Financial Aid Policy

Priority is given to low-income, first-time students. Financial assistance aid is based on the availability of funds, number of requests, participation history and other factors determined by each program director. This policy outlines the eligibility criteria and application guidelines.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet minimum income criteria outlined below by family size. These income guidelines are based on 130% of the federal poverty guidelines and are inclusive of all household income.

The percentage of financial awards will be based on a sliding scale based on income. Income eligibility alone does not guarantee financial assistance, but serves as primary criteria for requesting financial aid.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

• Applicants must complete and turn in both an enrollment form and financial aid form for each request. Applicants must also attach verification of household income from all sources. Financial aid applications cannot be processed without completed forms and all required documentation.
• If the applicant has no income or unique income sources, a brief note explaining your circumstances will be accepted.
• All information collected will remain confidential.
• Requests for financial aid are reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee.

• Acceptable forms of income verification include:
  • statement of student financial aid
  • benefit letters from social security
  • statement of benefits from unemployment or welfare agency
  • alimony agreement
  • most recent tax return
• Arts Center staff will notify applicants of their award amount prior to the start date of the session.
• Some classes are exempt from financial aid assistance, such as private lessons, classes that are co-sponsored, off-site, and special workshops.