Music Scholarships and Financial Aid
We recommend that students apply for need-based aid. OSU requires submission of the FAFSA. You can learn more about FAFSA, and apply online, by visiting the FAFSA web site. The deadline for submitting the FAFSA for prospective freshmen is March 1, and the deadline for transfer students is usually mid-June (check the university application for the exact date). It is important that all students adhere to the deadlines, as they are strictly enforced and failure to meet them may result in denial of aid. Refer to the university application bulletin for more information about scholarships and financial aid. For specific information on academic scholarhsips please visit the Admissions Office Scholarship Opportunities page . To be considered for a University Scholarship, applications need to be submitted by December 1.
All students who audition for entrance to the School of Music may be considered for music scholarships based on audition and Music Achievement Test results. To receive consideration for scholarships, prospective freshmen must audition on or before February 19 and prospective transfer students should audition as soon as possible.
Additionally, students should thoroughly investigate community or other local sources of scholarship funds through their high school guidance offices or music teachers.
Questions & Answers About Music Scholarships
Q: How do you apply for a music scholarship?
A: When a student auditions, s/he is automatically considered for a music talent scholarship. No special written application or audition is required.
Q: Who is eligible to receive a scholarship?
A: Incoming freshmen and transfer students are eligible to receive a scholarship. A student must be a music major to receive this scholarship. For prospective freshmen, first consideration is given to those students who audition on or before February 19 .
Q: How large are the scholarships?
A: Music talent scholarships range from $500 per year to full, in-state tuition (in-state tuition is $8,667). Most are in the range of $1,000 to $2,000.
Q: Are the scholarships renewable?
A: Yes. Music talent scholarships awarded to freshmen are renewable for up to four years. To renew the scholarship, a student must maintain a good grade point average and good lesson grades, and continue to make reasonable progress in a music professional major (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education) program.
Q: When do you hear whether you were awarded a music scholarship?
A: Scholarship offers are made around the same time student financial aid packages are awarded. This usually occurs during the first two weeks of April.
Q: How long do I have to decide?
A: According to the NASM Code of Ethics, a student's acceptance of financial aid, from an NASM institutional member, is not binding if signed before May 1. With that in mind, OSU gives students until May 1 to decide whether or not to accept a scholarship offer.
Q: Does OSU offer "out-of-state waivers" so students who are not Ohio residents pay only in-state tuition?
A: Unfortunately, OSU does not have "out-of-state waivers," but see the next question...
Q: What about merit scholarships for out-of-state students?
A: The National Buckeye Scholarship for out-of-state students is valued at $7200. It is available for students with a 1220 SAT or 27 ACT or higher. The out-of-state National Buckeye Plus Scholarship is now valued at $6600 per year for four years.
These awards are renewable provided the recipient continues to pay the out-of-state surcharge, remains in good academic standing, and makes satisfactory academic progress. Students may also receive a music talent scholarship in addition to these awards.
