SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Perhaps the most daunting aspect of the college search process is determining how to pay the cost of attending. Rice University is committed to providing financial assistance for our students and to making the process of getting that aid as painless as possible.

Financial assistance may be in the form of need-based funds awarded through the Rice University Office of Financial Aid or a merit scholarship from the Shepherd School of Music. Rice University meets 100% of a student’s demonstrated need, and need-based assistance for students whose total family income is less than $30,000 will contain no loans, only grants and work-study.

Music students who wish to be considered for a merit award are required to apply for need-based assistance and complete the Shepherd School Financial Assistance Application. Merit scholarships are renewable as long as the student remains enrolled full-time in the degree program into which he or she was admitted and is making satisfactory progress toward the degree.

To apply for financial assistance, you must complete all of the following steps:

• Complete the CSS PROFILE form.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Mail a signed copy of your parents' 2007 federal income tax return and W-2 forms (including schedules and attachments) and a signed copy of your 2007 federal income tax return and W-2 forms (if you file) to the College Board using the IDOC cover sheet. Use the IDOC Service website to get the IDOC cover sheet and to check your IDOC status. Do NOT mail or fax tax return items directly to Rice.
• Complete the Shepherd School Financial Assistance Application and mail it to:

Office of Music Admissions
Shepherd School of Music – MS 532
Rice University
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892