Our school was founded on the belief that affordability should not be a determining factor in getting a good education. Our admissions process is need-blind. With our service scholarship and grant programs, you’ll also graduate without student loans.
Apply for Financial Aid - 2 Easy Steps
- Complete the DRBU financial aid application
- Upload a signed copy of your most recent federal tax return to your application
You will receive a confirmation email from DRBU once your full application for financial aid has been received. Please allow four weeks for the application to be processed.
How Financial Aid Works at DRBU
The financial aid package is determined separately from university admission. The admissions committee has no information regarding the financial background of the student when making the admissions decision.
Each financial aid request is reviewed carefully in an effort to arrive at an accurate determination of need for financial assistance. This process takes into account each student’s family income, assets, family size, number of students in college, and other pertinent information.
The financial aid process is the same for undergraduate, graduate, and translation program students.
Types of Aid
All students accepted into this unique liberal arts program may apply for scholarships and grants.
The college receives no subsidies or grants from the state or federal government. Students and families are expected to make a sincere and thorough effort to cover the cost of tuition plus room and board from their own resources.
If prospective students have concerns about the cost of investing in their education after reviewing their resources, they should inquire about their eligibility for grants and scholarships with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. While the financial resources of the University are limited, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid works closely with students and their families to determine whether they are eligible on the basis of demonstrated financial need for all available scholarships and grants.
DRBU currently offers two types of need-based aid:
Service Scholarships: Students who are awarded a full Service Scholarship are expected to work 13 hours per week in such areas as food service, buildings maintenance, grounds maintenance, the library, or office clerical work.
University Grants: DRBU provides students with University Grants to meet remaining need. Grants are provided by generous donors who wish to offer support to accepted students who would not otherwise be able to attend. Students are not expected to repay the grants. A student must accept the maximum amount of Service Scholarship in order to receive a University Grant.
All students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for both the Service Scholarship and University Grants.
Disaster Relief Scholarship
DRBU offers need-based scholarships for students affected by catastrophic disasters such as the Mendocino Complex Fire, Camp Fire, or Hurricane Harvey. A disaster is defined as a “sudden occurrence which inflicts widespread catastrophic damage to a large geographic area and/or which generally affects a large number of individuals.” Disasters can be both natural and human-made. The applicant must have disaster-relief status with FEMA or comparable agency, or otherwise demonstrate financial need as a result of a loss of income or livelihood, or a loss or damage to home or property. All financial aid recipients are expected to participate in the DRBU work-study program. To apply, fill out the financial aid application.
COVID-19 Pandemic Scholarship
DRBU offers need-based scholarships for students affected by economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. All financial aid recipients are expected to participate in the DRBU work-study program. To apply, fill out the financial aid application.
Metta Scholarship for International Students
The Metta Scholarship for International Students is a need-based scholarship designed to support international students interested in engaging with DRBU's unique pedagogy and course of study. Receipt of the scholarship is contingent on a student’s successful admission to the program. Scholarship funding is available for all four years of the undergraduate program and two years of the graduate program. Students must re-apply annually, and each year we review the financial needs for all students, taking into account changes in the student’s or family’s financial circumstances. We work individually with every applicant and strive to meet 100% of each student’s demonstrated financial need. All financial aid recipients are expected to participate in the DRBU work-study program. To apply, fill out the financial aid application.
Loans
For the 2022–2023 academic year, students and parents will not be asked to take out government loans as a part of the financial aid package.
DRBU does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs at this time.
Deadlines
Incoming students must complete their application for financial aid by March 2 of the preceding school year or within 30 days of acceptance for a degree program, whichever is later.
Continuing students must complete the financial aid application annually by March 2 of the preceding school year.
Questions?
Download the Financial Aid Handbook
You can also check out our Financial Aid FAQs here or contact us by calling 707-621-7000 or sending an email to admissions@drbu.edu.