Resources for Merit Students & Parents

How is financial aid determined?
Financial aid is need-based, contingent upon household income and number of members in a household. Aid is based on a sliding scale up to 75% of tuition.

What income evidence is required?
Merit accepts any of the following documentary evidence of income:

• Most recent tax return
• W-2
• Signed letter from employer certifying employee income
• Proof of:
  • Unemployment
  • Social Security income
  • Medicaid
  • Disability benefits
  • Public assistance
  • Child support

If your family has been impacted by any extenuating circumstances not reflected in your evidence of income, please feel free to use the “Questions?” section in the financial aid form to explain any financial changes that you may have experienced so that we can take that into account when putting together your aid package.

How often do I need to submit my financial aid documents?

In order for us to maintain a fair and equitable process, families must resubmit their financial aid documents annually.

Student Services will keep your documents on file for one full calendar year.

Due to limited resources, submitting your documents does not guarantee your child will receive financial aid. Many factors are taken into consideration.

When will my financial aid be applied?

Your financial aid will be applied once it’s reviewed and approved by our Student Services team and you’ve pre-registered with SmartRec. Our team will then pre-load your SmartRec account with your financial aid package. You must apply for financial aid before you register for classes or lessons.

*Note: Financial aid documents (including 2022 tax documents) for 2023 fall registration must be submitted prior to registration. This is a necessary step to receiving your discount and allowing us to process it in time for it to be automatically applied to your invoice.

Are new students eligible to receive financial aid?

Both new and returning students can receive financial aid if their family’s tax return deems them eligible and if financial aid funds are still available.

As noted above, financial aid is a limited resource and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What would prevent a student from receiving financial aid?

There are a variety of reasons why a student might not receive financial aid:

• Household income exceeds the threshold to qualify for financial aid
• All of Merit’s financial aid has been distributed and there are no more funds available
  
  

Are there scholarship opportunities available in addition to financial aid?
Private lesson students are eligible for need- and merit-based scholarships to further subsidize their music education. Students do not apply for scholarships; scholarships are granted based on faculty recommendations and input from the Scholarship Committee. Donors and organizations that fund scholarships also determine the criteria for eligibility.

Competition scholarships are awarded to Conservatory level students on an annual basis. Information about competition scholarships and their processes are shared with qualifying students during the year. Competition scholarships are awarded based on third-party adjudication.

If you’re interested in private lesson or competition scholarships, speak with your teacher to see if they might be the right fit for you.