Tuition & Financial Aid 2025-2026
No member will be denied participation because of financial need!
The purpose of the EPSYO Financial Aid (FA) Program is to ensure that qualified students have access to high‑quality orchestral training regardless of financial circumstances. Financial Aid is intended to supplement, not replace, a family’s responsibility to contribute toward tuition.
Eligibility, Financial Aid is available to:
1- Students accepted into an EPSYO ensemble for the current season
2- Families demonstrating financial need through the official EPSYO Financial Aid Application
3- Returning and new students (aid is not automatic and must be requested each season)
Financial Aid does not apply to:
1- Raffle Tuition Fees, Uniforms, instruments, travel, or optional activities
Application Window:
In order to be considered, you must complete your EPSYO Membership Application 25–26 as well as the EPSYO Financial Aid Application 25–26. Please be sure to send in all required documents through the EPSYO website.
The EPSYO FA Application will be available beginning June 1 each year, with a submission deadline of August 1.
Review & Award Determination:
Financial Aid applications are reviewed confidentially by EPSYO administration and the EPSYO Board. Financial Aid awards may be partial and are not guaranteed to cover full tuition.
Awards are based on:
Demonstrated financial need, Available scholarship funds & Ensemble placement and tuition tier
Notification
1- Families will be notified of Financial Aid decisions via email.
2- Award notifications typically include:
3- Approved aid amount & Remaining tuition balance
5- You will receive a unique Pay by Link email to complete your tuition payment.
6-Payment deadline(s)
Note: Financial Aid is applied directly to the student’s tuition account. EPSYO does not disburse Financial Aid in the form of cash, checks, deposits, or reimbursements to families.
Tuition Balance
Any remaining tuition balance after Financial Aid is applied is the responsibility of the family.
Installment plans may be requested and must be approved by EPSYO administration.
Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in:
Suspension from rehearsals
Ineligibility to participate in concerts or events
Withdrawal from the program
Conditions of Financial Aid, Financial Aid is contingent upon:
1- 100 % Attendance and participation in the assigned ensemble
2- Compliance with EPSYO policies and code of conduct
3- Timely communication with the EPSYO office regarding financial concerns
4- EPSYO reserves the right to adjust or revoke Financial Aid if these conditions are not met
Confidentiality:
All Financial Aid applications and supporting documents are treated as confidential and are used solely for determining eligibility and award amounts.
Appeals:
1- Appeals may be submitted in writing via email if there is a significant change in a family’s financial situation
2- Appeals are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and are subject to available funds
Contact Information
For questions regarding Financial Aid, please call El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras (EPSYO)
Phone: (915) 525-8978
EPSYO reserves the right to modify this Financial Aid Protocol as needed to align with organizational policies, funding availability, and program needs.
epsyo Tuition Breakdown
EPSYO tuition for the season ranges from $1,800 – $2,600 depending on the ensemble. Fortunately, all accepted students are granted a subsidy, which reduces the tuition to the amounts listed below:
EPYO – El Paso Youth Orchestra: Tuition is $2,600. The EPSYO subsidy is $2,070, making the parent tuition after subsidy $530.
EPYS – El Paso Youth Symphony: Tuition is $2,100. The EPSYO subsidy is $1,620, making the parent tuition after subsidy $480.
EPYSE – El Paso Youth String Ensemble: Tuition is $1,800. The EPSYO subsidy is $1,370, making the parent tuition after subsidy $430.
EPYSP – El Paso Youth String Philharmonic: Tuition is $1,800. The EPSYO subsidy is $1,370, making the parent tuition after subsidy $430.
Because EPSYO accepts students year-round, tuition for new members only is prorated by one-fourth of the cost after each concert. Please note that all EPSYO members are also responsible for an additional $100 tuition raffle fee and full participation in the Vertical Raise fundraiser for the current season.
EPSYO Tuition & Raffle Tuition Explanation, what Is the Raffle Tuition?
- Each EPSYO orchestra has a set tuition amount, which includes a $100 Raffle Tuition component.
- Families receive 20 raffle tickets valued at $5 each (total value: $100). These tickets may be sold to friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who wishes to support the student.
- All money collected from raffle ticket sales stays with the family. Families may use these funds to offset their tuition cost by up to $100.
- Selling raffle tickets is completely optional. Families who choose not to sell the tickets are not required to do so and will simply pay the full tuition amount.
- This raffle is not a fundraiser for EPSYO. EPSYO does not retain any proceeds from raffle ticket sales. The raffle portion is considered part of the student’s tuition, and all raffle funds remain with the family.
- Important budgeting note: Full tuition, including the raffle portion, must be paid upfront. EPSYO budgets for the entire season in advance, regardless of whether raffle tickets are sold.
All tuition payments will be made through a unique Pay by Link, which each family will receive via email once their application has been processed or students have been placed through auditioning.
If you do not receive your Pay by Link via email, please call our office for assistance (915) 525-8978 or (915) 227-2299.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- UTEP/EPSYO SUMMER CHAMBER CAMP JULY 16 – JULY 18, 2025
- JULY 19 & JULY 20, 2025 (EPSYO Main Summer Auditions)
- AUGUST 1, 2025 EPSYO Financial Aid deadline for the 2025-2026 Season (NO exceptions)
- September 7, 2025 Start of 2025-2026 EPSYO Season
Award Criteria
New Applicants:
Once you have completed your application and submitted your supporting documents/FA fee, we will prep your submission to be reviewed by the Financial Award Committee. Once the review is complete, you will be notified of your award via official letter and email.
Aid is dispersed using a sliding scale formula taking into account your family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and number of dependents in your household. The tenants used in Texas and across the country via the free and reduced lunch assistance programs are also taken into consideration.
Returning Applicants:
Your financial award will be based upon several criteria, including, but not limited to:
- Your child’s attendance and citizenship in the EPSYO program;
- Adherence to the guidelines of the EPSYO program, set forth in the Membership Handbook/Agreement;
- Participation in ALL EPSYO FUNDARAISERS (This is a requirement to all those receiving financial aid);
- Meeting the MINIMUM REQUIRED VOLUNTEER HOURS set forth in the FA Agreement.
Financial Assistance Checklist
It is important to use this checklist before starting your application for Financial Aid with us.
Applications that are not completed in full, including supporting documents and fees, will not be reviewed by the Committee.
View Deadlines
Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. There is no guarantee of an award once the main application cycle closes.
Gather Documents
Most recent Income Tax Return. Supporting documents and payment must be submitted in order to apply for an award.
Apply Online
You are now ready to start your Financial Aid application! Please use the button below to begin.
Please contact our office if you are in need of Financial Assistance for the 2024-2025 season. Thank you!