What's the typical amount for graphic design scholarships?

I'm planning to major in graphic design, and I'm trying to get a sense of how much college scholarships typically offer for this field. Are there many opportunities for financial aid, or do graphic design awards tend to be small?

The amount of scholarships for graphic design majors can vary greatly. Some smaller, local scholarships may be worth a few hundred dollars, while larger, national contests could offer awards up to several thousand dollars. It mostly depends on the scholarship provider and the intended purpose of the award.

That said, don't be too quick to overlook smaller scholarships. They can still contribute significantly toward covering unexpected college costs, like textbooks or personal expenses. Plus, these smaller scholarships tend to be less competitive, which could increase your likelihood of securing one.

As with all students, graphic design majors also have access to scholarships not tied to their chosen major. For instance, many organizations offer scholarships based on academic performance, community involvement, or other personal characteristics.

While scholarships specifically targeting graphic design majors might not be as abundant as general scholarships, they do exist. Some notable ones include the AIGA Worldstudio Scholarship and the Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship, both of which offer substantial awards.

Remember that scholarships are just one part of the financial aid scene - work-study options, grants, and loans also constitute significant financial resources.

While you continue your scholarship hunt, make sure you're also applying to schools that are a financial fit for you. If a school's net price (their cost after financial aid) is above what your family can afford, even with potential scholarship money, it may not be a financially responsible option. Be sure to run the net price calculators for each school you're interested in. That will give you a sense of what you might pay after financial aid and will help you better estimate how much you would need to win scholarships.

Finally, do fill out your FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1. Regardless of whether you intend to take out loans, completing the FAFSA can also open up access to federal, state, and college grants.