Arts Scholarships

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$5,000
1 Award Winner

John Lennon Endowed Scholarship

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) offers the John Lennon Endowed Scholarship to deserving students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at one of the 37 UNCF member institutions who demonstrate financial need.

Eligible Grades
College Freshman – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
March 18, 2023
Application Deadline
March 20, 2023
Closed
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner

MTU Visual and Performing Arts Talent Award

Michigan Technological University (MTU) offers the Visual and Performing Arts Talent Award to graduating high school seniors in Michigan, with visual arts or musical talent, to pursue their undergraduate studies.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
January 15, 2023
Application Deadline
March 27, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$3,000
1 Award Winner

Art Porter Music Education Memorial Scholarship

The Art Porter Music Education Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Arkansas high school students to pursue undergraduate degrees in music in Arkansas. Applicants must demonstrate musical talent.

Eligible Grades
High School Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 31, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$3,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$20,000–$33,000
1 Award Winner

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

VFX Auxiliary organizes the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, where one student can win $33,000.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – High School Senior
Application Open Date
August 1, 2022
Application Deadline
March 31, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$20,000–$33,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship Award

The Denise Halbach Performance Scholarship awards $2,000 to a graduate student studying acting or musical theater. Students who graduated from universities in the SETC region can apply.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$2,500
1 Award Winner

Iowa Scholarship for the Arts

The Iowa Arts Council offers the Iowa Scholarship for Arts to four outstanding high school students pursuing undergraduate studies towards careers in arts at an Iowa college or university.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
December 1, 2022
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$2,500
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Robert Porterfield Scholarship Award

The Robert Porterfield Scholarship awards $2,000 to graduate students pursuing a degree in theatre. Applicants should have graduated from an undergraduate program at a university in the SETC region.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner

Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship awards $2,000 to one high school senior in the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) region who will pursue studies in theater.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$5,000
10 Award Winners
Deadline Approaching
$5,000
1 Award Winner

William E. Wilson Scholarship Award

The William E. Wilson Scholarship awards $5,000 to a secondary school teacher pursuing graduate studies in theatre or speech and theatre. Applicants must be legal residents of any SETC state.

Eligible Grades
Graduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 1, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$5,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$1,000
1 Award Winner

Kevin Benefield Musical Arts Scholarship

Project Impact Mississippi awards the Kevin Benefield Musical Arts Scholarship to one high school senior who will pursue a musical arts degree at a junior college or university in Mississippi.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
February 1, 2023
Application Deadline
April 11, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$1,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
April 15, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$10,000
20 Award Winners
Deadline Approaching
$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, 2022
Application Deadline
April 15, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$10,000
2 Award Winners
Deadline Approaching
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
April 18, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$11,000–$13,000
1 Award Winner
Deadline Approaching
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
April 21, 2023
Deadline Approaching
$3,000–$1,000
6 Award Winners
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
April 25, 2023
Open
$2,000–$12,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
May 15, 2023
Open
$500–$2,500
1 Award Winner
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
May 23, 2023
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
June 1, 2023
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, 2023
Application Deadline
June 1, 2023
Open
$5,000
3 Award Winners
Open
$5,000
1 Award Winner

Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund

It’s awarded to two deserving students with a record of scholarly achievement and commitment to community engagement, intending to pursue a career in community service, visual arts, and performing arts.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – College Sophomore
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
June 6, 2023
Open
$5,000
1 Award Winner
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
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
June 15, 2023
Open
$10,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$2,000
170 Award Winners

Kia America – HACU STEAM Scholarship

Kia America offers scholarships of $2,000 to undergraduate and graduate students attending HACU member schools. A total of 170 students will be selected with preference given to California and Georgia residents.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate – Graduate
Application Open Date
March 1, 2023
Application Deadline
July 5, 2023
Open
$2,000
170 Award Winners
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
December 31, 2023
Open
$840–$1,680
1 Award Winner
Open
$1,000–$2,000
5 Award Winners

College Achievement Awards

Polanki offers College Achievement Awards to undergraduate and graduate students of Polish culture and language, every year. Applicants must be either a Wisconsin residents or attending a Wisconsin college.

Eligible Grades
College Junior – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
November 1, 2022
Application Deadline
January 9, 2024
Open
$1,000–$2,000
5 Award Winners

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.