Need-Based Assistance

POLICIES
Supplemental financial assistance is awarded at The Curtis Institute of Music exclusively on the basis of financial need and is in addition to the merit-based full-tuition scholarship. Before turning to Curtis for supplemental assistance, students are expected to utilize funds from non-Curtis sources, including grants, loans, and scholarships available through private, public, and other sources whenever possible.

Curtis supplemental financial assistance policy:
Any student who demonstrates financial need will be awarded adequate assistance to attend school. No student will have to leave Curtis solely because of financial need. Financial assistance for living expenses is based solely on need.

Students who demonstrate need for assistance with living expenses will first be awarded loans and on-campus employment. If there is remaining need, Curtis may award a supplemental grant.

Students are required to notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance of changes in the family's financial situation.

Continued eligibility for Curtis-funded financial assistance requires that the student demonstrate academic and artistic progress according to the standards stated under Scholastic Standing on the Policies and Regulations page. The dean will interpret this policy for students not enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program and/or for students with special circumstances.

Federal requirements stipulate that students receiving U. S. Government financial assistance in the form of loans and/or grants must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 and must make progress toward completion of their degree. A full-time undergraduate student must complete a minimum of twenty-four credit hours per academic year and a full-time graduate student must complete a minimum of eighteen credit hours per academic year in order to advance a grade level. Any student whose course completion or GPA falls below the minimums will be on probation during the subsequent semester for purposes of federal funding. Students will be informed in writing if a probation period applies. The annual minimums described above
must be achieved by the conclusion of the subsequent term in order for the student to again be eligible for federal funding for the next term.

Additional definitions and policies related to U.S. Department of Education Title IV funding are available in the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Please call the director of student financial assistance at 215-717-3143 or send an e-mail to richard.woodland@curtis.edu for further information.