- Eastman Need-Informed Merit Scholarships
- Federal Grant Aid
- Federal Work Study
- Federal Loans
- State Funds
Eastman Need-Informed Merit Scholarships
All admitted 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 a CSS PROFILE. An undergraduate’s scholarship will have a monetary reduction each semester if the CGPA falls below 3.0 or these expectations are not met.
Federal Grant Aid
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant awarded to students by the federal government and does not have to be repaid. The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to determine eligibility based on the information reported on the FAFSA and your enrollment intensity (the number of degree required units you are enrolled in as a percentage of full-time enrollment).
Additional eligibility requirements:
- An undergraduate student must be registered for courses that are required for their degree program.
- Regardless of the total units registered for each semester, at least 12 of these units need to be from degree required courses.
- An undergraduate student can only receive the Federal Pell Grant for a maximum lifetime limit of 12 semesters.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) is a campus-based aid grant funded by the federal government, administered by the school and does not need to be repaid. This grant is awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients with the highest calculated need.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work-Study program provides full-time undergraduate domestic students an opportunity to earn money towards educational expenses through on-campus and off-campus employment. The hourly pay for each position is determined by the University of Rochester pay rate based on the type of work and the skills required. Most FWS program eligible students at the Eastman School of Music obtain employment within the school.
Students are responsible for seeking available positions on campus if the student wishes to earn work-study funds. Available positions are posted to JOBLINK.
The number of hours a student can work will be determined by the class schedule, supervisor, and the amount of FWS funds offered to a student on the financial aid package. Students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for work-study.
Federal Loans
The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a low-interest educational loan for undergraduate students attending school at least half-time (6 units). This loan has a fixed interest rate and an origination fee is subtracted at the time of disbursement. Interest will begin to accrue on the loan after graduation. There is a 6 month grace period before repayment begins. Eligibility for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is based on financial need as determined by the information provided on the FAFSA.
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a low-interest educational loan for undergraduate and graduate students attending school at least half-time (6 units). This loan has a fixed interest rate and an origination fee is subtracted at the time of disbursement. Interest will begin to accrue on the loan after disbursement. The government does not pay the interest; the student can choose to either pay the interest while in school or have the interest added to the loan principal to be repaid later. There is a 6 month grace period before repayment begins after graduation. Eligibility for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on need and a student can qualify regardless of income.
The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan program provides credit-based loans at a fixed interest rate and allows parents to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid awarded. An origination fee is subtracted from the requested loan amount at the time of disbursement, so the dollar amount disbursed will be less than the amount borrowed. Repayment on the principal and interest can be deferred while the student is enrolled in college. However, interest will accrue and be capitalized back into the loan.
Our Loan Information page has more in-depth information about each of these loan programs.
State Funds
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 (University of Rochester) 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.