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Fees & Financial Assistance

Financial circumstances should not prevent young singers from exploring their artistry. The Songbook Academy® offers application fee waivers and full or partial program fee assistance to help make participation possible.

 

2027 Fees

Application fee

  • $35 through December 31, 2026
  • $50 beginning January 1, 2027


Application fees, if paid, are non-refundable. If you need a fee waiver, please request and receive approval before submitting your application.


Program fee: $1,250

The program fee covers the eight-day experience, July 17–24, 2027, including:

  • Tuition, coaching, workshops, and program activities
  • Housing at Butler University
  • Meals
  • Transportation between program housing and scheduled activities


The full cost of providing the Songbook Academy experience is more than $5,000 per student. Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, every participant receives a subsidized program rate of $1,250. Additional need-based assistance is available to help cover that fee.


Travel to and from the program is not included.

 

Application Fee Waivers

If paying the application fee presents a financial barrier, email SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org before submitting your application.

 

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How to request an application fee waiver

Provide documentation of one of the following, if available:

  • Free or reduced-price school meals based on household financial eligibility
  • SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), sometimes called food stamps
  • An ACT or SAT fee waiver


If you do not qualify for these programs or cannot provide documentation, contact us to arrange an alternative way to support your request, such as a brief statement from a parent, guardian, counselor, teacher, or another trusted adult. If approved, staff will provide a waiver code to use when submitting through Acceptd. Please reach out early enough to receive approval before the application deadline.

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Application fee waivers and program fee assistance are separate requests. If you need both, request a fee waiver by email and complete the financial assistance section of your application.

 

Full & Partial Program Fee Assistance

Any applicant who needs help paying the program fee may request assistance through the optional financial assistance section of the application.

Financial assistance information is reviewed only by authorized Songbook Academy staff and financial assistance reviewers. Requests are reviewed separately from artistic evaluations and do not affect admission decisions.

Accepted students with verified documentation of income-based free or reduced-price school meal eligibility, SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or an ACT or SAT fee waiver qualify for full program fee assistance.

If you do not have this documentation, you may still request full or partial assistance based on your household’s financial circumstances.

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How to request assistance with qualifying-program documentation

Upload documentation confirming eligibility for income-based free or reduced-price school meals, SNAP benefits, or an ACT or SAT fee waiver.

Verified documentation qualifies you for full program fee assistance if you are accepted. No additional household financial information or supporting letter is required.

 

How to request assistance without qualifying-program documentation

You may still be considered for full or partial assistance. Complete the questions about household income, household size, current financial circumstances, and your ability to pay the program fee.

Upload a brief letter from a parent, guardian, counselor, caseworker, teacher, or another trusted adult familiar with your financial circumstances, explaining the financial barriers affecting your ability to pay. Tax returns and recommendations about musical ability are not required.

If you do not have someone who can provide a letter, contact SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org before the application deadline so we can arrange an alternative way to support your request.

The committee considers household resources and circumstances together. Income alone does not determine an award, and assistance through this review is not guaranteed.

 

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Travel Costs
Students and families are responsible for travel to and from the program. Travel assistance is not available at this time.

The application asks whether travel costs would remain a barrier even with full program fee assistance. Your response will not reduce your eligibility for program fee assistance.

If travel costs may prevent you from attending, please contact staff before making arrangements so we can discuss your situation.

 

Questions or Need Help?

Contact SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org or 317-844-2251. We are happy to help you understand the options and complete your request.

View application requirements and deadlines | Apply Now on Acceptd