Financial Aid
Undergraduate Scholarships
Merit-based awards are available each year to undergraduate music majors who excel in performance ability, general musicianship, and academic achievement. These awards range from several hundred dollars to full tuition waivers. Priority consideration for these awards will be given to applicants who complete the audition process on or before March 1. The Federal Code for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 001775.
All scholarship and award offers to incoming undergraduate students are made by faculty recommendation on the basis of an entrance audition/ interview to the School of Music. All scholarship and award offers to, or modifications of existing awards for continuing undergraduate students are likewise made by faculty recommendation. Band Awards may be offered by the University Bands Division to talented undergraduate students performing in the University of Illinois Wind Symphony or Symphonic Bands. For other merit-based awards, additional scholarships and awards are available to music majors in specific performance areas through competitions or upon the recommendation of the faculty. Listed below are some of the most prestigious scholarships available.
Graduate Financial Aid
The School of Music attempts to provide as many of its graduate students as possible with some form of financial assistance for timely completion of the chosen degree program. Awards include teaching and research assistantships, fellowships and tuition waivers. Students are also aided by awards from the Graduate College and outside funding agencies. The School of Music and Graduate College offer funds for student research and travel and also assist in placement.
All U.S. (domestic) applicants seeking a Teaching or Graduate Assistantship MUST attempt to qualify for Federal Work Study by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); be sure to answer “yes” to the option for "federal-work study". Please mail a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA to the Music Admissions Office as soon as possible after January 1, but by no later than March 1. Applicants will not be considered for merit-based awards until this document is on file. The Federal Code for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 001775.
International applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE).The minimum TSE score required for merit-based aid consideration is 50.
When reporting the TSE and TOEFL scores, request scores to be submitted to the University of Illinois; the Institution Code is 1836.
Non-Accompanying candidates may apply for an Accompanying Assistantship.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Marcella K. Brownson Memorial Scholarships and Fellowships - available to students who demonstrate exceptional promise as musicians and have financial need; preference given to organ majors.
Edward J. Krolick Awards in Viola and Double Bass - four tuition waivers per year, two in viola and two in double bass, for students selected in an annual special competition.
Clara Rolland Piano Award - presented annually to the winner of a performance competition; open to all undergraduate students majoring in piano.
Paul Rolland Memorial Violin Awards - presented annually to the winner of a performance competition; open to sophomore, junior, senior, and master's degree students in violin.
Thomas J. Smith Scholarships - are awarded each year to undergraduate women who are residents of Illinois. Students are selected on the basis of musicianship (as evidenced by a competition) and scholastic achievement.
Verna K. Townsend Music Awards - provide an annual stipend of $2,500 to School of Music undergraduates demonstrating exceptional musical ability and who are classified as residents of the State of Illinois.
Need-based aid is also available to US Citizens and Residents. Although it is not required, applicants are encouraged to apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Applicants may also view other types of financial aid online at the University of Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid website.
Graduate Financial Aid
University of Illinois Graduate College Fellowships are three-year awards carrying a stipend up to $17,000 per 12-month year. Priority consideration for these awards will be given to applicants who complete the application and audition process on or before February 1.
School of Music Fellowships and Assistantships are one-year renewable awards carrying a stipend of $5,500 up to $14,000 plus tuition and fee waivers. Priority consideration for these awards will be given to applicants who complete the application and audition process on or before March 1.
All U.S. (domestic) applicants seeking a Teaching or Graduate Assistantship MUST attempt to qualify for Federal Work Study by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); be sure to answer “yes” to question 34. Please mail a copy of the response from FAFSA to the Music Admissions Office as soon as possible after January 1, but by no later than March 1. Applicants will not be considered for merit-based awards until this document is on file
International applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE).The minimum TSE score required for merit-based aid consideration is 50.
When reporting the TSE and TOEFL scores, request scores to be submitted to the University of Illinois; the Institution Code is 1836.
Additional information about financial aid is available from the University of Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid