Art Scholarships

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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 art scholarships worth .

American Advertising Federation-New Mexico (AAF-NM) Scholarship

New Mexico college juniors or seniors who plan to pursue a career in advertising are eligible for this award. Students must attend a New Mexico postsecondary institution full time and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $1400

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: April 29

George Mason University NVTC-Bannister Scholarship

This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who are currently in their junior year at George Mason University. Students must major in a technology discipline and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $1750

Awards: 4

Deadline

Deadline: April 30

Christie’s Education Reginald Browne Joint Scholarship

This scholarship is available for students who are pursuing a master’s degree at Christie’s Education.
Award Amount

Total: $67355

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: April 30

Steven A. Parascandola Art Scholarship

This award is available to graduating seniors at John Jay High School in Wappingers Falls, New York. Applicants must plan to major in art.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: May 01

Matheon Scholarship Fund

The Matheon Scholarship Fund accepts applications from current high school senior women in Dallas, Texas who plan to major in fine arts, science, or the humanities at a college or university in Texas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.1 or higher and a combined math/verbal/writing SAT score of 1500 or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: May 01

Nextiva Scholarship Program

Applicant must be a high school junior or senior, planning to major in a business or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) program. Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and is located in the United States.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: May 01

Graphic Communications Scholarship

This award is for graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing an education in graphic communications. Students must reside in certain areas of New York and New Jersey.
Award Amount

Total: $1160

Awards: 25

Deadline

Deadline: May 06

Maine Graphic Arts Association (MGAA) Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to international and U.S. high school seniors who are attending a Maine high school. Students must plan to pursue a degree in graphic arts pertaining to printing, and have a C average or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $325

Awards: 14

Deadline

Deadline: May 15

Paul Stephen Friedler Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Lewiston Maine who have an interest in music, science and/or philosophy.
Award Amount

Total: $2500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: May 15

Rising Star in Production Scholarship

This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in pursuing a career in video production. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: May 15