Did you know that not all scholarships are based on academic performance? Some are based on special skills or talents a student has, including an aptitude for the arts! We rounded up six different scholarships for students with an interest in art that feature a diverse range of qualifications and requirements. Whether you love visual arts, photography, multimedia, or performing arts, there’s something for all kinds of students on this list of artistic scholarships. Prizes top out at $5,000. Find all the details below!
Palette & Purpose Scholarship
How to Apply: Write an essay between 400 and 600 words that demonstrates why you’re passionate about the arts, how you demonstrated leadership, how you’re hoping to benefit the world with your arts career, and how the books you’ve read have shaped your goals. A high-quality headshot is also required as part of the application.
Eligibility: Open to first-generation BIPOC high school seniors with at least a 2.4 GPA with an interest in visual, studio, or performing arts
Amount: Six winners will receive $500
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/palette-and-purpose-scholarship/
AIGA Worldstudio DxD Scholarships
How to Apply: Complete the application, including a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation, and provide a self-portrait and 5–10 examples of your artwork. Applicants must also complete the FAFSA.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university for the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 academic year with at least a 3.0 GPA pursuing a degree in communication design, illustration, or photography
Amount: Awards range from $2,500 to $5,000
Deadline: April 21, 2025
Website: https://www.aiga.org/worldstudio-scholarship/
Greater Than Gatsby Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit 3 photos demonstrating your best photography and write an essay of at least 500 words describing your interest in photography and the relation of photography to your chosen career or passion.
Eligibility: Open to college-bound high school students and college students attending a U.S. college or university majoring in art, communications, English, film, fine arts, journalism, multimedia, photography, or visual arts
Amount: Two awards of $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Website: https://www.greaterthangatsby.com/academic-photography-scholarship/
Print and Graphics Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application including transcripts and two recommendations.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and current college students with at least a 3.0 GPA who are enrolled or will be enrolled in a printing or graphics program
Amount: Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Website: https://www.pgsf.org/scholarship-application/
Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit an application, transcript, letter of recommendation, and an artistic portfolio, and write an essay (500 words maximum) about how you go Against the Grain and how your art can affect change in the AAPI community.
Eligibility: Must be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity and be either a high school senior or a college student currently enrolled full time at an accredited U.S. school pursuing a major in the visual/performing arts with at least a 3.0 GPA
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Website: http://againstthegrainproductions.com/atg-artistic-scholarship/
Ocean Awareness Contest
How to Apply: Think about your connection to the natural world through the lenses of generational knowledge, concrete jungle, resilience, and the relationship between healthy environments and healthy humans. Submissions are accepted as visual art, creative writing, film, interactive & multimedia, performing arts, poetry, and spoken word.
Eligibility: Open to students ages 11 to 18. Students must provide the contact information for an adult sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
Amount: Multiple awards of up to $1,000
Deadline: June 9, 2025
Website: https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest
Scholarships should be considered a small—yet still important—source of revenue for college. Data shows that most families pay for college using parent and student income, savings, and loans. Most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. In addition to looking for scholarships to help pay for college, families should apply for financial aid and consider saving in a dedicated college savings account.
