Grants for recording-arts degrees are available from a variety of sources. Every student should file the FAFSA application for federal grant money. Some schools participate in state grant programs as well. Each individual school that offers degree programs in the recording arts has its own mix of merit and needs-based funds available, and some have endowed scholarship funds available. There also are business-based models for granting scholarship funds to students.
FAFSA Federal Grants
Grants are available from the federal government with the program FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grant money can be applied toward earning a degree in the recording arts. Applications can be made using the fafsa.ed.gov website, with instructions provided for the three-part application process. First, a list of required documentation is posted. Second, the actual application is posted to fill out with personal and financial information. Third, applicants can view the status of their applications online. A variety of grant, loan and work-study programs are covered with the FAFSA application.
McNally Smith College
McNally Smith College of Music of St. Paul, Minnesota, offers bachelor's and associate's degrees in music production and recording. It recommends a visit to its financial-aid office to review the availability of grants and student aid. Students may use FAFSA grants to attend McNally Smith, and the school participates in the Minnesota State Grant program. Funds also might be available through the Veterans Administration or the school's own scholarship fund.
Indiana University
Indiana University, in Bloomington, offers a Bachelor's in Recording Arts degree. Merit-based financial aid is available through the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Need-based financial aid is administered by the university's Office of Student Financial Assistance, located in Franklin Hall. Visit the school online at music.indiana.edu.
Belmont University
Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a Bachelor's in Audio Engineering Technology degree. Belmont offers a variety of merit-based scholarships. There also are endowed scholarships, for which students are automatically eligible for upon the completion of their applications and FAFSA.
Collegenet
Collegenet.com awards grants to college students using an unusual commercial and competitive model. By joining collegenet and posting to forums, members earn points. Those with the most points are awarded scholarships on a weekly basis.
