Scholarship Opportunities at Berklee College of Music 2024

Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, MA, stands as one of the premier music institutions globally, recognized for its pioneering curriculum and distinguished alumni. However, the privilege of attending such an esteemed institution comes with a price tag – annual tuition and fees exceeding $50,000. Fortunately, Berklee actively supports eligible students in realizing their artistic and educational aspirations through a robust scholarship program.

Merit-Based Scholarships:

Berklee’s merit scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to full tuition, are granted based on a student’s audition or portfolio materials. The most prestigious merit award, the Beveridge Scholarship, covers full tuition for up to 8 semesters. Other named scholarships include the Richard Davis Scholarship, Helen Keane Scholarship, and Estelle Liebling Scholarship.

Need-Based Scholarships:

Through a needs analysis process, Berklee assesses a student’s financial aid eligibility, considering factors like income, assets, and family size. School grants can cover amounts from $1,000 to the full calculated need. External scholarships also contribute towards meeting financial needs.

International Student Scholarships:

Non-U.S. citizens may qualify for the Global Scholarship, alleviating tuition costs beyond standard international student rates. Other options include the Norway Merit Scholarship, Australian Scholarship, and Southeast Asia Scholarship.

Extracurricular Scholarships:

Several scholarships are linked to participation in ensembles, private lessons, or specific programs, such as the Downtown Scholarship for Entrepreneurship. The Women’s Music Scholarship Fund and Rubblebucket Scholarship also provide additional opportunities.

Renewability:

Many Berklee scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years, contingent upon recipients maintaining satisfactory academic progress and enrolling full-time. This structure assists students and families in planning costs over multiple years.

Berklee’s commitment to inclusiveness and opportunity in music education is evident through its diverse scholarship offerings. Prospective candidates are urged to explore the array of options available.

Application Process:

• Merit Scholarships: Typically determined through the general admission process, relying on audition/interview and portfolio submissions. No separate application is needed.
• Need-Based Grants: Determined through FAFSA filing, requiring the submission of prior year’s tax returns for the needs analysis process.
• Named Scholarships: Some endowed scholarships have individual applications, often due in January/February, assessing factors like financial need or specific criteria.
• Online Submission: Applications are submitted through the Berklee financial aid portal, including materials such as resumés, statements of need/intent, and letters of recommendation.
• Notification: Merit-based scholarship decisions are usually communicated 4-6 weeks after the audition date, upon receipt of all materials. Need-based grants are awarded on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of March 1st.
• Renewal: Scholarships are renewable annually, contingent upon maintaining a specified GPA (typically 3.0) and making satisfactory progress towards the degree.
• Continuous Monitoring: Students are encouraged to continually monitor external opportunities and inform Berklee of any outside awards received.

While the process adheres to defined timelines, its flexibility accommodates individual circumstances. Early preparation is strongly recommended.