Merit-Based Scholarships for First-Year Students
Our merit-based scholarships are available to all incoming first-year students upon acceptance to Maine College of Art & Design. These scholarships, which range from $10,000–$21,000, are awarded based on previous high school academic achievement, the strength of the submitted portfolio and application, and non-cognitive elements like community engagement and leadership and demonstrated work ethic. These merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at the College with good academic standing.
Graduates of any Maine high school who are accepted to the College qualify instead for merit-based scholarships which range from $12,000–$22,000 based on the same criteria. These merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at the College with good academic standing.
BFA Full Tuition Scholarship for First-Year Students
Each year we offer one renewable full tuition scholarship for an exemplary first-time freshman coming directly from high school to attend the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program.
To be considered for this scholarship, each applicant must:
- Be a high school senior applying for Fall admission
- Complete a full BFA application for Fall by the February 1 deadline
- Submit a portfolio through SlideRoom
The Full Tuition Scholarship recipient will be informed by mid-March.
Winners of the Full Tuition Scholarship demonstrate academic rigor in their high school academic career, exhibit technical skill and personal voice in their application portfolio, and a strong commitment to community engagement. The selection of our Full Tuition Scholar is made by a committee comprised of the Dean of the College, the Associate Dean of the College, the Director of Admissions, and the Executive Vice President of the College.
Scholarships for Winning Regional Scholastic Award Entries
Maine College of Art & Design is pleased to award scholarships to winning student artists at the Regional and National levels for the Scholastic Art Awards for all states. All scholarships are renewable every year and are applied toward the cost of attendance.
- National Scholastic winners: $2,500 per year
- Regional Gold Key winners: $1,500 per year
- Regional Silver Key winners: $1,000 per year
- Regional Honorable Mention winners: $500 per year
Accepted BFA students must submit proof of award to receive scholarship funding toward the cost of attendance at Maine College of Art & Design's Bachelor of Fine Arts program. The College will award the scholarship level based on the highest award a student has achieved while in high school.
Scholarships for Winning Maine Congressional Art Awards Entries
Maine College of Art & Design awards scholarships to student artists who receive Maine Congressional Art Awards. All scholarships are renewable every year and are applied toward the cost of attendance. Congressional awards are awarded in addition to Scholastic Award scholarships.
- Congressional First Place winners: $1,000 per year
- Congressional Second Place winners: $500 per year
- Congressional Third Place winners: $500 per year
- Congressional Honorable Mention winners: $500 per year
Accepted BFA students must submit proof of award to receive scholarship funding toward the cost of attendance at Maine College of Art & Design's Bachelor of Fine Arts program.
Private Grants & Scholarships
The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. Many organizations will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information online, for example FinAid.org. We recommend exercising extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information online.