Financial Aid & Scholarships—Undergraduate

To be considered for University-wide Financial Aid - scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study employment - students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For priority consideration, the FAFSA should be filed between October 1 and February 1 using the school code (002221) and listing the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Admissions Scholarships are merit-based relative to the strength of the student's Common App submission and are not connected to departmental auditions.

Undergraduate Financial Aid can provide guidance relative to types of Undergraduate aid, including any need-based options.

NOTE: Work-study positions are available in both the Department of Music & Dance and in the Fine Arts Center.

To be considered for Financial Aid at the College level - scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study employment - students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

HFA-granted aid is primarily aimed at currently enrolled students more than incoming students. To apply for HFA scholarships and aid, students must complete an application on Academic Works, which can only be completed by students with a UMass ID and password.

The HFA website includes a full listing of scholarships available and descriptions as well as scholarships listed by department.

To be considered for scholarship from the music program as an incoming student, applicants must:

• Audition on an instrument (or voice)
• Intend to be a music major (either BM or BA)
• Complete the audition by February 28

All music scholarships are based on merit, referring specifically to the strength of the audition.

All incoming students who are scholarship recipients will be notified of their award by or before April 1. Music Scholarships are not commonly awarded after that date.

Massachusetts residents please note: Among the scholarships offered by the department is a tuition waiver award. In MA, tuition waivers may not be combined. Any prospect receiving a tuition waiver from another source should make a note of this in the Music Application or notify the Music Admissions Director if a tuition waiver was granted since filling out the Music Application. This enables our Scholarship Committee to make more informed decisions and avoid unintentionally granting a tuition waiver scholarship to those unable to accept it.

The most common examples of a tuition waiver in MA are the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship and the Stanley Z. Koplik Scholarship.

Current students may be awarded departmental scholarship based on outstanding levels of performance or contribution to either certain studios, certain ensembles, or the department as a whole. The selection process is based on a combination of selection, nomination, and vote by the music faculty.

All awards for current students are typically announced at the Music Convocation in May.