|
Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
Miscellaneous
Q.) How much does it cost to attend Berklee for one year (two semesters)?
The cost to attend Berklee is listed in the Tuition and Related Costs section. Your eligibility for financial aid funds is determined by a figure referred to as the Cost of Attendance. The Cost of Attendance is composed of both direct costs; i.e., charges that will appear on your student account, such as tuition and fees, and indirect costs that are simply estimates, such as living expenses.
Q.) Does Berklee offer a payment plan for tuition?
Berklee participates in a payment plan administered by an agency called Tuition Management Systems (TMS). Materials and applications are available directly from TMS at their website or by calling (800)-772-4867.
Q.) How do I apply for a Berklee Scholarship?
Merit-based scholarships are administered by the Office of Scholarships and Student Employment (OSSE) and are based on musicianship and music potential. Contact the OSSE for more information on the application process. By filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you have NOT applied for merit-based scholarships.
Q.) Can I apply for student employment?
All students (whether domestic or international) may apply for student employment at Berklee. Information on how to apply is given at Student Employment Orientation sessions and can be obtained from the OSSE located at 921 Boylston Street, 6th Floor.
Students interested in community service employment should speak with the OSSE to discuss opportunities.
Q.) I am an international student entering Berklee for the first time. Can I apply for financial aid?
Entering international students are eligible to apply for merit-based scholarships and student employment, both of which are administered through the Office of Scholarships and Student Employment. Additionally, certain loan programs are available to international students who have a United States citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer.
Q.) How do I apply for private scholarships?
The Office of Financial Aid recommends that you research private scholarships that you may qualify for. Review recommended sites on our Resources page to help you begin your search.
FAFSA-Related
Q.) How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for need-based aid, domestic students must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To have your FAFSA information sent to Berklee, enter Berklee's Federal School Code, 002126, on Step 6. The Office of Financial Aid recommends that you complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you would rather submit a paper version of the FAFSA, one may be obtained from your high school guidance office or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid. For detailed instructions on how to apply for need-based financial aid at Berklee, download the Information and Instructions Booklet.
Q.) When is the deadline to apply for need-based financial aid?
The Office of Financial Aid recommends that you submit your FAFSA to the Department of Education no later than February 14. Once you submit your FAFSA, it can take up to six weeks for the processed results to arrive at Berklee. The priority deadline, by which your processed FAFSA, and any additional documents that may be requested, must be received, is May 1st. If you miss these deadlines, you are still encouraged to apply for need-based aid, as some forms of aid will remain available.
Q.) How often will I need to apply for financial aid?
The FAFSA must be submitted every year that you intend to apply for financial aid.
Q.) Should I contact the Office of Financial Aid about all matters relating to aid at Berklee?
Berklee has several offices available to help you apply for assistance. The Office of Financial Aid administers all need-based federal aid and state programs as well as the need-based Berklee International Grant. The Office of Scholarships and Student Employment administers merit-based Berklee Scholarships as well as the student employment program. In addition, the Office of the Bursar coordinates the Tuition Management Systems monthly payment plan.
Q.) Do I have to wait until I have completed my tax return to submit the FAFSA?
If you have not yet completed your tax returns by the Office of Financial Aid's recommended FAFSA filing date of February 14, you should still apply. The FAFSA allows you (and your parents) to estimate income information until returns have been completed. Once you have filed your taxes, update you FAFSA by submitting corrections to the Department of Education. Instructions on how to do this will be automatically sent to you by the Department of Education when they process your FAFSA.
Q.) Is there a specific family income cutoff for receiving need-based financial aid?
No, need-based financial aid is based on a formula legislated by congress that includes many factors besides income.
Q.) Based on the FAFSA's criteria, I am considered a dependent student. However, my parents will not be assisting me financially. Am I still required to submit their financial information?
Federal regulations have specific criteria for determining dependency vs. independency status, and if you are considered "dependent," you must include parental information on your FAFSA. Unfortunately, whether or not your parents assist you financially is not a factor in determining dependency status. However, if you feel that you have extenuating circumstances, contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss you situation.
Q.) How does Berklee use the results of my FAFSA?
The FAFSA determines your "Expected Family Contribution," or EFC. The EFC is the number that is the result of a federally legislated formula applied to your FAFSA information. Your EFC is the amount that the Department of Education feels that you can contribute to your education for the respective school year. However, based on institutional costs and limited federal, state, and institutional resources, many students pay or borrow more than their EFC. Berklee uses your EFC to determine which federal aid programs that you qualify for. Your EFC will be noted on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Q.) Does Berklee offer enough financial aid to meet the full Cost of Attendance?
Need-based financial aid is limited and typically does not cover a student's tuition. Therefore, in order to supplement any need-based financial aid that is awarded, students should first apply for any private scholarships and/or Berklee Scholarships through the Office of Scholarships and Student Employment that they may qualify for. Additionally, you may want to consider the possibility of using private educational loans and/or the Tuition Management Systems's payment plan.
Q.) There has been a recent change in my family's income that is not reflected by the information I gave on my FAFSA. What can I do to have these changes taken into account?
If family financial circumstances have changed, you should notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing, and provide specific information regarding the change, how the family income will be affected, and the best possible estimate of the income change. Any supporting documentation should also be included.
Q.) I have further questions; whom can I talk to?
The entire staff in the Office of Financial Aid is here to assist you in the application process. The front desk staff is knowledgeable about all aspects of the application process. If they cannot answer your questions, they will direct you to speak with your counselor. Alternatively, if you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with your financial aid counselor, call the Office of Financial Aid. See the Contact Us page for more information.
Q.) Which offices do I contact about financial aid and/or scholarships and how do I reach them?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions regarding need-based aid including federal and state aid. See the Contact Us page for full contact information.
Contact the Office of Scholarships and Student Employment with questions regarding merit-based Berklee scholarships and student jobs on and off campus. See the main Contacting Berklee page for full contact information.
Contact the Office of Admissions with questions regarding the admissions process. See the Contacting Admissions page for full contact information.
Contact the Office of the Bursar about bill/payment and monthly payment plan questions. See Payment Option FAQ's for further information.
[  Print-friendly Version ]
| 
