Scholarships

The students who are enrolled in the Schools of Performing and Visual Arts provide the energy and vibrancy Chautauqua welcomes and celebrates each summer. Philanthropy makes possible the continued flow of fresh talent and creative vigor that is at the heart of the Chautauqua experience.

Extraordinary talent and desire bear no relation to financial means. Countless Chautauqua dancers, musicians, actors, artists, writers and singers have come to study here from limited financial backgrounds, then have gone on to achieve prominence in their art forms. 

The average cost of tuition, room and board — which varies slightly based on the program in which the student is enrolled — is approximately $4,700. It is an ongoing challenge to ensure that all students — regardless of their economic means — are provided the opportunity to study their craft and excel in their creative endeavors at Chautauqua. Currently, approximately 85% of the students enrolled at Chautauqua will receive financial aid with the average scholarship award covering about 65% of their overall cost to attend.

It is rare that in the course of our everyday actions we have the unique opportunity to so directly shape the life of a young person and to help propel his or her artistic future. And yet, that is precisely what a scholarship gift does.

Annual scholarship gifts of $1,000 or more are recognized by name and benefactors are provided the opportunity for personal connection with the student(s) their scholarship gift supports.