Art Scholarships

Millions of Scholarships, personalized results

 and get matched to scholarships that are personalized for you.

How to Get Art Scholarships for College?

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!

  1. Design Circle Scholarship
  2. Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition Scholarship
  3. Stanfield and D’Orlando Art Scholarship 
  4. John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship Fund for Art Education
  5. Lake Design Foundation Scholarship 
  6. Houzz Residential Design Scholarship 
  7. Black Design Leaders Grant
  8. Phil Layton Award of Excellence in the Arts
  9. Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship 
  10. 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.

List of Art Scholarships for College

Check out our list of 13,270 art scholarships worth $51M.

Design Your Signature Hat Contest!

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.
Award Amount

Total: $900

Awards: 3

Deadline

Deadline: March 29, 2024

Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers

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.
Award Amount

Total: $2500

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: November 01

L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship

The L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship is for a licensed radio amateur with a general class or higher license who is a resident of and attends college in the ARRL Roanoke Division (North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia). The student must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in electronics, communications, or related fields.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: December 31

SBO Magazine Music Student Scholarship

This contest is open to band students in grades four through twelve who submit an essay of up to 250 words on the current year’s band-related topic.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: December 31

Derek Jeter/Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is available for current high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate participation in community service and extracurricular activities.
Award Amount

Total: $12000

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: January 15

NATAS Northwest Scholarship

This award is available for U.S. or international college freshmen, sophomores and/or juniors who attend college in one of the following states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington. Students must pursue a career in television or film, such as broadcasting, production, editing, etc.
Award Amount

Total: $2500

Awards: 3

Deadline

Deadline: February 16

Michael Vergauwen Fund Scholarship

U.S. students who are the spouse, child, stepchild or grandchild of an employee of an InfoComm member organization or an employee of an InfoComm member organization are eligible for this award. Students must be current second, third or fourth year students with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher in an audiovisual related program of study.
Award Amount

Total: $5000

Awards: 5

Deadline

Deadline: February 16

Concordia College Theatre Performance and Production Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have exhibited proficiency in theatre performance or production are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Concordia College.
Award Amount

Total: $4000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: February 16

Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship for Mystery Writing

This scholarship is available for currently enrolled U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in mystery writing (fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and/or screenwriting).
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: February 28

West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program

This award is available for U.S. students who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in the fields of engineering, science, or technology and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Priority is given to West Virginia residents.
Award Amount

Total: $2795

Awards: 175

Deadline

Deadline: March 01