The George Mason Student Services Center, located in SUB I, Suite 1003 (Lower-Level Lobby on the Fairfax Campus), serves as the central resource to assist new and continuing students with questions related to registration and academic records, enrollment, financial aid, billing, and student accounts, eliminating the need for students to visit multiple offices.
Approximately 75% of George Mason University students receive some form of financial aid and many are receiving a combination of merit and talent-based scholarships.
Many university resources are available to assist you with obtaining academic scholarships, grants, and loans. In addition, we encourage you to work with our programs directly to learn more about program-specific and talent-based scholarships.
University Scholarships and Financial Aid for Applying Students
Admissions Merit Scholarships
George Mason awards millions of dollars in scholarships to incoming freshmen every year. These awards not only recognize strong academic talent and achievement, but also special talents and other personal characteristics, without regard to an applicant’s financial need.
All freshman applicants who apply by November 1 (the Early Action application deadline) will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships through the Office of Admissions and the Scholarship Committee. Students who apply Early Action are notified of their admissions decisions by mid-December, and the Scholarship Committee notifies students if they were awarded a scholarship no later than February.
University Scholars Awards
The University Scholars are selected from among the most outstanding students invited to the Honors College. This award is the highest academic distinction that George Mason offers to undergraduate students and is given annually to top high school seniors admitted to the university. Each year the University Scholars Program enrolls approximately 20 new first-year students, each of whom receives a scholarship covering the full cost of tuition over four years. Students receiving this award have exemplary records of academic achievement, and they have demonstrated intellectual vision and creativity, the potential to solve problems and overcome obstacles, and a commitment to meaningfully contributing to their communities.
Applications must be submitted by November 1 to receive priority consideration for the scholarship. Prospective freshmen should check the appropriate box for "University Scholar" on their applications. For more information, please visit the University Scholars website.
Financial Aid
If you’re interested in applying for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and submit it to George Mason by the deadline. It’s best to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available each year because some fund types are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s FAFSA will be delayed until December, and the deadline for submission to George Mason will be February 15 for new freshmen and returning George Mason students; March 1 for new transfer students. Full information is on George Mason’s Financial Aid website.
College of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships for Returning and Upper Class Students
Undergraduate Scholarships
Alice L. Watts Memorial Scholarship
Alice Watts worked at George Mason University for more than 25 years in a variety of capacities in the arts. Most recently, she served as the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Coordinator for Undergraduate Programs and Advising. In honor of her years of service, her dedication and the impactful contribution she made to our students and the university, we created the Alice L. Watts Memorial Scholarship in her memory.
This scholarship will be awarded each spring to an undergraduate CVPA major who is committed to building community within the college and the university.
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Scholarships
Selection of recipients is determined by the College of Visual and Performing Arts and is based on the completed university application and the audition/portfolio review required for acceptance to the major.
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts is a collaborative effort between the City of Fairfax, George Mason University and Spotlight. The mission is focused on enhancing awareness of the cultural arts opportunities available in the Fairfax area and providing scholarships to students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Fairfax County Spotlight on the Arts offers the following endowed scholarships:
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts – BP Endowed Scholarship in the Arts
A one-time award of $1,500 for a graduating senior from a public or private high school or home-schooled program in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax.
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts – Apple Federal Credit Union Endowed Scholarship in the Arts
A one-time award of $1,500 for a graduating senior from a school system serviced by Apple FCU (see www.applefcu.org for list).
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Scholarship – Ruth Haycock Endowed Scholarship in Piano
A one-time award of $3,000 paid in two installments over two years for a graduating senior from a public or private high school or home-schooled program in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax.
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Scholarship in Music for the Mason Community Arts Academy
A one-time award of $1,000.
Graduate Scholarships
Victoria N. Salmon Outstanding Graduate Student Award College of Visual and Performing Arts
Applications are now being accepted for the Victoria N. Salmon Award for distribution in the Fall 2025 term. The application is open until Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The Victoria N. Salmon Award for Outstanding Graduate Student is now open for Fall 2025 term. This award recognizes an outstanding graduate student who demonstrates thoughtful, artistic reflection while creating high quality work in the arts. The selected graduate student is one whose work advances scholarship in their own discipline and at the same time enhances the understanding of the arts in general.
The award offers up to $5,000 in tuition assistance and may be disbursed over two consecutive semesters. The application for this award opens each Spring semester for tuition assistance beginning the following Fall semester.
Successful applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Has completed (i.e. grades have been reported for) at least 18 credits of their degree requirements at the time of application
- Has earned an overall 3.5 (or better) GPA in coursework;
- Will be enrolled in the Fall 2025 semester but will not be a full-time GTA;
- Is pursuing a masters or doctoral degree – graduate certificate students are not eligible
Required Application Materials:
- Completed application form
- 500-word essay describing the applicant’s interests, accomplishments, and future plans within their field
- Name of the student’s selected recommender (graduate program director or faculty member) who will submit a letter and/or statement of recommendation on the student’s behalf.
This statement will be fulfilled via a link sent by the Office of Student Affairs to the student’s named faculty member/program director. As a professional courtesy, please make sure to ask for permission before naming someone as a reference on your application. - Submission deadline: Thursday, March 6, 2025. Essays (PDF) must be submitted to CVPA Student Affairs.
For further information about this scholarship, please contact CVPA Student Affairs.
Wells Fargo Arts Endowed Fund for Conference Support
The Wells Fargo Arts Endowed Fund supports scholarly work and creative opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University, including support for research expenses, conference attendance, and related travel expenses.
The application opens every September and February during the fourth week of the term. Funding is available for conference attendance occurring within the current semester or no later than 30 days past the end of the current semester.
Funding decisions will be completed no later than the end of the tenth week of each semester, and students will be notified via email.
Students may only apply once every two years (four semesters) for funding through this award.
Eligibility requirements
Eligible students must be:
- A declared CVPA major, pursuing an undergraduate OR graduate degree in the college;
- In good academic standing at the point of application;
- Must have completed a minimum of 45 credits (for undergraduate students); or at least 15 credits (for graduate students) at the point of application;
- Have not been funded from this specific award in the last four semesters.
Questions may be directed to Lauren Wagner.
Scholarships by Major for Returning and Upper Class Students
School of Art Scholarships
Each year, College of Visual and Performing Arts programs award scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional talent. In addition to the scholarships awarded in the sections above, some scholarships are offered by individual major. For further inquiries, please email the School of Art or call 703-993-8898.
Arts Management Scholarships
All applicants to the Arts Management Program at George Mason are considered for scholarships based on the merit of their academic history and professional promise. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, however to receive priority consideration for scholarships and funding, applications must be submitted by February 15 (Fall) and October 1 (Spring).
There are many different resources for students to use when searching for additional scholarship opportunities. The Arts Management Program offers two individual annual scholarships, the Erin Gaffney Memorial and the Andy Bursten Memorial.
Beyond GI Bill assistance, there are additional education benefits and scholarships available for active military, veterans and their dependents. The Office of Military Services can assist veterans, active duty service members, guardsmen, reservists, and dependents in finding funding for their education at George Mason.
Planning on participating in the International Arts Management Study Abroad Course? Find out about funding your trip through George Mason Study Abroad.
See the Arts Management website for additional information.
Computer Game Design Scholarships
Each year, College of Visual and Performing Arts programs award scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional talent.
In addition to the scholarships awarded in the sections above, some scholarships are offered by individual major. Below, are 3 scholarships offered by the Computer Game Design program:
- Computer Game Scholarship Fund and Program Support Fund
- The Beck Family Scholarship for Computer Game Design
- Tencent America Merit Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship
Find more information on the Computer Game Design website.
School of Dance Scholarships
Each year, College of Visual and Performing Arts programs award scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional talent. In addition to the scholarships awarded in the sections above, some scholarships are offered by individual major. Below are scholarships offered by the School of Dance.
- Dance Talent Scholarships
- Harriet Mattusch Special Recognition Award
- Kevin Campbell Summer Scholarships
Film and Video Studies Scholarships
The Film at Mason awards scholarships annually to sophomore, junior/incoming transfer, and senior Film students. Pitch Prizes are awarded every semester to students creating capstone works.
Contact Film at Mason if you have questions or for more information about Film scholarships.
School of Music Scholarships
Each year, College of Visual and Performing Arts programs award scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional talent.
In addition to the scholarships awarded in the sections above, some scholarships are offered by individual major.
The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music is committed to recognizing talent and potential through merit-based scholarship awards and the following two named awards:
- Monson Scholars Program
- Peterson Family Scholarship Endowment in the Vocal Arts
Find scholarships information at the Dewberry School of Music website.
School of Theater Scholarships
Each year, College of Visual and Performing Arts programs award scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional talent.
In addition to the scholarships awarded in the sections above, some scholarships are offered by individual major.
- Friends of Theater Scholarships – $2500 (each, up to 10 students)
- Howard Vincent Kurtz Theater Endowed Scholarship – $1000
- The Mack and Paulette Miller Theater Scholarship Endowment – $1500
- The Brower “BC” Spransy Memorial Scholarship Endowment – $1000
- The Chris Parsons Memorial Scholarship – $1000
- The Edward Jones Theater Scholarship – $1000
Visit School of Theater for more information on the above scholarships.