Financial Aid at Berklee

There are two main forms used to help Berklee award need-based financial aid: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. We encourage you to submit the applicable forms as soon as possible. Students applying for regular action who have submitted their forms and fully completed any required documents will receive their need-based aid award along with their admissions decision.

All students should plan ahead and develop a sound financial plan regardless of the outcome of their aid application. All financial aid is designed to supplement your own contribution to your education, and the more sources of funding you have available, the more successful you will be in financing your education.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is an online federal application used to determine eligibility for undergraduate and graduate federal financial aid, including federal grants, loans, some state funds, and federal work-study. We strongly encourage all citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. to submit the FAFSA. Watch a video from Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) to learn more about the FAFSA.

Log in to fafsa.ed.gov to start your application or fill out and submit the FAFSA using the myStudentAid app for iOS or Android. Use Berklee's federal school code—002126—when prompted. For assistance with completing the FAFSA, please contact the studentaid.gov Student Support Center at 1-800-433-3243.

College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile  

The CSS Profile is a non-federal form that further helps us assess your family’s eligibility for need-based institutional funding.*

Complete the CSS Profile by logging in to cssprofile.collegeboard.com. Use Berklee's CSS school code—3107—when prompted.

*Only Berklee College of Music undergraduate domestic entering students will be considered for institutional need-based funding before they start their program.

Which forms should I fill out and what are the deadlines?


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Use this FAFSA infographic created by the Federal Student Aid Department for an easy-to-follow view of FAFSA preparation and completion.

Other Dates and Deadlines:

  • College, Conservatory, and Berklee NYC students: see the academic calendar for term dates and important tuition deadlines.
  • Berklee Online students: see the academic calendar for term dates and tuition deadlines.

What types of aid will I be considered for?


Other Aid Opportunities

  • State Grants
    Almost every state education agency has at least one grant or scholarship available to residents. Learn how to search for grants available in your state.

  • Outside Scholarships
    All students are encouraged to research and seek out as many outside scholarships as possible. We believe it's worth the effort, as in most cases these funds do not need to be paid back.

  • Alternative Loan Options
    Many private lenders offer educational loans to students and families to assist with bridging the gap between your available resources and total educational costs. Learn how to use ELMSelect and Credible to search for private loans.


Financing Guides Available

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Need more guidance on deciding the best way to pay for your Berklee education? See our Undergraduate Award Guide or our Graduate Financing Guide


For more information:

Read our financial aid policies and procedures. Browse our FAQ's.

Questions? We're here to help.

To speak with a member of the Student Financial Services team, contact us Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, at 617-747-2274 or financialaid@berklee.edu.