Graphic design scholarships aim to offset the cost of a college degree. If you are studying fine art, motion graphics, web, print or graphic design, you may be eligible to apply.
Apart from money, a graphic design scholarship may offer other perks. You may have the opportunity to intern or try out free design software. Scholarship providers will also ask for your FAFSA, transcripts and test scores.
To apply for a scholarship, you may need to submit a portfolio of your artwork. Keep in mind the selection committee will sometimes keep your work. An example of a graphic design submission is creating new graphics for a social media profile or a graphic on how college will help you achieve your dreams.
Pratt Institute is a famous design school that offers scholarships for incoming students. Pratt has two different types of scholarships such as merit based and need based.
There may be other criteria to submit as well. Proof of financial need, letters of reference and a specific GPA range are a few information that graphic design awards may require. You may also need to write an artist’s statement which speaks to your goals and what art means to you.
Why Should You Apply for a Scholarship in Graphic Design?
Since a graphic design scholarship is a grant of money, you do not need to repay it if you abide by the terms. So, securing a scholarship may help you prep for a career without incurring (as much) student debt.
Eligible students need a bachelor’s degree to enter the graphic design workforce. Graphic designers use a wide range of skills, including printing, technical illustration, and computer graphics.
On average, a graphic designer earns an annual median salary of $53,380 in 2020 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many students land jobs in publishing, branding, advertising, PR and in niche design services.
Also, the average cost of a graphic design degree at a public college was about $6,533. It’s even more expensive if you earn your degree at a private school as the average cost is $29,880.
List of Graphic Design Scholarships
Check out our list of graphic design scholarships below. We have 36 awards worth $7K.
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides educational resources to students pursuing a degree in the visual arts. Applicants must reside in boone, ogle, or Winnebago counties, and pursuing a degree in visual arts, or visual art education with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and a graduating high school senior.
The John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship Fund awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 per recipient. Funds support the education of students between the ages of 18 and 35 who aim to make art in the classical or conservative traditions their profession.
This scholarship is available for international and U.S. college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are enrolled in a program related to the coated paper and paperboard or the graphic arts industries. Students must be student members of TAPPI or a TAPPI student chapter, if available, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
The Fern Cousineau Duncan Art Scholarship is available for graduating seniors in north central Washington (Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties) who are planning to pursue a career in art.
The Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation Scholarship is available for high school senior or a high school graduate interested in a career in the print industry. At least $2,500 is awarded. A 2.0 GPA or higher must be maintained. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Tombow’s Create Your Best Work Art Scholarship is available to high school seniors and college freshman and sophomore students in the United States. To qualify, students must be currently enrolled or accepted and seeking a visual arts degree at a U.S. university, college or art school. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Zinggia is an art, an illustration and design duo from Columbus, Ohio.The $2,000 scholarship goes to a deserving Ohio high school student who wishes to pursue a career in illustration, graphic design, photography, or any art related program. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Click to learn more and apply today!
This annual scholarship is available for U.S. students who are 14 years or older. To enter, students must create an original design for a greeting card. The winning student’s school will also receive $1,000 for helping to promote the scholarship contest. 100 entries will be made available online for public voting.
The Dr. Roger and Kate Bartels Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Carmel High School, Marina High School, Monterey High School, Pacific Grove High School, Seaside High School, Stevenson School, Santa Catalina School, Trinity Christian High School, and York School. Applicants must plan to major in healthcare, science, or the arts.
The #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship is available to high school senior or a college student of asian american descent pursuing a career in fashion and or graphic design. Click to learn more and apply today!
