25 Great Art Scholarships for Design & Art Majors
As more students express interest in working in the visual and performing arts, colleges and institutions of higher learning keep adding new programs and scholarships for art & design. These scholarships give students enough money to pay for their books and supplies or room, board and tuition at a school of their choosing. Designed as an alternative to traditional student loans, these programs give art students money they can use for their schooling that they don’t need to pay back later.
Southampton College – LIU Academic Awards
Deadline: Prior to start of school year
Southampton College offers several scholarships for art & design students through its LIU Academic Awards program. Designed for students with a high grade point average, students qualify for one or more of the academic scholarships if they have a minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher from a high school or accredited undergraduate college. Winners of the scholarship earn a minimum of $5,000, and some of the higher scholarships award students free tuition, room and board. The college also offers other scholarships for transfer students and employees or family members of employees working for Suffolk County.
Contact
121 Speonk-Riverhead Road
Riverhead, New York 11901-3499
(631) 287-8010
riverhead@liu.edu
Screen Actors Guild John L. Dales Scholarship Fund – Standard Scholarships
Deadline: March 15
John L. Dales worked as an attorney for the Screen Actors Guild, which serves as a union for performing artists. SAG provides actors, models and other workers with access to healthcare and other benefits. Dale started his scholarship fund to help members of SAG and their dependents attend college. Applicants must complete an in depth application that asks about their connection to SAG, why they need financial aid and how they will use the money. Winners can use the scholarship money to pay for any costs relating to their studies.
Contact
5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 124
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 549-6649
dlloyd@sagfoundation.org
Screen Actors Guild John L. Dales Scholarship Fund – Transitional Scholarships
Deadline: March 15
The John L. Dales Scholarship Fund also offers transitional scholarships, which are available to current members of SAG. All applicants must be a member of SAG and be current on their membership dues, have lifetime earnings through SAG of $150,000 or less and include a copy of his or her current tax documents with the application. Prior to receiving a scholarship, applicants must also write an essay of no more than 750 words and obtain two letters of recommendation from friends or colleagues. Winners receive a check directly from the scholarship fund after proving they will attend an accredited college in the coming year.
Contact
5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 124
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 549-6649
dlloyd@sagfoundation.org
Cornish College of the Arts (WA) Scholarships
Deadline: Anytime prior to the new semester
Cornish College of the Arts believes that every student deserves access to affordable classes, which is why nearly every student receives a scholarship or some type of financial aid. After completing the FAFSA, students send a copy of their portfolio or audition in front of a group of teachers at the school. The school looks at the grade point average, test scores and other factors to determine how much financial aid a student needs. Students can keep their Cornish Scholarship by maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact
Office of Financial Aid
Main Campus Center, Floor 3
1000 Lenora St., Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 726-5014
agarcia@cornish.edu
Furman University Art Scholarships
Deadline: January 25, February 1
Furman University offers art scholarships to students that demonstrate experience and talent in one of several fields. Smaller scholarships award students $1,000 to $2,000, but the school also has competitive scholarships that let students win $14,000 or more. To apply for one of those scholarships, students must attend a session on campus on either January 25 or February 1. Students can showcase their past work through a portfolio, and the school will make its decisions by April of the same year.
Contact
3300 Poinsett Hwy.
Greenville, SC 29613
(864) 294-2034
admission@furman.edu
Website
Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards – Art
Deadline: March 1
After filling out and filling a FAFSA, Hope College recommends that parents and prospective students complete a scholarship and financial aid application through the school. Students interested in one of the art scholarships available must complete a portfolio. They can submit up to 15 high-quality digital slides or images that showcase their work. Students must agree to take one class in their field each semester and keep a GPA of 2.6 or higher to keep the scholarship. Applicants can complete the scholarship packet when applying for financial aid.
Contact
Ms. Kristin Underhill, Department of Art & Art History
PO Box 9000
Holland, MI 49422
(616) 395-7500
underhill@hope.edu
Loyola University/Academic Scholarships
Deadline: December 1
Academic scholarships through Loyola University are available to students who demonstrate a high proficiency for art or other academic topics. As the school notifies students of their acceptance into the school by February 1, the university encourages students to apply for a scholarship by December 1 of the previous year. The school takes into account the grade point average and test scores of each applicant and awards money to students best suited for the college.
Contact
Office of Student Financial Assistance
Loyola University Chicago
1032 W. Sheridan Road
Chicago, Illinois 60660
(800) 262-2373
emoore@luc.edu
Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships
Deadline: April 30
The Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship is a special program offered through the Poetry Foundation. Unlike other programs and funds, this fellowship is only available to students who apply for the funds through an online system. Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 31, be a citizen of the United States and apply by the posted deadline. Applicants write a 250 word essay that introduces their work and include 10 of their poems. The foundation will announce the finalists in August and inform the winners in September.
Contact
hamos@poetrymagazine.org
Website
MSU Moorhead Talent Scholarships
Deadline: March 31
Minnesota State University Moorhead awards several talent scholarships every year that give students $500 to $1,000 for their educational costs. All applicants must obtain one or more letters of recommendation and write a short letter that explains their future career goals. Students also need to show proof of past work through a digital portfolio or a CD with their work clearly listed on it. The talent scholarship is open to freshman and incoming students. Current students can apply for a new talent scholarship, but the deadline for current students is February 28.
Contact
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Department of Art & Design
Attn: Shirlee Holland
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
blunsom@mnstate.edu
North American International Auto Show High School Poster Contest
Deadline: November 22
The North American International Auto Show holds a High School Poster Contest every year. The contest is open to sophomore, junior and senior students enrolled in a Michigan high school. Grand prize winners of the Chairman’s and State Farm Award receive $1,000, while two Best in Show winners receive $500. Smaller cash prizes of $250 and $100 are available for the top posters in different grades. Posters must measure 25″ by 21″ and include the theme and phrases required each year.
Contact
NAIAS
1900 West Big Beaver
Suite 100
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 283-5138
sherp@dada.org
Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Competition
Deadline: February 7
Designed for students interested in the performing arts, the Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Competition awards prizes in creative writing, dance, music, visual arts and theater. The program is only open to high school seniors living and attending school in South Carolina who plan to attend college in the state. Applicants must complete an application and show a sample of their work. They can submit a short video of a dance performance, a short play or one piece of artwork. Students can apply for a scholarship beginning in December.
Contact
Scot Hockman
1429 Senate Street
Suite 607-B
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-0323
shockman@ed.sc.gov
CBC Spouses Heineken USA Performing Arts Scholarship
Deadline: May 1
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation gives 10 students a maximum cash prize of $3,000 every year. It is open to all high school students planning to attend college and all undergraduates. Applicants must have an interest in obtaining a performing arts degree and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The application form requires a Federal Student Aid Report, two letters of recommendation, a recorded sample, a photograph of the applicant and a personal essay of no more than 1,000 words. Applicants file the necessary forms with a completed application.
Contact
1720 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 263-2800
scholarships@cbcfinc.org
Waverly Community House Inc. – F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarships
Deadline: December 15
The F. Lammont Belin Arts Scholarship is open to all students living in southeastern Pennsylvania. Applicants must demonstrate experience in a specific area of the performing arts and complete a budget with the application. The budget shows how the student will use any money received from the foundation. All applications must have a postmark of December 15 or earlier, and the foundation will get in touch with finalists within 90 days. Finalists must appear in front of a selection committee before that committee makes its final decision.
Contact
Belin Arts Committee
Waverly Community House
PO Box 142
Waverly, Pa 18471
(570) 586-8191, extension 2
FIDM Designer of Tomorrow Scholarship Competition
Deadline: April 30
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising offers several scholarships for students hoping to attend classes on any of its four campuses. The Designer of Tomorrow is available for graphic designers, fashion designer, visual designers and students studying other aspects of design. One winner in each of the seven fields wins one year of free tuition, and other winners receive $5,000 scholarships. Students can apply for a free application online and submit their completed forms and a portfolio before the deadline for a chance to win one of the scholarships.
Contact
919 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles CA, 90015
(800) 624-1200
Website
UMW Mary Baker Emerick Art Scholarships
Deadline: March 1
The University of Western Montana awards 10 scholarships of $2,000 to worthy art students every year through its Mary Baker Emerick scholarship fund. Winners can renew their scholarships each year if they agree to continue majoring in an arts field and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must first apply for financial aid by filing the FAFSA form. After receiving notice of the financial aid they qualify for, they can contact the school and apply for this scholarship or any other scholarships.
Contact
710 S. Atlantic St.
Dillon, Mont. 59725
(406) 683-7331
Music Center SPOTLIGHT Award – Visual Arts
Deadline: December 1
The Music Center offers students the chance to learn more about performing arts without taking a number of general education or unrelated courses. Its Spotlight Award offers winners the chance to take classes and attend educational workshops without paying for those experiences. The Music Center notifies semifinalists by February 3, and visual arts students must attend an interview and reception in the next few weeks. Finalists attend a luncheon towards the end of March, and winners of the award attend a Spotlight Awards Gala Performance in April.
Contact
135 N Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 250-ARTS
education@musiccenter.org
Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation launched as a way to help students interested in graphic arts and printing professions afford college. Since starting in 1956, the foundation gave away millions of dollars to students. Potential award packages now range from a few hundred dollars to packages that cover tuition and all expenses for a single year, and students can renew their scholarships each year. As the PGSF continually adds new scholarships, the application deadline for the programs varies, but new applications become available every year in November.
Contact
200 Deer Run Road,
Sewickley, PA 15143
(412) 259-1740
pgsf@printing.org
Scribendi Writing and Art Contest
Deadline: October 10
The Scribendi Writing and Art Contest is open to all students currently enrolled in an Honors level program through an accredited university and live in one of the 11 states that comprise the Western Regional Honors Conference. Winners receive $250 for use towards their educational expenses. Students must complete an application form and submit a minimum of one of their previous works. Applicants can submit copies of up to three works when applying.
Contact
University Honors Program, MSC06 3890
University College Rm. 21
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-7407
scribend@unm.edu
Stanfield and D’Orlando Art Scholarships
Deadline: February 15
The Unitarian Universalist Association offers the Stanfield and D’Orlando Art Scholarships for Unitarian Universalist students. Students must enroll in an accredited college or university, be a member of the faith and demonstrate that they need money for school. Though the scholarship is only valid for one year, students can reapply each year. After applying in February, the association will inform winners in May, and those winners will receive their money before classes begin in the fall.
Contact
Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-2100
info @ uua.org
Two Ten Footwear Design Scholarship
Deadline: March 3
The Two Ten Footwear Foundation offers a unique scholarship designed for students interested in designing and creating shoes after graduation. Specifically open to design students, those students can apply for the scholarship from December to March of each year. The foundation informs winners in June and send them money before the next school year starts. Applicants can reapply for a new scholarship as long as they continue their studies, and the deadline for current scholarship holders is April 1.
Contact
Two Ten Footwear Foundation
1466 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
(855) 670-ISTS
contactus@applyists.com
Carole Fielding Student Grants
Deadline: December 15
Carole Fielding was a long-time member of the University Film & Video Association, a professor and a frequent contributor to the film and video world. The UFVA now offers $5,000 grants for students planning to follow in her footsteps. Available to film and video students, past recipients used their money to fund student films and other projects, but many students also use the grants to pay for tuition and other costs associated with attending college.
Contact
ufvahome@gmail.com
Wendy Jackson Hall Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1
Wendy Jackson worked as a filmmaker, artist and journalist, and after her death, her loved ones decided to honor her memory with a scholarship fund for worthy students. All applicants must be a senior enrolled in a public high school in Washington, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and show that they have a financial hardship. The committee will choose two winners in May, and each winner will receive a two-year $10,000 scholarship that they can use to pay for art school.
Contact
Bainbridge Community Foundation
221 Winslow Way West #305
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
scholarship@jacksonhall.com
Website
Savannah College of Art & Design Undergraduate Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
The Savannah College of Art and Design, better known as SCAD, is one of the top art schools in the country. Incoming freshmen can apply for a variety of scholarships that give them money they can use for books, art supplies, a dorm room or their tuition. The size of each scholarship varies from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Students applying for art scholarships need to complete a portfolio or submit samples of their work for consideration by the scholarship committee.
Contact
Savannah College of Art & Design
P.O. Box 77300
Atlanta, GA 30357-1300
(404) 253-2700
admissions@scad.edu
Memphis College of Art (Portfolio Awards) Overton Park
Deadline: March 31
The Portfolio Award available from the Memphis College of Art is an annual scholarship available through the school. Winners receive a minimum of $3,500 up to a maximum of $15,000. The founders established the program as a way to help students pay up to half the costs they faced as an undergraduate student. Students complete a portfolio of their past work, which they submit along with a copy of the scores they received on the SAT or ACT and transcripts from the last school(s) they attended.
Contact
Overton Park, 1930 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
(901) 272-5136
finaid@mca.edu
When applying for a scholarship, make sure that you file all the necessary documentation with the organization prior to the deadline listed on the application. The sooner that you file, the sooner you can sit back and wait for word on whether you won one or more scholarships for art & design.
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