Scholarships and Financial Aid

Let's face it...

College is expensive. But you might be surprised to learn that approximately 82% of our performing and visual artists receive artistic merit scholarships from Meadows and additional merit and financial need-based aid is available for those who qualify. Academically and artistically advanced students can also be candidates for our Meadows Scholars program or SMU's Presidential Scholars or Hunt Leadership Scholars program. At the Meadows School of the Arts, we value talent, dedication and intellectual ability above all else. Don't let the price tag scare you.

Undergraduate Scholarships
In conjunction with the financial aid administered by SMU, we offer undergraduate scholarships at the Meadows School in Studio Art, Dance, Music and Theatre. These programs provide a limited number of tuition scholarships to students with the highest promise for success. Applicants are reviewed by the faculty and administration, and scholarships are awarded to those who have been determined to possess the highest quality artistic and academic credentials and potential. These awards vary in amount based upon this evaluation and are contingent upon formal admission to SMU and acceptance to a Meadows program.

All new undergraduate and transfer performing and visual arts scholarship applicants are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile after January 1st of your application year. These forms are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.collegeboard.com and have to be completed each year. Be sure to include SMU's school code on your submissions: 003613(FAFSA) and 6660 (CSS Profile). Upon completion, you may request that the information on the forms be sent to other colleges that you apply to.

Some applicants feel their family income is too high to qualify for need-based funds. If this is the case and you choose not to fill out the FAFSA or CSS Profile, you must complete the Meadows FAFSA/CSS Profile Waiver Form.

General Information
Other than the admission and application requirements outlined for each academic area and listed elsewhere on this site, there is no separate application for Meadows financial aid. If you apply and meet all the requirements for admission, you will automatically be considered for these merit scholarships.

Scholarship awards are made beginning March 15 with the bulk of awards offered during the month of April. Learn more about financial aid options at SMU.