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 current graduate and undergraduate students who are majoring in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight-ally with a demonstrated commitment to LGBT equality, and must reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
This scholarship is available for LGBT students and straight allies who are studying art or humanities at an accredited college or university in the U.S. Preference is given to students residing in Kitsap County or Bainbridge Island in Washington State.
This scholarship is available for lesbians studying theater or visual arts at the undergraduate level. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
This award is available for students who are U.S. citizens pursuing a career in human services, health sciences or visual arts. Eligible applicants must have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska and majoring in visual arts. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska and are studying interior, fashion, or graphic design. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
This award is available to Vermont undergraduate and graduate students who are seeking a degree in architecture, interior design, studio art, architectural engineering, mechanical drawing, or lighting design. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.
This award is available to high school seniors who reside in Rutland County, Vermont, or attend a Rutland County high school. Students must be seeking a degree in the arts, including (but not limited to) music, visual arts, dance, or theater; students must demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.
Students who are 16 years of age or older who are interested in pursuing the development of their talents in an art discipline may apply for this award. Students must have a history of movement to obtain work in agriculture.
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students; preference is given to students who are majoring in fine arts or classics. Students must be graduates of one of the following East Hawai’i public schools: Hilo, Honoka’a, Kea’au, Laupahoehoe, Pahoa, or Waiakea.
