Robert and Sheila Challey Music Scholarships
Established in 2006, the NDSU Challey Scholarship Fund is committed to attracting and sustaining the finest music students in the region.
Scholarships for music majors are available on the basis of need, academic achievement, musicianship, and service to the music department. Please note that the scholarships listed below are for music majors. To learn about scholarships for non-music majors, please scroll to the "Non-Major Music Scholarships" section.
Bill Euren Fellowship
Named in honor of the uncle of Robert Challey and Director of Bands at NDSU from 1948-1968, the Euren Fellowship is awarded to an incoming music major each year and will be equivalent to full tuition costs for four years.
Myrtle Euren Challey Scholarship
The amount of these awards named in honor of Robert Challey's mother is at least one-quarter the amount of full tuition for four years.
Patricia Yvonne Bizicki Scholarship
Named in honor of Sheila Challey's mother, the amount of these awards is at least one-quarter the amount of full tuition for four years.
Robert and Sheila Challey Scholarships
These are additional awards of significant support that are presented to both incoming and continuing majors in music.
How to Apply for a Music Scholarship
To apply for a music scholarship, please follow the steps below. One completed application form is sufficient for consideration for all departmental and Challey scholarships. If you have any questions, please contact us at ndsu.music@ndsu.edu.
Scholarship Auditions
- Complete the online scholarship application form prior to your audition date.
- Attend our Music Scholarship Audition Days for voice or instrumental students* on either January 29 or February 8, 2027.
If neither of these dates work for your schedule, please contact ndsu.music@ndsu.edu to arrange an audition on a different date.
*If you are a piano student, please contact Dr. Tyler Wottrich directly at tyler.wottrich@ndsu.edu to schedule an audition.
- Review the audition requirements here.
- Review the Scholarship Audition Frequently Asked Questions.
Non-Music Major Scholarships
The Challey School of Music is pleased to offer non-major scholarships for ensemble participation based on ensemble need and student qualification. These scholarships will be available on a case-by-case basis following either prospective student scholarship auditions on January 29 or February 8, 2027, or beginning-of-semester ensemble auditions.
Please contact our Director of Bands Dr. Daniel Lee (daniel.lee.3@ndsu.edu) or Director of Choral Activities Dr. Dwight Jilek (dwight.jilek@ndsu.edu) for more information about applicable ensemble auditions and repertoire expectations.
Other NDSU Scholarship Opportunities
Guaranteed NDSU Scholarships
Students who are admitted and who meet the academic criteria and transcript deadlines are guaranteed a scholarship at NDSU.
Other NDSU Scholarships and Financial Aid
Maximize your scholarship and financial aid opportunities by submitting the NDSU scholarship application and FAFSA.
More information is available at ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships.
Estimating & Comparing Scholarships & Costs
It’s important to get all of the figures to help you make your final decision. Some schools may advertise generous scholarship packages, but also begin with significantly higher tuition rates, leaving many students with a higher out-of-pocket cost than expected. Comparing full costs with scholarships will help you understand your final cost.
| Finances | School 1 (NDSU Music) | School 2 (Typical Private College) |
|---|---|---|
| Published Tuition, Room & Board, and Fees | ~$23,000* | ~$45,000** |
| Scholarships | ~$3,500*** | ~$15,000**** |
| Final Student Cost | ~$19,500 | ~$30,000 |
Reach out to us to request your customized budget calculator worksheet so you can compare costs, scholarships, and the bottom line across schools.
To learn more about costs, scholarships and financial aid, visit ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid.
*Average NDSU tuition,fees, and scholarships for a North Dakota resident, from NDSU Office of Admission.
**Based on average published tuition and fees for private nonprofit four-year colleges, from College Board's Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025.
***Average combination of guaranteed and music scholarships, from NDSU Office of Admission and Challey School of Music.
****Illustrative of potential scholarships; will vary by institution and financial aid package.