How to Pay for College: Music Major’s Guide to Funding Music Education

By Miriam Huppert

Key Takeaways: What music majors & their families need to know about paying for college.

• Understanding the total Cost of Attendance (COA) is essential for planning music school expenses beyond just tuition.
• Financial aid comes in two main forms: merit-based (skills and accomplishments) and need-based (family financial situation).
• Always prioritize grants and scholarships, borrow loans only as needed, and carefully consider work-study or extra jobs.
• Comparing programs, scholarships, and costs across multiple schools can reveal unexpectedly affordable options.
• Consistently applying for outside scholarships can significantly reduce your overall cost of music school.

Table of Contents:

• Step 1: The Cost of Music School
• Step 2: Music Scholarships, Grants, and Student Financial Aid
• Step 3: Paying for Music School
• Step 4: Comparing Schools, Cost, & Awards
• Maximizing Your Amount of Aid
• Avoiding Music School Funding Pitfalls
• FAQs

The first thing I say to students and their families when they start building their college list is, “Don’t look at the price tag.” This is usually the moment that the parent in the room gives me a skeptical look. This is not because the cost of a program is not important, but it is because you do not know the true cost until all the cards are on the table. Those schools with the largest price tag may end up being the most affordable after financial aid and scholarships are factored in! First, you need to understand all of the pieces of the equation. 

Step 1: Music School Costs How Much?!

The cost of a school is much more than just the tuition — that just gets you in the door of the classroom. To understand the full scope of what the bill may be, you need to consider the Cost of Attendance (COA). This can be found on the financial aid website for most schools. The COA consists of two types of expenses, and both should factor into your budget. 

Direct Costs of Music School:

These are the bills that you need to pay directly to the school. They typically include tuition, fees, room, and board. I like to call these the “live, eat, and study” costs, and they are due at the start of each semester. Paying these will get you access to all of your essentials and are typically non-negotiable in your first year, unless you choose to live off campus. As a music major, you will also want to be sure to ask if your chosen school will add a “Music Fee,” which some schools do to help cover private lessons and access to other supplies. 

Indirect Costs for Music Majors:

These are the things that you should budget for, but they will probably not be billed through the school. This includes books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. These expenses are typically not all due at the beginning of each semester, but can amount to thousands of dollars spent throughout the year. The good news is that these are usually the areas where you have more control over how much you are willing or able to spend. 

I know what you’re thinking — this makes it seem much worse! That’s a lot to pay for! Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you continue reading. First, this is not only the amount that it could cost to attend music school, but it is also the maximum amount of scholarships you can receive! 

Step 2: Show me the money! — Music Scholarships, Grants & Student Financial Aid

Now that you know the maximum amount that it will cost to attend the school and the maximum amount of scholarships you can receive, let’s talk about how to fund your music education. There are two categories of financial aid that you may see on your financial aid offer. 

Merit-Based Aid

This is funding that is offered to you based on your skills, talents, and accomplishments. Maybe you received great grades, knocked your SAT or ACT out of the park, or really nailed your audition. 

Merit-based aid is typically in the form of Scholarships and Grants, but you may also see it as a waiver, depending on how the school’s funding is set up. When you receive merit-based aid, the only thing you need to do is make sure you understand the conditions required to keep it. Remember, a scholarship that is offered to you based on your grades can be taken back if your grades drop, or may be dependent on the student playing in a certain ensemble, so read the offer carefully, and make sure that you are doing what you need to do to keep your scholarships safe each semester.  
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Need-Based Aid

This is funding that is awarded based on your family’s financial situation. To be considered for need-based aid, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to your school. The FAFSA must be filled out each year by both students and parents, and it summarizes your financial information from two years prior. Some schools will also require the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile). The CSS Profile is usually required by schools that want a more complete picture of your family’s financial status because they are considering you for significant financial support. The CSS Profile is unfortunately not free to submit, so if that would be a concern for your family, you should contact your high school counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver. Remember, not every school will require the CSS Profile, so you always need to check before paying to submit it.

A quick note on the FAFSA and CSS Profile: once filled out, these applications will show you a number. This is not the number that you will be expected to pay for college. Instead, this number is used by the schools’ financial aid offices to see what aid you may qualify for. In my career, I have yet to see someone fill out the FAFSA or CSS Profile and say, “That seems like it would be a fair number for our family,” but if you see a significant difference, you should always look for an error. If there has been a significant change in your financial situation, you can always contact the school’s financial aid office to appeal. 

Step 3: Run the Math to Pay for Music School

Ok, so now we have the two biggest parts of the equation: the maximum amount that a school could cost (COA) and the aid that you have received. Let’s start doing the math. It’s important to know that you are not required to accept everything that you are offered. 

The Always-Accepts:

Grants and Scholarships are your top priority when looking at your financial aid offers. Whether they are based on financial need or merit, these are awards that do not require you to repay any portion of your award after you graduate.

The Only-If-You-Have-Tos:

Loans always require you to pay them back after you graduate (or if you are unenrolled for a consecutive 6-month period), so you should only take out what you need. This means you should never get a loan and go out to spend it on things like a brand-new watch or fancy clothes unless you are prepared to pay for those things later with interest! Some loans have more favorable terms, like the Subsidized Loans offered by the Department of Education, which are based on financial need. If you have to take out a loan, start with these and work your way from most favorable to least. My recommendation would be to compare interest rates and repayment options. 

The Only-If-You-Want-Tos:

You may find yourself offered things like Federal Work Study, regular gigs, or other work opportunities. These can be great opportunities for you to have a little bit of extra money in your pocket as a student, but they are not typically going to give you enough money to make a big impact on the payments due at the beginning of the semester. (I refer to it as “Pizza money”). So, weigh out the benefits before you accept: 

• Do you have time to take that regular church gig and keep up with your studies and rehearsal schedule? 
• Is that desk job going to offer you time to do some of your homework while you work, or will it force you to stay up later to complete all of your work? 

As a college student, it is up to you to decide what you need and what you can manage, but remember that your goal is to be a student first! 

Step 4: Compare Music School Programs, Awards, and Costs

Now that you know what the school will cost and the amount that they have offered, you are ready to compare. The conservatory that looked like it would be out of reach may be just as affordable as the state school down the road! 

As a musician, several factors play into your financial aid package, so you often won’t know the real cost until after you receive that offer. This is why it is so important to keep your options wide and focus on applying for scholarships and nailing your audition! 

How to Make Sure You Get the Maximum Amount of Aid

If you come from a family with high financial need, make sure that you keep a few schools on your list that have agreed to meet your full financial need. Schools that have made this commitment will meet your full financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA and CSS Profile, usually with a combination of scholarships and grants, although some will also include student loans. 

If you are auditioning or interviewing for a music scholarship, treat every moment of the process like you are asking someone for $100,000 — because you are! Being prepared for the audition is the minimum expectation. 

You should also be sure to:

• Be prompt in your responses
• Have all of your materials printed and ready (including your resume, repertoire list, and any additional materials)
• Always be courteous and polite throughout — not just to the faculty or admissions judges, but to each person you meet along the way, from the administrative team to the other applicants. 

Finally, apply, apply, apply! The key to getting a lot of scholarships is often applying for a lot of scholarships. While the bulk of your financial aid will likely come from your school, you should plan to apply for outside scholarships regularly. As a musician, you can, of course, participate in competitions that have financial prizes or scholarships attached, but don’t ignore those scholarships that are not related to music! Relatively small scholarships will add up. Make a goal to apply to a certain number each month and keep at it until everything is covered! 

Common Music College Funding Pitfalls to Avoid

Missed Deadlines

I can’t stress this enough. Missing a deadline is the easiest way to lose your funding. Were you supposed to confirm or respond by a specific date? Is the application due at 11:59 PM? – and in WHICH time zone? Don’t miss out over something small!

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

When making your school application list, make sure you have a variety of schools to choose from at the end. Remember, a safety school is not just a school that you know (or think) you can get into; it’s a school you know you can get into, enjoy, and afford! Shoot for that full scholarship out of state, but don’t ignore the great program that will be covered by your in-state scholarship. 

Know what you are looking at

Never blindly accept a financial aid offer. Know all of the terms and conditions that are in place for you to keep your scholarships from year to year, and only accept when you understand what each line means. This is a crucial point!

But the teacher said…

Sometimes a teacher will be very excited to offer you a space in their studio and may say something like “I’m sure we can get you a great scholarship!” This may seem like great news, and you should trust that teacher’s intention, but wait to commit until you have an offer in writing or see it on your financial aid offer letter. Faculty are not the only deciders of scholarship, these decisions may include Admssions staff, the Financial Aid Office, and others. Things change quickly, and you want to be sure that the funding is secure before you pack your bags.  

Take Control of Your Music School Journey

Paying for music school feels overwhelming for most students and families. By understanding the full cost of attendance, exploring all scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and inviting Inside Music Schools into your journey, you can feel more confident in preparing for critical interviews and auditions that most colleges consider when awarding funds. Our music college admissions experts can evaluate top programs that could be a best-fit for your aspirations and skills, helping to focus your application efforts and maximize your admissions opportunities.  

Talk with us to get a clear plan, reduce stress, and ensure you have the best opportunity to succeed in music school—and beyond.

FAQs About Paying for Music School

How is the Cost of Attendance different from tuition?

The COA includes both direct costs like tuition, fees, and room/board, and indirect costs like books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. This total gives a more realistic view of the expenses for a music student.

What types of financial aid are available for music students?

Financial aid typically comes as merit-based scholarships and grants, awarded based on skills, grades, or auditions, and need-based aid determined by FAFSA and sometimes the CSS Profile. Merit-based awards require maintaining certain standards, while need-based aid reflects your family’s financial situation.

How do I decide which loans or work-study options to accept?

Loans should be a last resort, prioritized from most favorable (like subsidized federal loans) to least favorable. Work-study or part-time jobs can help with extra expenses, but should not interfere with study or rehearsals.

Why might an expensive school be more affordable than it seems?

A school with a high sticker price may offer generous scholarships and financial aid that cover most costs. Always compare the net cost after aid rather than assuming the sticker price is final.

When should students start applying for scholarships?

Start early and apply consistently. Many schools have internal scholarships tied to auditions, while external scholarships (musical or general) can be applied for monthly. Multiple applications increase the chances of full coverage.

How can I make the most of a music scholarship audition?

Be thoroughly prepared: have your materials printed, respond promptly to requests, and remain courteous to everyone involved. Treat the audition like requesting a significant investment—it reflects your professionalism and commitment.

What should I watch out for when reviewing financial aid offers?

Check deadlines, understand all terms and conditions for scholarships, and never rely solely on verbal promises from teachers or staff. Confirm awards in writing to secure your funding. Some scholarship offers may only apply to your first year of study and not be automatically renewed. Read CAREFULLY!