Arts Scholarships

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Closing in 22 Days
$100–$10,000
1 Award Winner

YoungArts Competition

The YoungArts Competition is a nationally acclaimed prestigious award given to talented young artists in high school wanting to make an impression in the fields of creative, literary pursuits, and visual arts.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior
Application Open Date
June 12, 2023
Application Deadline
October 13, 2023
Closing in 22 Days
$100–$10,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$500
2 Award Winners

Central Ohio Watercolor Society (COWS) Student Scholarship

The Central Ohio Watercolor Society (COWS) awards two undergraduate students its Central Ohio Watercolor Society (COWS) Student Scholarship of $500 each to complete their degrees in art.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
September 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 1, 2023
Open
$500
2 Award Winners
Open
$6,000
6 Award Winners

VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships – Graduate

The VMFA offers the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships Graduate to graduate students who are professional artists and art and art history students who demonstrate exceptional creative ability in their chosen discipline.

Eligible Grades
Graduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
June 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 3, 2023
Open
$6,000
6 Award Winners
Open
$4,000
8 Award Winners

VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships – Undergraduate

The VMFA offers the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowships- Undergraduate of $4,000 to high school graduates and undergraduate students enrolled in art-related programs at accredited universities or colleges in Virginia.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
June 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 3, 2023
Open
$4,000
8 Award Winners
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
November 15, 2023
Open
$10,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$8,000
500 Award Winners

Critical Language Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship of $8,000 is annually awarded to 500 students who are interested in languages, to further their education.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate
Application Open Date
September 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 15, 2023
Open
$8,000
500 Award Winners
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
November 15, 2023
Open
$2,500
11 Award Winners
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
December 14, 2023
Open
$25,000–$38,000
300 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
$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 Junior – High School Senior
Application Open Date
August 1, 2023
Application Deadline
February 1, 2024
Open
$10,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
February 2, 2024
Open
$8,000–$25,000
1 Award Winner
Open
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
March 31, 2024
Open
$20,000–$33,000
1 Award Winner
Opening in 10 Days
$500
1 Award Winner

Jon Borowicz Scholarship

The Vermont Philharmonic offers the Jon Borowicz Scholarship of $500 to a Vermont high school student to further their education in music.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – High School Senior
Application Open Date
October 1, 2023
Application Deadline
November 5, 2023
Opening in 10 Days
$500
1 Award Winner
Opening in 12 Days
$1,000–$2,000
10 Award Winners

Incoming Freshman Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition Scholarship

The Incoming Freshman Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors planning to attend the School of Art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU).

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – High School Graduate
Application Open Date
October 3, 2023
Application Deadline
January 18, 2024
Opening in 12 Days
$1,000–$2,000
10 Award Winners
Opening in 10 Days
$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, 2023
Application Deadline
February 1, 2024
Opening in 10 Days
$1,000
2 Award Winners
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, 2023
Application Deadline
February 9, 2023
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, 2022
Application Deadline
February 15, 2023
Closed
$2,000–$8,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,000–$6,000
2 Award Winners

Linfield Music Scholarship

The Music Department of Linfield University offers academic scholarships to its first-year and full-time transfer undergraduate students based on continued participation in music performance and a recommendation from the department.

Eligible Grades
Undergraduate – Postgraduate
Application Open Date
December 1, 2022
Application Deadline
February 15, 2023
Closed
$2,000–$6,000
2 Award Winners
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner

Music Committee Scholarship

The Music Committee Scholarship offers $1,000 to talented high school students in Kansas who will major or minor in music at an approved Kansas institution.

Eligible Grades
High School Freshman – High School Senior
Application Open Date
December 1, 2022
Application Deadline
February 15, 2023
Closed
$1,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner

The James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund

James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to eligible students to pursue undergraduate degrees in arts and sciences, human services, music, or ministry at an accredited college.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
December 6, 2022
Application Deadline
February 15, 2023
Closed
$2,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$4,000–$34,000
16 Award Winners

Beinecke Scholarship Program

The Beinecke Scholarship Program offers a $34,000- scholarship to outstanding college juniors to pursue graduate studies in arts, social sciences, or humanities.

Eligible Grades
College Junior
Application Open Date
January 13, 2023
Application Deadline
February 16, 2023
Closed
$4,000–$34,000
16 Award Winners
Closed
$20,000
2 Award Winners

BMI Student Composer Awards

The BMI Student Composer Awards of $20,000 is offered each year to deserving students to pursue music studies.

Eligible Grades
Middle School – Doctorate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
February 25, 2023
Closed
$20,000
2 Award Winners
Closed
$3,000–$5,000
1 Award Winner

The Miranda Scholarship

The Rhode Island College offers the Miranda Scholarship, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 to students in Rhode Island pursuing an undergraduate degree in performing arts.

Eligible Grades
College Junior – College Senior
Application Open Date
September 1, 2022
Application Deadline
February 28, 2023
Closed
$3,000–$5,000
1 Award Winner
Closed
$500–$6,000
30 Award Winners

D. Colman Witte Scholarship

The scholarship, administered by the Philadelphia Foundation – a philanthropic organization, awards 30 scholarships ranging from $500 to $6,000 annually to meritorious students to study art, architecture, or interior design.

Eligible Grades
High School Senior – Undergraduate
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 1, 2023
Closed
$500–$6,000
30 Award Winners
Closed
$500
1 Award Winner

Music Scholarship for Undergraduate

The General Federation Of Women's Clubs Massachusetts awards the scholarship to an undergraduate student currently enrolled in a four-year accredited college, university, or school of music and majoring in voice.

Eligible Grades
All
Application Open Date
January 1, 2023
Application Deadline
March 1, 2023
Closed
$500
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.