically fully spent, and very little additional aid will be available. Students appealing for additional support should complete the Graduate Income & Expense Statement (available from the Graduate Studies Office). Domestic students appealing their offer should also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and will have access to student loans. Appeals are considered by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in consultation with the Financial Aid Office. It is sometimes necessary for a student to take a leave of absence in order to address their financial situation.

Veterans Benefits

Students, who are veterans of the armed services or dependents of veterans, should review their educational benefit options through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

If I am a veteran, how do I apply for my veteran’s educational benefits?

Apply for educational benefits through the VA.
Notify Eastman’s Financial Aid Office that you are eligible and applying for veteran’s educational benefits.

If I am a dependent of a veteran, how do I apply for my veteran’s educational benefits?

Your parent transfers a portion—or all—of his/her benefit to you through Transfer of Educational Benefit.
After the transfer is approved, you apply for the educational benefit through the VA.
You notify Eastman’s Financial Aid Office that you are eligible and applying for veteran’s educational benefits.

What documentation does the Financial Aid Office need from me to process my veteran’s educational benefits?

Veteran: We need one of the following documents:

Certificate of Eligibility
Statement of Benefits from VA.gov
Screenshot from eBenefits page

Dependent of Veteran: a copy of approved Transfer of Educational Benefit (TEB) from your parent AND a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility sent to you by the VA.

Whom do I call about the status of my educational benefits claim?

Contact VA at 1-888-442-4551 to speak with an Educational Case Manager.

Yellow Ribbon Program

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Eastman School of Music does participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a joint partnership with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (Yellow Ribbon Scholarship) and the Eastman School of Music (Eastman Yellow Ribbon Award). For an overview of the program, please visit the VA Website.

How do I qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program/the Eastman Yellow Ribbon Award?

You or your parent must qualify for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Eastman Yellow Ribbon Award.

Where can I find more information about additional resources for Veterans at the University of Rochester?

The University of Rochester has a number of resources that veterans at the Eastman School of Music can utilize. Please refer to the University of Rochester Veterans Resources Directory for more information.

Pending Payments to the Bursar’s Office

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:

Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment
Assess a late penalty fee to the student
Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding
Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

Produce the certificate of eligibility by the first day of class
Provide written request to be certified
Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies

Financial Aid at Eastman