The Conservatory maintains a generous financial aid program, including scholarships, grants, loans and part-time employment. Approximately 92 percent of our students receive some portion of their assistance directly from Conservatory scholarships. Conservatory financial aid awards generally include gift assistance (scholarship or grant) and self-help assistance (loans and work opportunities). The recipient may accept all or any part of the aid offered.

An additional 15 percent of the student body receives financial assistance from outside sources such as state scholarships, local musical clubs, etc. Many students help finance their educational costs through loans, installment payment programs and part-time employment.

Students who are United States citizens or permanent residents applying for merit based scholarships or financial aid from the Conservatory must complete the SFCM Scholarship/Financial Aid Application (www.unifiedapps.org). Those applying for need-based financial aid in addition, must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (www.fafsa.ed.gov). ), our federal school code is 001278. Priority consideration for federal student aid funds will be given to applicants who file these forms by February 15. International students applying for Conservatory scholarship assistance, merit included, must complete the SFCM Scholarship/Financial Aid Application, the International Student Financial Aid Application and the Institutional Certification of Finances for International Students.

Students planning to attend the Conservatory are expected to apply for local, state and national scholarships for which they may be eligible. High school counselors have information on these awards. Residents of California are required to apply for grants awarded by the California Student Aid Commission. Forms may be obtained in December from high school advisors, by visiting www.csac.ca.gov, or by writing to the California Student Aid Commission, Sacramento, California 95814. The deadline for applying for California Student Aid Commission grants is March 1st.

Helpful Resources 

College Board Online
fastWEB
CAL Grant
FAFSA on the web
Financial Aid
PIN Number on the web

back to top