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Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy.
Tuition & Financial Aid at Interlochen Arts Academy
Invest in Your Artistic Future
"At Interlochen, we are deeply committed to ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds—both domestic and international—can access an arts education, regardless of financial circumstances. We aspire to ensure that affordability never holds our students back from unlocking their potential."
— Trey Devey, President of Interlochen Center for the Arts
Interlochen is committed to creating a community that values accessibility and transcends barriers. Our financial aid program aims to bridge the gap for students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance, while also recognizing and rewarding exceptional talent through merit-based scholarships. Our goal is to advance access and opportunity for qualified individuals.
We ask that every family make a sincere effort to contribute what they can toward the cost of their student’s education, as part of our shared commitment to this mission. We are dedicated to making the financial aid process straightforward, efficient, and fully confidential.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We make every effort to ensure that financial need does not prevent talented students from attending Interlochen. Here’s how we support our community of young artists:
- We award $17.5 million in total financial aid annually.
- 83% of our students receive merit scholarships and need-based financial assistance.
- Interlochen offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based assistance to domestic and international students.
- Our graduates receive nearly three times more college scholarships than the average public or charter school student.
If your family chooses to apply for financial aid, our Office of Admission & Financial Aid will work closely with you to guide and support you throughout the process. We take into account your financial situation, cost of living, and other relevant circumstances.
2024-2025 Tuition
$78,725
Boarding Students
$44,530
Day Students
Fees & Additional Expenses
- Apple Laptop Requirement (own or purchase new): Cost varies
- Books and Supplies: Arts major expenses $200-700; Books ~$600
- Transportation to/from Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport: $15 per ride
- Travel, College Testing, and Personal Spending Money
- English as a Language Fee (if required): $7,200
- International Student Fee: $770
- English as a Language Fee (if required): $7,200
- Health Insurance for International Students: $1,160 (estimate)
- First-Year 12th Grade and Postgraduate Fee: $5,000
Payment Options
We offer a variety of payment options so you can decide which plans best suit your family's needs. Explore Payment Options
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit an Application for Admission: Ensure that your application is submitted by the posted deadline.
- Complete the Clarity Financial Aid Application.
- Create an Account: Follow the prompts to complete your required account information.
- Fill out the Application: Complete and submit your application, which typically takes under 30 minutes. You can save your progress to return later. The application is mobile-friendly, so you can complete it from anywhere.
- Pay the Fee: A $60 submission fee is required. You can share your application with other schools that accept Clarity at no extra charge by selecting them from the dropdown menu.
- Receive your Admission Decision: You will receive your financial aid package, if applicable, at the same time as your admission decision.
Key Dates
Mark Your Calendars
Sept. 1, 2024: Interlochen Arts Academy begins to accept admission and financial aid applications.
Nov. 15, 2024: Early Decision Deadline for admission and financial aid. The Early Decision Deadline allows for priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships.
Jan. 15, 2025: Regular Decision Deadline for both admission and financial aid.
Applications submitted after Jan. 15 will be reviewed based on available space and funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interlochen offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. Merit-based scholarships recognize students with exceptional artistic talent, while need-based aid is based on family income and financial circumstances.
- Nov. 15, 2024: Early Decision Deadline (priority consideration for scholarships)
- Jan. 15, 2025: Regular Decision Deadline
Applications submitted after Jan. 15 will be reviewed based on available space and funding.
Yes, international students can apply for both merit-based and need-based aid. To be considered for any type of aid, families must complete the Clarity application, including the Non-US Tax Filer Verification. Canadian students must submit the T1, T4, and Notice of Assessment.
In situations where parents or guardians are divorced, separated, or unmarried, Interlochen Arts Academy requires each parent or family to submit a separate financial aid application. Each application is handled confidentially.
Demonstrated need is the difference between what a family can reasonably afford to contribute toward tuition and the annual tuition rate. Factors like earnings, assets, dependents, and living expenses are considered.
No, Interlochen’s financial aid does not need to be repaid.
Clarity provides support via their app, email, and phone. For more information, consult Clarity’s Family Application Guide (available in English and Spanish).
Questions?
Contact Ken LaBate.
Executive Dean of Admission
Email: finaid@interlochen.org
Phone: 231.276.7372
