Arts Scholarships

Search criteria

Clear filter

Showing 1–25 of 58 results

Closed
$10,000
20 Award Winners

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist (JKCYA) Award is a $10,000 non-renewable, need-based grant awarded in connection with full participation in From the Top's Learning and Media Lab Fellowship.

Eligible Grades
Middle School – High School Senior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Closed
$10,000
20 Award Winners
Closed
$10,000
2 Award Winners

The William and Janet Lahey Art Education and Visual Arts Scholarship

The California State University Foundation awards two students the William and Janet Lahey Art Education and Visual Arts Scholarship of $10,000 each to pursue a graduate program in arts education.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
August 1, 2024
Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Closed
$10,000
2 Award Winners
Closed
$5,000
10 Award Winners

TASF Scholarship

The Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund offers $5,000 to 10 high school seniors and first-year college students who plan to attend a university or institution in the United States.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – College Freshman
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Closed
$5,000
10 Award Winners
Closing in 2 Days
$11,000–$13,000
1 Award Winner

Annabel Lambeth Jones Brevard College Merit Scholarship Fund

The Annabel Lambeth Jones Brevard College Merit Scholarship, ranging from $11,000 to $13,000, is available to a high school senior who is an incoming freshman at Brevard College.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – College Freshman
Application Open Date
March 1, 2025
Application Deadline
April 18, 2025
Closing in 2 Days
$11,000–$13,000
1 Award Winner
Closing in 5 Days
$3,000–$1,000
6 Award Winners

Carrie Crystal Stuckert Memorial Art Scholarship

The Dream Pool Foundation offers the Carrie Crystal Stuckert Memorial Art Scholarship to six college students majoring in art, including art therapy, to complete their undergraduate studies in the U.S.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – College Senior
Application Open Date
January 27, 2025
Application Deadline
April 21, 2025
Closing in 5 Days
$3,000–$1,000
6 Award Winners
Closing in 9 Days
$2,000–$12,000
1 Award Winner

Antonio Cirino Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduate students from Rhode Island seeking an arts education to teach. The applicant may not be a Rhode Island School of Design graduate.

Eligible Grades
Graduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
April 25, 2025
Closing in 9 Days
$2,000–$12,000
1 Award Winner
Advertisement
Closing in 15 Days
$1,000–$5,000
185 Award Winners

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation Scholarships

The PGSF Scholarship targets students pursuing graphic communications courses in technical, undergraduate, and graduate schools across the United States and awards them grants to support their education.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
November 14, 2024
Application Deadline
May 1, 2025
Closing in 15 Days
$1,000–$5,000
185 Award Winners
Closing in 27 Days
$500–$2,500
1 Award Winner

MJSA Education Foundation Jewelry Scholarship

The Rhode Island Foundation offers the MJSA Education Foundation Jewelry Scholarship awards, ranging from $500 to $2,500, to students undergoing jewelry-related studies in the United States.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
February 15, 2025
Application Deadline
May 13, 2025
Closing in 27 Days
$500–$2,500
1 Award Winner
Closing in 27 Days
$500
1 Award Winner

Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship

The Rhode Island Foundation offers the Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship of $500 to one high school student to pursue art programs at a Rhode Island institution.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – High School Junior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
May 13, 2025
Closing in 27 Days
$500
1 Award Winner
Open
$20,000–$60,000
2 Award Winners

Education Matters – The J.M. Heberlig-B.J. Helterbran Scholarship Fund

TFEC awards the J.M. Heberlig-B.J. Helterbran Scholarship Fund of up to $60,000 to undergraduate students who need financial aid for their educational goals in arts and recreation.

Eligible Grades
College Sophomore – College Senior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
June 1, 2025
Open
$20,000–$60,000
2 Award Winners
Open
$5,000
3 Award Winners

Jasin Graduate Scholarship

The Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) annually offers the Jasin Graduate Program of $5,000 to three college seniors and graduate students pursuing postgraduate degree programs.

Eligible Grades
College Senior – Graduate
Application Open Date
February 1, 2025
Application Deadline
June 1, 2025
Open
$5,000
3 Award Winners
Open
$5,000
7 Award Winners

Foare Scholarship Program

The FOARE Scholarship Program of $5, 000 to 11 undergraduate and graduate students each to further their education. The scholarship program consists of eight distinct scholarships.

Eligible Grades
High School Graduate – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
June 10, 2025
Open
$5,000
7 Award Winners
Advertisement
Open
$10,000
1 Award Winner

Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship

The Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship worth $10,000 is available for one musician enrolled full-time in a U.S. university or college music program.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate – Graduate
Application Open Date
March 1, 2025
Application Deadline
June 15, 2025
Open
$10,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$20,000–$60,000
10 Award Winners

Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships

The University of Maryland Department of Art offers fully-funded Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships of up to $20,000 to eight undergraduate students including freshmen and eligible transfer students.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
March 28, 2023
Application Deadline
April 7, 2023
Closed
$20,000–$60,000
10 Award Winners
Closed
$10,000
1 Award Winner

CAA’s Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts

CAA's Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts was created to help multicultural artists and artists from underrepresented minority groups and culturally diverse communities in the various aspects of their work.

Eligible Grades
Graduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
September 15, 2024
Application Deadline
November 15, 2024
Closed
$10,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,500
11 Award Winners

James Alan Cox Foundation Scholarships

The James Alan Cox Foundation is choosing the works of 11 students to be awarded equipment or scholarships based on their work.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
July 15, 2024
Application Deadline
November 15, 2024
Closed
$2,500
11 Award Winners
Closed
$25,000–$38,000
300 Award Winners

SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

The SMART scholarship program for service awards 300 scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a STEM discipline.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate – Doctorate
Application Open Date
August 1, 2024
Application Deadline
December 14, 2024
Closed
$25,000–$38,000
300 Award Winners
Closed
$840–$1,680
1 Award Winner

Hathaway Scholarships

The Hathaway scholarships are available to high school seniors who perform outstandingly in their academics and need financial assistance to further their education in specific fields.

Eligible Grades
High School Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2024
Application Deadline
December 31, 2024
Closed
$840–$1,680
1 Award Winner
Advertisement
Closed
$2,000–$1,000
2 Award Winners

Vocal/Choral Music Scholarship

The Arkansas Chamber Singers offers the Arkansas Chamber Singers Vocal/Choral Music Scholarship of $2,000 to two graduating high school seniors in Arkansas to pursue undergraduate music studies.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
November 1, 2024
Application Deadline
January 1, 2025
Closed
$2,000–$1,000
2 Award Winners
Closed
$10,000
1 Award Winner

AAC Scholarship for Ohio Governor’s Exhibition

The AAC Scholarship for the Ohio Governor's Exhibition of $10,000, administered by the Art Academy of Cincinnati, is offered to a high school senior student to pursue a degree in arts.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
August 1, 2024
Application Deadline
February 1, 2025
Closed
$10,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$1,000
25 Award Winners

Arts for Life! Scholarship

The scholarship by the Foundation for Excellence in Education awards 25 Florida students who exhibit academic excellence and are in a creative field of writing, dancing, drama, or visual arts.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2025
Application Deadline
February 1, 2025
Closed
$1,000
25 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000
2 Award Winners

Troy Yost Memorial Scholarship

The Troy Yost Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to Wyoming high school graduates who want to attend the University of Wyoming or other in-state junior and community colleges.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
October 1, 2024
Application Deadline
February 1, 2025
Closed
$1,000
2 Award Winners
Closed
$8,000–$25,000
1 Award Winner

Boren Scholarship

The Boren Scholarship supports U.S. citizens who study abroad during their undergraduate degrees. The winner of the scholarship is awarded up to $25,000 in financial support.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
August 15, 2024
Application Deadline
February 2, 2025
Closed
$8,000–$25,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$500
1 Award Winner

Marianne Beel Scholarship

The Nebraska Press Women (NPW)awards the Marianne Beel Scholarship worth $1,000 which offers scholarships to female high school seniors in Nebraska.

Eligible Grades
High School Graduate – College Sophomore
Application Open Date
January 1, 2024
Application Deadline
February 9, 2025
Closed
$500
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,000–$8,000
1 Award Winner

James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta awards the James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund of $2,000 for undergraduate study in ministry human services, arts, music, and sciences.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
December 6, 2024
Application Deadline
February 15, 2025
Closed
$2,000–$8,000
1 Award Winner

About Arts Scholarships

An arts major goes beyond talent. It is a diversified field of study that influences many industries. Art constantly renovates and modernizes itself. It encourages self-expression, creativity, and builds confidence. A fine arts degree can land its students in a number of industries, including retail, films, theater, and in gaming and digital media. Scholaroo provides college-bound, undergraduate, and graduate students with some interesting means to fund their arts degree pursuit at the following top schools of arts.

Those looking to pursue a career in the arts will find that scholarships can be the necessary resources to cover tuition and living costs, as well as offer opportunities for further growth and development in their chosen field. Arts scholarships can also help bridge the gap between creative talent and financial security, allowing those with limited means to pursue a degree or career in an artistic field without having to worry about how they will pay for it. The availability of arts scholarships can vary greatly depending on the institution or program, with some offering more generous awards than others. Prospective students should research and compare various options to find the best fit for their educational goals and financial means. Overall, arts scholarships can be a great way to pursue one’s passions while also ensuring that they are financially secure.

10 best Arts scholarships 2023

While we wish we could provide a list of 10 easy arts scholarships, that’s not really an option. Arts scholarships are generally pretty competitive and you will need to provide samples of your work – whether it’s a portfolio or a video submission. So instead, we gathered the 10 best arts scholarships based on their worth.

ScholarshipAward Amount
Beinecke Scholarship Program$4,000–$34,000
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest$20,00–$33,000
BMI Student Composer Awards$20,000
The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards$20,000
Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award$10,000
Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship$10,000
AAC Scholarship for Ohio Governor’s Exhibition$10,000
YoungArts Competition$100–$10,000
James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund$2,000–$8,000
D. Colman Witte Scholarship$500–$6,000

Cost of Art Colleges 2023

The average cost of attending an art college in the United States is around $20,000 per year. While this may seem steep for some students, there are a few affordable options. Three of the most affordable colleges are the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque ($5,981), Florida State University ($6,515), and the University of Hawaii at Manoa ($7,753). These tuition rates make it possible for many aspiring artists to pursue their dreams without breaking the bank. In addition to lower tuition costs, these schools also offer a variety of financial aid programs such as grants, scholarships, and loans. Taking advantage of these can reduce your overall expenses and make higher education more accessible.

Choosing the right school for a degree in the arts is an important decision. It can be difficult to decide which school offers the best education and facilities, but some stand out from the crowd. Some of the top schools for arts studies include the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), California Institute of Arts (CalArts), and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). All three offer excellent programs in visual art, design, film and animation, theater, writing, and more. RISD is known for its focus on fine arts as well as its rigorous curriculum; CalArts has a reputation for pushing boundaries with its experimental approach to art; while MICA stands out for having one of the most diverse student bodies among all art colleges. Each school has something unique to offer aspiring artists, but take the time to research them carefully before making your decision.

Ultimately, if you’re interested in pursuing a degree in the arts, it’s important to explore all of your options. Researching scholarships and financial aid opportunities can help reduce costs and make art college more attainable. With the right resources, you can make achieving your dream of becoming an artist possible.

Top Arts Scholarships

Arts has a wide pool of scholarships, fellowships, and competitions for all arts-related fields. Scholaroo has some of the top scholarships that can cover your entire tuitions fees, including the Beinecke Scholarship Program which offers $34,000 in support of your education, the BMI Student Composer Awards of $20,000, which is designed to support young and emerging talent to become better songwriters, composers, and publishers, and the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award of $10,000 that’s offered to young artists pursuing undergraduate arts studies across the U.S.

Easiest Arts Scholarships

Because the arts field encourages creativity, many organizations have created several scholarship programs that enable students to pursue higher education via competitions. All it takes is for you to showcase your artistic abilities for a chance to win a scholarship to cover your educational costs and eliminate your financial burdens. Here are two of the most sought-after competitions:
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest of up to $33,000 is awarded to the winner of the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest is open to students from 9th to 12th grade who are enrolled in public, private, or parochial high schools in the U.S.
YoungArts Competition of up to $10,000 to support young artists pursuing higher education.

Arts Scholarships for Minorities

If you are a student from a minority who dreams of pursuing an arts major, there are a number of organizations and scholarship programs out there to help with their educational needs without worrying about cost or any financial burdens. They are all determined to allow those in need the opportunity to join college and pursue their aspired careers in arts, music, and theater, among many other arts-related fields.

Arts scholarships come in different sizes from full-tuition awards to scholarships that cover travel expenses for performances or competitions. Check out the Michael Jackson Scholarship of $5,000 to support exceptional students of minorities pursuing arts-related studies and demonstrating financial needs.

Tips for winning Arts Scholarships

1. Start early: Applying for scholarships can be time consuming, so start the process as soon as possible. Research and begin applying for scholarships that match your interests and abilities.

2. Take a creative approach: Many arts scholarships require applicants to submit a portfolio of their work or demonstrate their talents in some way. Put together an impressive portfolio of your work and make sure to showcase your best pieces.

3. Network: Get to know people in the arts community—particularly those who are knowledgeable about scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Connecting with these contacts could lead to more information on available grants and other resources.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of winning an arts scholarship and achieve your dream of studying the arts! Good luck.

Frequently asked questions

How many scholarships for arts students are there?

Scholaroo features over 58 scholarships, fellowships, and contests for arts majors, including fine arts, performing arts and music, and liberal arts across the U.S. and abroad. Two of the most popular scholarships currently available are the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships for Graduates and Undergraduates awarding $6,000 and $4,000 respectively in Virginia.

Are there arts scholarships in Georgia?

If you are enrolled or intend to enroll in an arts major based in Georgia, be sure to check out Scholaroo’s list of Georgia Scholarships. We have at least 19 scholarships that you may be eligible for, 14 of which are for any student in the U.S. and five of which are for students in Georgia. The Southeastern Theater Conference provides many arts scholarships, such as the $5,000- William E. Wilson Scholarship Award for theater students. Georgian high school seniors can apply for the Greenhouse Scholars Program of $5,000 annually to pursue their undergraduate studies.

How many arts scholarships are in California?

Scholaroo offers aspiring arts students over 10 scholarships to pursue their undergraduate or graduate programs in arts and its various related fields. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award of $10,000 is one example of an art scholarship available in California. Every year, 25 students are awarded to further or complete their studies. Visit our California Scholarships page for more scholarships.

What is the Arts for Life scholarship?

If you are a high school senior based in Florida who exhibits academic excellence and talent in creative writing, dance, drama, or visual arts, check out the Arts for Life! Scholarship program worth $1,000 on Scholaroo. This scholarship can be used to pursue an undergraduate study in arts. There are 20 scholarships up for grabs every year. 

How many art contest scholarships are there?

If you want to exhibit your talent for a chance to win a scholarship program to either pursue or complete your studies, Scholaroo provides six contest scholarships for arts majors annually. One of the most popular scholarship contests available is the YoungArts Competition with a scholarship award of up to $10,000 to fund your education. The scholarship can be used at accredited postsecondary institutions across the U.S.