Given the leaps and bounds in technology in recent years, perhaps it should not come as a surprise that, among millennials in college, the number of students pursuing a major in graphic design has grown significantly. Oftentimes, graphic designers work variable hours and many, in fact, also work on freelance, single-paying projects. For these reasons, among others, graphic design is an attractive major to hone and perfect the skills needed to combine an open work schedule with the creativity imbued in many millennials. Here are a few graphic design scholarships open to students who wish to someday work on a canvas of pixels:
Worldstudio Foundation Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $6,000
Deadline: April 15, 2020
AIGI sponsors the Worldstudio Foundation Scholarship Program to support underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in their pursuit of the arts. Every year, the foundation awards scholarships to those who show social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in their chosen medium. The scholarship award goes directly to the winner’s school and towards their tuition. Interested students must major in graphic design, illustration, or photography, and must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 3, 2020
In 1971, just seven years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act outlawing workplace discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, or religion, the Congressional Black Caucus formed to bring the issues of African-Americans into the spotlight in the legislative branch. A vast percentage of House and Senate legislators were white. The thirteen people of color in Congress decided that it was important to band together to make their voice heard, as well as providing an example for young black youths.
To this day, the Congressional Black Caucus is one of the most influential caucuses, or groups, of legislators in Congress. President Barack Obama is an alumnus, as well as civil rights hero John Lewis, who marched in Selma alongside Dr. King, is among their members, in his current role as a Democratic congressman from Georgia. The Congressional Black Caucus, or CBC, takes it upon themselves to continue to provide a great example of leadership. The CBC also incentivizes young people of color to pursue their dreams through many scholarship opportunities.
One of the many ways they accomplish this is through funding the CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship for young designers and artists who are members of minority communities. To be eligible for application, students must be African-American US citizens also with a minimum 2.5 GPA who exhibit leadership and community service qualities. Additionally, they must be either planning to or already pursuing a major in the visual arts, including graphic design. The application includes a personal statement, a resume, and also five original works to demonstrate aptitude. The winner receives a financial reward of $3,000 towards their tuition.
Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 1, 2020
A nonprofit organization dedicated to growing interest in graphic design among incoming college students, the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) states their mission on their website with what designers might call a “minimalist approach” and “to strengthen the print and graphic communication industry by providing scholarship assistance.” No frills, no complicated process, no red tape. Just dedication to the end product and clarity.
The awards offered by PGSF top out at $5,000. The scholarship awards students after their work is judged by the organization’s Scholarship Selection Committee. The committee is made up of “industry leaders” and also college professors with a myriad of experiences in the field of graphic design. The competition is open to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are also enrolled or accepted to graphics programs at US universities. Over the past year, the average scholarship awarded was around $2,000. It’s renewable as long as the student maintains a 3.0 average or a “B” on a letter grade scale.
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.99%-16.59%* Variable
3.99%-15.59%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.37% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
5.13% - 17.99% Variable
3.69% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.01% - 15.47% Variable
3.69% - 14.71% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.74% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
6.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
