Scholarships

ArtCenter administers more than $22 million in scholarships per year.

ArtCenter awards scholarships to students who demonstrate both financial need and outstanding visual and academic ability. International students do not need to establish financial need.

Amounts vary based on calculated need, available funds and the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee. Both new and currently enrolled students may apply for ArtCenter scholarships.

Generally, entering scholarships for undergraduate students are renewed each term if an undergraduate student maintains a GPA of 2.50, continues to demonstrate financial need and is making satisfactory progress as defined by the Financial Aid Office. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students holding scholarships must complete a Leave of Absence when they take a term off, and may not take off three consecutive terms.

Entering Scholarships

Entering U.S. students who want to apply for ArtCenter scholarships should submit all application materials, including portfolio and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Financial Aid Office by the following dates:

Priority scholarship dates

  • Summer term: January 15
  • Fall Term (Early Action): November 15
  • Fall term (Priority Date): February 1
  • Spring term: October 1

Notification of scholarship awards

Accepted applicants will be notified by: 

  • Summer term: March 1
  • Fall Term (Early Action): Jan 31
  • Fall term(Priority Date): April 1
  • Spring term: November 15

If you miss the priority dates listed above, scholarship funds may still be granted on an as-available basis, and other forms of aid—such as Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Pell Grants—may be available as well. Applicants will be notified of scholarship awards on a rolling basis at the time of admission.

For assistance in applying for financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@artcenter.edu or 626 396-2215.

There is no GPA requirement for entering students. International students do not need to file a financial aid application. Students who miss the priority dates may still be considered for scholarships and other aid.

Continuing Scholarships

Currently enrolled students may apply for scholarships through the Continuing Scholarship Review process. Although ArtCenter administers a number of named scholarships, to be considered, students currently need only apply for general scholarships. In order to participate in the Continuing Scholarship Review process, all students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (at ArtCenter). First term students may also apply. Domestic students must have a current FAFSA on file in the Financial Aid Office by the date of their department meeting for the term and demonstrate need. 

International students need only to submit their portfolios.

For more information review the ArtCenter Scholarship Portfolio Review documents for undergraduate and graduate students here.