Students who are experiencing extenuating financial circumstances can appeal for need-based institutional aid through the appeals process. All accepted or currently enrolled Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee students are eligible to appeal for additional funding. Every effort is made to assist students who demonstrate financial need.
Note that Berklee Online students are not eligible to submit a special circumstances appeal.
A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for domestic students who wish to appeal, while a CSS Profile is required for the college's international students who wish to appeal. Students who are already receiving Presidential or full-tuition scholarships are not eligible to receive appeal funding, as Berklee institutional funding cannot exceed tuition charges.
Special Circumstances Appeal Process
Students who would like to appeal should submit this form. Once the form is submitted, our appeals committee will review the appeal and determine if you're eligible for assistance.
The following are some of the factors that will be considered during the committee review:
- Family financial need, as demonstrated by the FAFSA or CSS Profile
- Any previous family borrowing history
- Your current aid package
- Academic performance
- Semester in school (continuing students only)
- Audition and interview results (entering students only)
- Supporting documentation
It is important to note that even with an approved appeal, the majority of students find it necessary to utilize other forms of funding to meet their costs. Please develop a sound financial plan that you can implement regardless of the outcome of your appeal. The Office of Student Financial Services is here to assist you as you explore your options to finance your Berklee education. You can contact us at via email at financialaid@berklee.edu and by phone at 617-747-2274.
FAQs
How do I submit an appeal?
Students who wish to appeal should submit this form. Please do not submit multiple forms.
How much money can I expect to receive from an appeal?
The average appeal award is approximately $5,000 per year, depending on individual circumstances. Thus, it is important to develop a sound financial plan to meet your costs and not rely on appeal funding to fully close your financial gap.
Can I appeal for housing funding or emergency needs?
The special circumstances appeal process awards funds towards tuition only. If you have other financial needs that are not related to tuition, you are encouraged to submit a Student Emergency Fund Appeal.
How long will it take to receive a decision?
Every effort is made to review appeals as quickly as possible. The timeline is dependent on our volume of appeals, and you will receive an email as soon as your decision is rendered.
Can faculty submit a letter to support my appeal?
Absolutely. You can have your faculty member email financialaid@berklee.edu, and we will add their letter to your appeal.
Can I request reconsideration for a merit award decision?
All entering students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process. While your audition decision will not be reconsidered, if you believe you may qualify for need-based financial assistance, you may certainly submit an appeal to be considered for funding. We also encourage you to explore need-based financial aid and other cost-saving paths to Berklee as you will likely still have a financial gap after your appeal decision is rendered.
Can I appeal for a full-tuition/Presidential scholarship?
The appeals process is designed to assist students with unusual circumstances and help them get closer to closing their financial gap. Students are not granted full-tuition/Presidential scholarships during the appeals process. Those determinations are made as part of the admissions process.
Is there a deadline for my appeal submission?
There is no deadline for your appeal submission. Both entering and continuing students can submit an appeal at any time. Our committee will review appeals in order of the next upcoming semester. While you may appeal for a future semester at any time, your appeal will not be reviewed until the committee begins reviewing for that semester.
Do I need to complete my federal financial aid verification before I submit my appeal?
We strongly encourage all students to fully complete their federal financial aid verification process, if applicable, as quickly as possible. This will give our committee the most accurate information for their decision and prevent any delays in your appeal review. If you have questions about your financial aid review, please contact us via email at financialaid@berklee.edu or by phone at 617-747-2274.
