Art Student Scholarships
The Carthage Art & Design Program offers a number of competitive scholarships to prospective studio art, photography, art education, graphic design, and film and animation majors. Scholarships are also available for animation, graphic design, photography minors, and film and new media minors.
- See animation scholarships
- See film and new media scholarships
- See photography scholarships
- See graphic design scholarships
When to apply
Scholarships for the 2024-2025 year have ended. The application form for 2025-2026 will be ready in September.
The 2025-26 scholarship season has concluded. Information for the 2026-27 season will be updated over the summer.
You can apply for an art scholarship through February 14, 2026.
The scholarship portfolio reviews take place on Nov. 15, 2025 (for January Term and Spring Semester admission only), January 31, 2026, and Feb. 7, 14, and 21, 2026. In-person and virtual portfolio reviews are available. If you visit Carthage before Feb. 21, please contact us at carthageart@carthage.edu to set up an alternate review time and studio tour.
Note: Students entering midyear should apply for a November scholarship review date. Students entering in fall should apply for a February scholarship review date. The results of all interviews and portfolio reviews will be included in the applicant’s financial aid package.
Portfolio Review
Scholarships are awarded based upon a review of the applicant’s visual portfolio by faculty members of the Art & Design Program, which includes Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art Education, Photography, Animation, Film and New Media. You will have the opportunity to share and discuss your portfolio with faculty — talking about your ideas, materials, processes, and aspirations as a developing artist or designer. In-person reviews include a personal tour of the Art & Design studios, computer labs, and facilities.
What to bring to your portfolio review
1. A portfolio consisting of a minimum of 15 of your best pieces in a variety of media. This may be work you have made in school and/or outside of classes. Sketchbooks are welcome!
Types of media may include: animation, ceramics, crafts, digital art, drawing, film, graphic design, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sound art, wood, video, web design, etc. If your work includes writing (screenwriting, short stories, poetry, etc.), you may want to include 1-3 writing samples.
It is good to include both a breadth of work and any in-depth explorations in your work. We really want to get to know your abilities and potential!
- For in-person reviews, please bring the actual artworks.
- For pieces you cannot bring, please send digital images or a link.
- If your work is primarily digital, you may want to showcase your work in a slideshow presentation or a website.
Links should be sent before your interview to carthageart@carthage.edu.
- For virtual reviews, please share digital portfolios, web links or video links with carthageart@carthage.edu
2. Your resume
3. One letter of recommendation (preferably from a teacher or mentor)
TIPS FOR SELECTING WORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO
- Have an art or design teacher or mentor help you choose your best and most representative works.
- If you work in sketchbooks, or have other process work, these are welcome at your review.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Art & Design Program at carthageart@carthage.edu or 262-551-6247.
to receive more information about Carthage scholarship programs.