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.
American Hat Makers, a renowned company in the hat industry, has been handcrafting exceptional hats for over half a century.
Founded by Gary Watrous, the company’s humble beginnings trace back to the 1970s when Gary started selling handmade leather goods from the trunk of his Chevy station wagon.
Today, American Hat Makers has become one of the largest hat manufacturers worldwide.
Gary Watrous, the visionary behind American Hat Makers, initially dabbled in leatherwork, creating belts, wallets, and purses with a small investment.
However, when he crafted a leather hat for himself in the mid-70s, his true passion ignited. Hats quickly became Gary’s sole artistic focus, and he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft.
Garth Watrous, Gary’s son and the current owner of American Hat Makers, was raised amidst the captivating world of hat making. Observing his father’s exceptional artistry and craftsmanship, Garth developed a deep appreciation for the trade.
After earning his business degree from San Diego State University, Garth joined his father in 2005 as a partner, bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise to the company.
Driven by a desire for continual growth, Garth has propelled American Hat Makers to unprecedented success, doubling its business not once but twice.
Yet, his aspirations reach even higher. Garth’s unwavering goal for American Hat Makers is crystal clear: to establish the company as the world’s leading hat manufacturer.
With a rich legacy of artisanal craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence, American Hat Makers continues to create exceptional hats that capture the imagination and style of hat enthusiasts around the globe.
At North Texas Plastic Surgery, we are passionate about education and the performing arts! We know that the performing arts help young people develop confidence, express emotion, and develop empathy. In addition the performing arts help stimulate creativity and innovation in our next generation.
To help celebrate those in the performing arts, we are excited to announce our Excellence in Academics and Performing Arts Scholarship! Our Excellence in Academics and Performing Arts Scholarship is a prestigious $1,000 scholarship opportunity designed to recognize and support individuals who have excelled not only in the classroom but also in the performing arts.
For this opportunity, we ask that you review the eligibility criteria and application requirements below and submit an essay detailing the link between performing arts, your academic experiences and your personal growth.
We believe those with such a well-rounded education are uniquely poised to change the world, and we can’t wait to read your applications!
The Black Design Leaders Grant will be awarded to a Black student or recent graduate who plans on (or already is) pursuing a career in design at a start-up and shows impact and drive.
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Sedona, Cottonwood or Flagstaff High Schools in Verde Valley, AZ. Applicants must be majoring in art or art education and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
This scholarship is open to American Indian/Alaska Native students who are pursuing degrees in mathematics, medical sciences, physical science, technology, science, engineering, or natural resources. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must be a current AISES member (or join AISES before applying).
High school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to major or are majoring in the performing arts are eligible for this award. Students must be national members of JACL.
This forgivable loan program is available to Maine graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who are pursuing initial certification as a teacher, including speech pathology or child care provider qualifications. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
This scholarship is available for high school seniors who will graduate from a state-approved Maine high school and plan to attend the University of Maine at Orono.
This contest is available to all high school students. The applicant must be attending school in the same state as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary that sponsors him/her.
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students between the ages of 25 and 35. Students must submit images of five recent paintings to be eligible for the scholarship.
