Why Scholarships Matter for Visual Artists
This post will highlight the top visual arts scholarships for 2025. Our goal is to help you earn your degree without stressing over costs so you can get the best return on your education investment!
Visual art degree programs are among the most expensive, costing an average of $35,793 per year just for tuition. Besides tuition, you also have to budget for the necessary specialized resources. You must have the right materials, technology, and equipment, such as studio spaces, art supplies, software, and materials, which all add to the cost. Did you know that a single semester of supplies and materials can easily add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars?
If you do not play your cards right, you could end up paying endless student loans. And while it’s tempting to think, “I can just work a part-time job,” that might not leave you with enough time to fully focus on your art, your studies, or building your portfolio. Plus, getting stuck in a cycle of part-time work can sometimes keep you from growing your craft how you want.
Featured Programs
The best way to start your journey on the right foot is by applying for as many visual arts scholarships as possible. They provide three main things:
- Financial support: Helping you cover tuition, materials, and other education-related expenses.
- Recognition: Boosting your resume and portfolio, making you stand out in the field.
- Networking opportunities: Connecting you with professionals, mentors, and other students, opening doors for future collaborations and career growth.
There are many types of art scholarships for college students available. It ranges from merit-based and need-based to those specific to certain artistic disciplines or demographics. Find effective ways to secure funding for your education.
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Top Visual Arts Scholarships for Painters, Sculptors, and Designers
1. The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant
- Best For: Emerging artists in painting, drawing, and sculpture
- Amount: $12,500
- Deadline: December 12, 2025
The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant is one of the most popular scholarships for painters and sculptors. It is a great opportunity for both students and emerging artists, no matter where you’re from.
If you’re in the early stages of your career—whether you’re an undergrad, grad student, or even pursuing post-graduate studies in fine or studio arts—you’re welcome to apply. However, you need to have your own account for accessing the application and applying for a grant.
2. National YoungArts Foundation Scholarship
- Best For: High school students in visual arts
- Amount: Up to $50,000
- Deadline: October 17, 2025
The National YoungArts Foundation Scholarship is the best art school financial aid for young artists in grades 10-12 or ages 15-18. If you’re into anything from cinematic arts, dance, design, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, or writing, you could win up to $50,000! It’s a great chance to get recognized for your talent and get some financial support for your artistic journey.
3. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Scholarship
- Best For: Young artists showcasing exceptional talent
- Amount: Up to $12,500
- Deadline: Varies (Typically in December)
Are you a middle or high school student who loves creative writing or art? The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards could be for you! As one of the top visual arts scholarships, there are 28 categories to choose from, with prizes ranging from $500 to $12,500.
The awards are run by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, aiming to highlight exceptional student talent. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your work.
4. Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation
- Best For: Students in digital and graphic design
- Amount: $20,000
- Deadline: May 1, 2025
The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) is one of the top providers of graphic design scholarships for students. It primarily supports students pursuing education in printing technology, graphic communication, packaging, or publishing. Scholarships amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for up to four years.
PGSF also helps students find internships or jobs by posting résumés on printworkers.com. Scholarships are paid directly to the college to cover tuition and fees. The specific amount is determined by PGSF staff and is not made public.
5. The College Art Association MFA Fellowship
- Best For: Graduate students in fine arts
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Varies
The College Art Association (CAA) offers among the top scholarships for visual arts students at the graduate level. The $10,000 MFA Fellowship award can cover tuition, living expenses, and other school costs. It also gives recipients access to CAA’s network of artists and professionals for career development.
Applications typically open in the fall. The deadline is usually November 15. Therefore, it’s important to check the CAA website for updates on when the application period begins each year.
6. Norma Gray College Scholarship for the Visual Arts
- Best For: Undergraduate and graduate students in visual arts
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: April 14, 2025
A little goes a long way. The Norma Gray Annual Scholarship supports Michigan artists ages 17-25. You must submit an application, an Artist’s Goal Statement (at least 75 words), and five artwork samples in digital JPG format (300 dpi). Be sure to label each file with your name, the artwork title, medium, and dimensions.
Who Is Eligible? Understanding Scholarship Requirements
Different funding opportunities will require different eligibility criteria. Some could include things like a minimum GPA, being a parent, pursuing a certain degree, or being part of a specific demographic. Some may also require you to show financial need.
Here’s a quick guide on how to apply for art scholarships:
1. Review eligibility requirements, mainly academic standing and GPA.
Visual and creative arts funding opportunities might still have GPA or test score requirements, but they’re often more flexible than other types of merit scholarships. For most art scholarships, a 3.0 GPA is usually enough. That said, some scholarships care more about your artistic skills than your GPA.
2. Prepare your portfolio.
A strong portfolio is often the centerpiece of your application for visual arts scholarships. This will showcase your best work and give the scholarship committee a sense of who you are as an artist.
Make sure your portfolio is carefully curated – quality over quantity. It’s better to showcase a few pieces that demonstrate your skills and unique style than to submit many works that don’t represent your best abilities.
3. Get Letters of Recommendation and craft Personal Statements.
Most scholarships require letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, and professionals who can attest to your abilities as an artist. You’ll also likely be asked to submit a personal statement or artist statement.
This is your chance to tell the scholarship committee your story – what drives your art, your artistic goals, and what you plan to do with your education. Make it personal and authentic.
How to Apply: Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application
Applying for a scholarship might feel like a huge step, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Just take it one step at a time.
Here’s an easy guide to help you make your application for college scholarships for artists stand out:
1. Build a Strong Portfolio (Quality Over Quantity).
- Pick your best work: Don’t stress about including everything. Choose 5-10 pieces that show off your skills and creativity. This is your chance to shine, so make sure it’s your absolute best.
- Mix it up: Show different styles or mediums—drawings, paintings, digital art, sculpture, etc. It’s all about showing how versatile you are.
- Present it well: Take clear, well-lit photos or scans of your work. You want to make sure the committee can see every detail, so avoid blurry or dimly lit images.
- If you can, add a short description of each piece: Tell them what inspired you and what the work is all about. A little context goes a long way.
2. Write a strong personal statement (tell your artistic journey).
- Start with why: Share your story—how did you get into art? What made you fall in love with it?
- Talk about your growth as an artist: What challenges have you faced, and what have you learned along the way? Don’t be afraid to get a little personal; it’s all about showing your journey.
- Think about the future: How will this scholarship help you achieve your artistic goals? Let them know where you’re headed and how the scholarship fits into that.
- Be yourself: The committee wants to know you—your passion, your personality, your unique perspective. Let that shine through in your writing.
3. Meet deadlines and follow submission guidelines.
- Read the guidelines carefully: Take a moment to really go through the instructions. It’s easy to miss little details like file formats or word limits, so just make sure you’ve got everything straight.
- Stay ahead of deadlines: Life gets busy, so it’s better to submit early than scramble at the last minute. If you get everything ready ahead of time, you won’t be stressed when the deadline is approaching.
- Double-check before submitting: Once everything is ready, just take one last look through everything. Make sure you’ve included all the required materials and that you’ve followed the instructions—it’s better to catch something now than after you’ve already sent it off!
Additional Resources for Financial Aid in the Arts
If you’re looking for more ways to fund your art, there are many options beyond traditional fine arts scholarship programs.
Here are some additional resources that can help support your artistic journey:
Grants and Alternative Funding Sources for Visual Artists
- National Endowment for the Arts or NEA: This funding source offers grants for individual artists, arts organizations, and projects that aim to enhance community arts. These highly competitive grants are a great opportunity for artists who need financial support.
- Artadia Grants: Artadia offers unrestricted grants to visual artists in cities across the U.S. Their process is open and based on merit, meaning any artist can apply, regardless of where they’re from or where they are in their career.
- Foundation Center: Their website has a ton of info on grants, including a huge database of funding options for visual artists. It’s a helpful resource to dig into if you’re looking for more opportunities.
Art Competitions That Offer Scholarships and Cash Prizes
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: If you’re in high school or a student artist, this competition is huge. It offers scholarships and cash prizes, plus it’s a great way to get your work seen by the right people.
- The BP Portrait Award: This competition is a big deal if you’re a portrait artist. Along with a hefty cash prize, the winner gets their work displayed in a major London gallery, which can open a lot of doors.
- The Art Renewal Center (ARC) International Salon: This annual competition has huge cash prizes and offers visibility to classical artists. It’s a great chance for you to show your work on an international stage.
- The Catapult Art Fund: This one offers small grants for artists working in visual arts. They also provide funding for exhibitions and other art-related projects, so it’s a useful resource if you’re looking to get your work out there.
These are just a few of the many resources available. With a little research and persistence, you can find plenty of funding options to help you continue creating and growing as an artist!
Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Funding Your Art Education
Visual arts scholarships are everywhere. They are there to help fund your art school, whether you’re a painter, sculptor, or designer. Do your research, find the right ones, and apply early. Focus on building a strong portfolio, crafting a great personal statement, and following the guidelines.