Jump ahead to:
- How to win scholarships for architecture students
- Financial aid tips for architecture students
- Additional resources for architecture students
- Frequently asked questions about architecture scholarships
- Other scholarship categories to explore
Some of the scholarships are for under-represented groups in the field. As we know, architecture applies to more than just designing buildings, so those of you who love landscape design are in luck as well!
How to win scholarships for architecture students
If you’re applying for architecture scholarships, you may be required to submit an essay as part of your application. This is your chance to demonstrate who you are and why you want to study architecture. One of the best ways to do this is by telling a story. Construct a narrative arc by writing about how your past helped shape who you are today, and how your current goals connect to the future. Throughout your essay, architecture should be the common thread that links the past, present, and future.
If you need more specific tips on writing your essay, you’re in luck! We have a multitude of resources aimed at guiding you through the writing process. Check out the following guides to get started:
- How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)
- How to end a scholarship essay
- How to write a 250 word essay
- How to write a 500 word essay
- How to write an essay about yourself
- Overview of common scholarship essay prompts
- How to write a winning scholarship essay
Financial aid tips for architecture students
Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, you’ll also want to apply for need-based financial aid. This need-based financial aid can include everything from grants (like Pell Grants) to federal student loans and work study. To apply for need-based financial aid, submit the FAFSA and for some schools, the CSS Profile.
Make sure that you apply for financial aid by the appropriate CSS Profile and FAFSA deadlines. If you apply for financial aid and are accepted to the college, you will receive a financial aid award letter which outlines the various types of aid available to you.
College-Specific Scholarships
Your college or university may also have specific scholarships available for students studying in the architecture school. We always remind students to research scholarships at the colleges and universities they plan to apply to. Oftentimes, they offer unique scholarship opportunities just for those planning/enrolling!
Local Scholarships
Your local community is one of the best places to search for scholarships. These scholarships are less competitive than awards offered on a national level, meaning they’re easier to win! Check out our guide on how to win local scholarships to learn more.
Additional resources for architecture students
Whether you’re considering becoming an architecture major, or have already committed, it’s a good idea to check out some professional organizations in the field. For example, the American Institute of Architects is a renowned resource for architects across the country. Joining an organization like the AIA helps you keep up with the current state of the field, find scholarship opportunities, and connect with other professionals around the country.
You might find new fields of interest and make connections with architects who specialize in it. This could help shape your studies and land you a job after college. In addition to the more general AIA, there are regional architecture organizations and organizations which specialize in one subfield or cater to certain demographics. Here are a few other architecture-related organizations to consider:
- National Organization of Minority Architects
- Association of Licensed Architects
- AIA New York Branch
- Association for Women in Architecture
Frequently asked questions
Is architecture a stable job?
What college has the best architecture program?
Is architecture a hard major?
Other scholarship categories to explore
- Top STEM scholarships
- Top engineering scholarships
- Top scholarships for women
- Top scholarships for minority students
- Top scholarships for high school seniors
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