Getting a bachelor’s degree in visual or performing arts can cost you anywhere between $13,000 to $60,000, depending on which university you pick. For many students, even the lower end of that price range can be difficult to pay.
But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your pursuit of a degree in something you love just because you can’t afford it. Thankfully, there are many ways available to help you pay your tuition so you don’t have to give up your dream.
Below are 10 of the best student loans and scholarships for art students.
- P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship
The scholarship amount for this is up to $1,000 you can get it for up to 3 years.
Not just any art student can receive this scholarship though. If you don’t have a language-specific learning disability, then, unfortunately, you aren’t eligible for this scholarship.
To qualify, you must be graduating high school and pursuing visual arts at an accredited 4-year university. You must also demonstrate financial need, be nominated by a P. Buckley Moss Society member, send in verification of your learning disability, and two letters of recommendation.
- Carrie Crystal Stuckert Memorial Art Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Dream Pool Foundation. It offers the same amount as the first one above (amount may change, depending on the funds available). But this one is available to all visual arts students.
To apply, you have to fill out their form, as well as an autobiography and two letters of recommendations.
Do note that this scholarship is not renewable, so you may have to apply for other scholarships or loans after your first year of disbursement.
- Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
Every year, the VFW Auxiliary holds a contest for patriotic art. Any American high school student under 18 can participate, so long as their school’s in the same state as the sponsoring VFW Auxiliary.
In each state, they’ll select one winner, who will receive $31,000. You can choose to do either 2-D or 3-D art; digital art, jewelry, and photography aren’t acceptable entries.
In addition, you’ll need to give a short explanation of your piece (under 250 words).
- Eugenia Vellner Fischer Award for the Performing Arts
This scholarship is available for young women who have competed in a Miss America Pageant on any level after 1998. You don’t need to be a winner to qualify for this scholarship.
If you’re pursuing a performing arts degree (whether it’s a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), then you’re eligible for this scholarship. As with the other ones, you must prove financial need and to be considered as an awardee, you should have excellent academic performance.
- The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
This scholarship is for the musicians out there. Every year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selects 20 young musicians with financial need to receive $10,000 in scholarships.
With this scholarship, you’re allowed to purchase new instruments, private lessons, audition travel expenses, and other needs related to your pursuit of a music career.
If you’re selected, not only will you get a handsome scholarship, but you’ll also get an opportunity to perform on this organization’s NPR show “From the Top.”
- Japanese American Citizens League Creative & Performing Arts Scholarship
If you want to expand your choices for scholarships, you should highly consider joining the National JACL organization. While it’s a Japanese-American group, they welcome members of any ethnicity.
This organization offers scholarships for its members; its two art ones are the Aiko Susanna Tashiro Hiratsuka Memorial Scholarship and Henry and Chiyo Kuwahara Creative Arts Award.
Do note that professional artists are not eligible for either award.
- Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farmworkers
If you’re currently working as a migrant farmworker, you can apply for this scholarship. You have to be at least 16 years old and not currently enrolled in school. You can be awarded anywhere from $500 to $2,500.
This scholarship doesn’t require you to write an essay, but you do need to submit a letter of recommendation. To be eligible, you must be pursuing visual art, performing art, media art, literary art, or crafts.
- PLUS Loans
If your parents are willing to help you out, and you’re considered a dependent, they can apply for PLUS loans. This is a great option if their credit score isn’t excellent, as there are no strict requirements regarding that.
However, the interest rates are a bit high at 7.08%. There’s also an origination fee of 4.248%.
Do note that parents can take out PLUS loans if you’re a dependent undergraduate student. If you’re a graduate student, you can apply for PLUS loans yourself.
- Ascent Private Student Loan
If you have excellent credit scores, then private loans for students can be something to consider as opposed to PLUS loans. Ascent offers APRs from 3.71% to 13.66%, depending on your credit score and if you choose variable vs. fixed APR rates. Plus, there are no fees.
This lender also offers several incentives. You can get 1% cash back (a graduation reward) and a 0.25% discount on the interest rate with automatic payments, Plus, they have a $1,000 scholarship sweepstakes and referral rewards (up to $600 per year).
- Discover Private Student Loan
This credit card company also offers attractive interest rates. They range from 3.87% to 12.99% depending on the type of APR rate you choose. Like with Ascent’s loan, there are no fees.
If you maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, you’ll get 1% off your loan amount in the form of cash. Like with Ascent, you’ll get a 0.25% discount on the interest rate if you choose automatic payments.
Get the Best Student Loans and Scholarships Available
Now that you know some of the best student loans and scholarships around for art students, you won’t have to worry about affording your education. Everyone should be empowered to pursue whatever university program they want. And with the right student loans and scholarships, you can!
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