How generous is Bienen School Music with merit scholarships during ED and regular?

[genghispekhan]

I’m considering applying Early Decision (the acceptance rate is more than double the regular decision) for their clarinet program yet I’m still curious if scholarships can still be rewarded. I heard ED in general there is no incentive for admissions officers to give students merit scholarships.

[Mwfan1921]

Do you have ED vs RD stats just for Bienen? If not, I am not sure the overall ED and RD rates are a good analog for Bienen’s.

Bienen’s website instructs potential applicants to contact them if one is considering applying ED to Bienen:

Do you have an Early Decision round for undergraduate applicants?

Yes. Those interested in Early Decision should first contact the Bienen School’s Office of Admission, Financial Aid and Graduate Services: musiclife@northwestern.edu.

https://www.music.northwestern.edu/admission/undergraduate/faq

Bienen does offer merit scholarships…they are highly competitive and reduce one’s calculated need (so, no stacking):

Each year, the Bienen School of Music will also award selective merit-based scholarships to those whose musical auditions demonstrate remarkable excellence. Since Northwestern is a need-based financial aid institution, merit scholarships will be a factor in calculating offers based upon a family’s demonstrated financial need.

When you speak with someone at Bienen, you should directly ask about the merit aid in ED vs. RD.

https://www.music.northwestern.edu/admission/undergraduate/financial-aid

Run NU’s net price calculator to get an estimated COA, because scholarships don’t stack this should be fairly accurate (although based on 2019/20 costs). Note the NPCs may not be accurate if your parents are divorced, own a business, or own real estate beyond a primary home.

Good luck.