Frequently Asked Questions

I'm an applicant.  How do I apply for financial aid?

The Financial Aid Application consists of three components, which are due by March 1, 2012:

• Complete the Juilliard Financial Aid Application online or send the PDF via mail or e-mail. Both versions of the application are available in January; the link to the online application will be e-mailed to auditioning students. Students should only submit one version of the application.  We encourage students to submit electronically.

• U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). International students must complete the International Student Supplement found within the Juilliard Financial Aid Application (the online version will include the supplement automatically).

• Send us signed copies of your and your parents’ most recent federal tax forms. If you are not required to file, send us a signed statement to that effect and include any W2 or 1099 forms received. If you live in a country without tax forms, send an official salary document from your employer.

I'm a continuing student.  How should I re-apply for aid?

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents should complete the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.  International students should complete the International Student Supplement.  These forms should be submitted by May 1, 2012.

When should I begin the Financial Aid Application process?

If you are applying to Juilliard, you should complete your application by March 1. This means you should prepare your tax information in February, if possible. FAFSA filers should apply for a PIN (www.pin.gov) and file the FAFSA a few weeks in advance of the March 1 deadline to ensure timely processing by the Department of Education.

If you are continuing in the same program, you should file your taxes early to ensure that you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool prior to the May 1 deadline. 

What if I don’t have my tax information available by March 1?

You may use estimates on the FAFSA and submit your prior year tax form for scholarship consideration.  We encourage families to complete their taxes early to expedite the process of applying for aid.  If you do provide us with estimated documents, please submit updated information as soon as possible to receive an accurate financial aid award package. 

What is The Juilliard School's Federal School Code for the FAFSA?

The Juilliard School’s Federal School Code is 002742.

What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool imports data from your tax return directly to your FAFSA.  By using this tool, Juilliard is able to verify that the information entered on your FAFSA is correct.  If you file your taxes electronically, your data should be available for transfer within 1-2 weeks of filing; data from paper tax returns will be available 6-8 weeks after filing.  Data Retrieval will not be available for those who are married and filing separately or if you file an amended tax return.   The tool will launch on February 1, 2012.  We highly recommend that you not change any data that is imported from your tax return onto the FAFSA.  If changes are made to the data, we may ask you to submit a FAFSA correction with unchanged figures.

Will I qualify for scholarship?

Because scholarship decisions are made on the basis of financial need and artistic merit, it is not possible to determine eligibility until admission procedures are completed and all Financial Aid Applications received.  We encourage applicants to use the Net Price Calculator to receive an unofficial aid estimate based on their personal data.

Are international students eligible for financial assistance?

Yes! International students studying under an F1 visa status are not eligible for U.S. government assistance, but they can apply for Juilliard scholarship and on-campus employment. If your visa status is different, you should check with the International Advisement Office for any employment limitations.

What can I do to make sure I receive enough financial aid?

Fill out the forms accurately and on time, and contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions. We also encourage you to seek private scholarship programs offered by your local community or religious organizations. A helpful listing of online scholarship databases can be found at www.finaid.org. You should research these thoroughly, especially during the junior and senior year of high school.

I don't think I'll qualify for any need-based financial aid. Can I just apply for a merit scholarship?

Because our decisions are based on both financial need and merit combined, all forms must be completed to be considered for scholarship. The Juilliard School does not award merit-only scholarships and does not award students who do not submit an application for financial aid.

I’m applying to a graduate program; do I need to submit my parents’ financial information as well as my own?

Yes. All scholarship decisions are based on financial need and merit combined. The financial strength of your family is an important consideration whether or not they will provide direct support to you during your graduate studies. 

To apply for financial aid, you must include a copy of your parents’ most recent tax return unless you meet one of the following criteria:

• You will be over 24 years old at the time of enrollment
• You have been completely self-supporting during the prior academic year and were not claimed on your parents’ most recent tax form, or
• You are applying to a program that offers full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students.

Can I expect the same financial aid award each year?

Students must reapply for financial aid each year. Juilliard scholarships are generally renewable, pending availability of funding. Federal aid, such as Stafford loans and Pell grants, are based on the prior year tax form information and are subject to change. Stafford loan eligibility will increase based on grade level. Finally, because some forms of aid are limited, such as the Perkins loan and FSEOG grant, late applicants may be denied these funds.

What if my award is not as much as I need to attend the School?

The Office of Financial Aid does its best to offer students a competitive award based on their merit and need.  However, we understand that your initial award may not be sufficient, as our budget does not enable us to meet the full financial need of all admitted students.  If your current award makes it impossible to enroll, please contact us to request additional aid.  While we can't guarantee to increase your scholarship offer, your appeal will be given every consideration.

My financial situation is a bit unusual and I have concerns. What should I do?

Contact the Office of Financial Aid. You shouldn’t wait until after you’re admitted! You can call us at (212) 799-5000 ext. 211, or e-mail us at financialaid@juilliard.edu.

Where can I find more information about Financial Aid?

Visit the Financial Aid Information on the Internet page for helpful links to federal and private financial aid resources.  Our Facebook page updates students on upcoming events and deadlines.