Students are awarded scholarships based upon merit and need. The Financial Aid Committee reviews students every year once their financial assistance application is complete. The Associate Dean for Financial Aid chairs the Committee. The members of the Committee vary, depending upon which students are being discussed. At different times the Financial Aid Committee has included: the Dean, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student and Legal Affairs, the Associate Dean for Performance Activities, the Associate Dean for Admissions, the Associate Dean & Registrar, the Director of Orchestral Activities, the Administrative Director of the Dance Division, the Administrative Director of the Drama Division, the Administrative Director of the Vocal Arts Department, the Associate Director of Financial Aid and the Director of International Advisement.

In examining a student’s financial situation, the Committee considers total educational debt, change in financial circumstances from the previous year, earnings from on-campus employment, availability of outside funds, and the student’s housing plans.