Download Graduate Financial Aid Handbook (PDF)

Policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress (PDF) 

Merit-based financial aid

During the average academic year, the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music awards to graduate students over $4 million in merit-based assistance in the form of graduate tuition grants and teaching/work assistantships. All graduate students who demonstrate exceptional ability during the admission process are eligible for these awards. For some students full-tuition grants and stipends are available; to others partial-tuition grants and monthly stipends are awarded.

All admitted doctoral students receive a full tuition waiver plus a work stipend.

Most students take advantage of work opportunities and loan assistance offered by the University and federal government while attending Northwestern University. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For more information about merit scholarships and work assistance programs, contact the Office of Music Admission and Financial Aid at (847) 491-3141 or email musiclife@northwestern.edu. 

Need-based financial aid

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may also apply for need-based student loans and work-study programs.  Applicants to Northwestern University as well as returning students should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov to receive their eligibility for these programs.

Complete information about student loans is available through Student Financial Services at www.northwestern.edu/sfs.

 
Tuition and Living Expenses

Graduate students attending the Bienen School of Music will only be charged tuition on their student accounts – living expenses listed below are estimates only.  Students are charged one rate for full-time enrollment (3-5 units of credit).  This gives students the advantage of taking a variety of courses to supplement their musical training without additional charges.

The student budget estimates for the 2011-12 academic year are:

Academic			4-Summer MM in Music Ed
Tuition	$41,592		Tuition	$10,500
Room and board	14,190		Room and board	3,280
Books and supplies	1,350		Books and supplies	300
Transportation	1,413		Transportation	346
Personal	3,300		Personal	740
Health insurance	2,589		Health Insurance	617
Total	$64,434		Total	$15,783

 
Current Students

Students enrolled in the Bienen School of Music can find comprehensive information regarding financial aid, both merit and need-based, as well as explanations of billing, student accounts, and work assistance guidelines by downloading the Graduate Financial Aid Handbook.

Download Graduate Financial Aid Handbook (PDF)

Also read Additional Entrance Interview Information for Music Graduate Students.