Art scholarships are for creative high school and college students who may qualify. Many accredited colleges and art schools offer art scholarships to students who’ve spent time cultivating their artistic talent. Some look at unmet financial need. Others require letters of recommendation, GPA, test scores and extracurricular activities. If you plan to enroll as a full time student and are a United States citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify.
You should first find scholarships for art at your current school. Your guidance counselor, and faculty in the art department may have scholarship information. Also, local publications may advertise creative art scholarships. Some awards may require your art portfolio or samples. Make sure you showcase a quality piece of art work and shows your passion for art.
10 Art Scholarships for Creative College Students in 2024
There are a wide range of college scholarship opportunities in art and design. To get you started, we curated a list of 10 scholarships for artists for you to check out. If you meet the eligibility rules, apply soon!
Design Circle Scholarship
Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition Scholarship
Stanfield and D’Orlando Art Scholarship
John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship Fund for Art Education
Lake Design Foundation Scholarship
Houzz Residential Design Scholarship
Black Design Leaders Grant
Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts
Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship
Stop Painting.com Essay Scholarship
What Scholarships for Art Students Should You Apply for?
Art scholarships for college students often accept applications from a range of artistic majors. There are also awards for those majoring in visual arts, fine arts, graphic design, interior design, printmaking or performing arts. Apply to the ones you may qualify for to improve your odds.
For instance, if you draw/sketch or paint, apply for any drawing scholarship you may find. You may have to stick to a genre but you could show off your drawing skills.
There are also scholarships for artists tied to ethnicity, gender and race. Are you an artistic African American art student? The CBCF Spouses USA Performing Arts Scholarship may be one for you. Ten qualifying college students each get $3,000. Eligible applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and be a performing arts major.
Both undergraduate students and graduate students may qualify for the Henry and Chiyo Kuwahara Creative Arts Award. It is from the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). To apply, you need samples of artistic works. These should show the Japanese American culture.
As a prospective art major, you should also submit a FAFSA to apply for standard financial aid packages. By submitting the FAFSA, you are able to apply for several scholarships for art from two year and four year colleges all at once.
Check on your college or art school’s website to see what they offer and if there is a separate form to fill out. Many colleges target high school seniors who enter as first time freshman and are renewable if you keep up the terms. Another option are easy scholarships and video or essay contests. You may find ones for creative writing, photography, mass communication, studio art and design.
Is Going to Art School Worth it?
Art school could be worth it at an accredited art program. You may gain more in depth knowledge and discipline from your art major. You may also develop networking opportunities with other artists and professors. There could also be valuable internships and potential career paths. More importantly, art students may learn to build a strong work ethic and dedication to your passion for art.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many careers in arts and design require a bachelor’s degree (or BFA) for entry level roles. Graphic designers, multimedia artists, art directors, educators and some related fields require four year degree.
Also, the cost of a public four year college is on the rise. According to the NCES, the average total cost of attendance was at $24,900 in 2018 to 2019. Private for profit colleges average total cost of attendance was $33,200.
Because an art scholarship is not a loan, it works to make your studies more affordable. Once you graduate, you may have the knowledge and refined skills to go after your dream job. Also, the median annual wage for arts and design occupations was $51,150 in 2022. Salaries in creative fields usually vary.
This scholarship is available for Illinois resident undergraduate and graduate students who are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin and planning to become preschool, elementary or secondary school teachers. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
This is an undergraduate award for U.S. students who are high school seniors or currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. Students must enroll full time in a graphic communications course of study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to be eligible. Click here to learn more and apply today!
This award is available to college juniors, seniors and/or graduate students who are residents of West Virginia and are enrolled at a West Virginia college or university. Students must pursue a course of study leading to teacher certification at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary level, and agree to teach at the public pre-school, elementary, middle or secondary school level in West Virginia upon graduation.
This scholarship is for members of the IEEE Computer Society who currently have a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in the computing industry.
The purpose of the Teacher Loan-For-Service program is to proactively address New Mexico’s teacher shortage by providing students with the financial resources to complete or enhance their post-secondary teacher preparation education.
This award is available to Washington undergraduate and graduate students who are currently attending or planning to attend a postsecondary institution in Washington. The student must have close cultural and social ties to an American Indian community in Washington.
This scholarship is available for Kentucky undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing an initital teacher certification. Priority is given to Juniors, seniors, and graduate level students.
This scholarship is available to current and upcoming college students with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who are pursuing a degree in the fine or commercial arts, design or architecture. Basic scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $2,000–$3,000. An amount up to $5,000 may be given at the jury’s discretion.
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate students who are majoring in computer studies or international studies and attending Hawai’i Pacific University. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in fine arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics or photography). Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
