Graphic design is an incredibly versatile field– graphic design students may go on to find careers in publishing, marketing, corporate positions, freelance work for artists or venues, or even video game design. Graphic design scholarships exist in many forms, including awards for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational schools. These scholarships are a great way for aspiring graphic design professionals to pay for their degree!

Jump ahead to:

• Top Graphic Design Scholarships
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary of Scholarships
• Scholarships Opening Soon

Keep on reading to learn more about the top graphic design scholarships for students looking to break into this rewarding field!

Top Graphic Design Scholarships in 2021

$1,050 Black Design Leaders Grant

• Eligibility: Black undergraduate or graduate students who plan on (or already are) pursuing a career in design at a start-up
• Amount: $1.050
• Deadline: May 11, 2021

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships

• Eligibility: Students with a minimum 2.0 GPA pursuing an undergraduate degree in graphic design, illustration, or photography
• Amount: $500 to $5,000 and a free AIGA membership
• Deadline: April 13, 2021

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

• Eligibility: African-American or Black students with a minimum 2.5 GPA pursuing a visual arts-related major full-time at an undergraduate institution
• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline: April 30, 2021

Henry Dunlap Memorial Scholarship

• Eligibility: Philadelphia area residents holding a minimum 3.0 GPA who plan to pursue a career in the printing industry. Must already hold a bachelor’s degree and have been orphaned or raised in a single-parent home. Offered through the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation
• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline: May 1, 2021

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation General Application

• Eligibility: Full-time students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are pursuing a degree related to print or graphics. This application will automatically consider you for a wide variety of funds
• Amount: Varies, most around $2,000
• Deadline: May 1, 2021

Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship

• Eligibility: New Mexico residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA enrolled full-time in their junior or senior year of college, or in graduate school, studying graphic design or another approved topic on this list. Must maintain a marketing internship and have at least one semester remaining before the completion of their degree
• Amount: $1,400
• Deadline: June 3, 2021

Dolphin Galleries Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts

• Eligibility: Students in good academic standing who are pursuing an arts-related degree, and submit their portfolio
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: July 20, 2021

Graphic Design Degree Hub Scholarship Application

• Eligibility: Students with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring full-time in Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Animation, Gaming, or Art. Must submit a piece of original artwork and a personal essay
• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline: July 31 for fall semester and October 31 for spring semester

Against the Grain Productions Artistic Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students who are of at least 25% Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity who hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and are studying the visual or performing arts. High school seniors and college students eligible to apply
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: August 31, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions 

What college should I go to if I want to be a graphic designer?

The Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, and Art Center College of Design are known for having strong graphic design programs. That being said, every school has its own specialties. It’s always a good idea to research the department of each school to see if it is in line with your interests and graphic design strengths.

Is graphic design a good major?

Graphic design is a highly versatile major that opens the door to many creative careers. It allows for intersections between the corporate world and visual arts, and can be a perfect field of study to both fuel your passion project and pay the bills.

Do graphic designers get paid well?

Payscale.com found the median salary of graphic designers to be $45,939. Salaries vary widely among graphic designers, as some may work for a small startup, while others could work for a huge corporation. Additionally, many graphic designers are freelance, while others are full-time employees. These factors can all change graphic designers’ pay dramatically.

Summary of Scholarships

1. $1,050 Black Design Leaders Grant
2. AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships
3. CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship
4. Henry Dunlap Memorial Scholarship
5. Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation General Application
6. Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship
7. Dolphin Galleries Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts
8. Graphic Design Degree Hub Scholarship Application
9. Against the Grain Productions Artistic Scholarship

Scholarships Opening Soon

DiplomaFrame.com Frame My Future Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students who create and submit a piece of visual art that shows what they hope to achieve after college
• Amount: $500 to $5,000
• Deadline: April 1, 2021

Influence Graphics Annual Award for Design Excellence

• Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a minimum 2.75 GPA who submit an original work of visual communication
• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline: Expected to be December 31, 2021 (not yet open)

LAGRANT Foundation 2021 Scholarship Program

• Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are members of minority populations.
• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: February 26, 2021

David Hicks Scholarship for the Arts

• Eligibility: Students with demonstrated financial need pursuing a bachelor’s degree in visual, performing, and/or graphic arts.
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: March 2, 2021

Spirit Square Center for Arts and Education Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students in North or South Carolina who plan on attending school in North Carolina, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, have demonstrated potential for a career in the arts, and can show involvement in their community and personal achievements
• Amount: $500 to $6,000
• Deadline: March 5, 2021

Zinggia! Ohio Art Scholarship

• Eligibility: Ohio high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who hope to pursue a degree to support a career in illustration, graphic design, photography, or any art related program.
• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline: March 6, 2021