Scholarships & Awards

Every spring, the Department of Art selects eight outstanding studio art majors to receive a Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship (CAPA). The CAPA award is equivalent to full in-state tuition for one academic year (two regular semesters). CAPA scholars will have the opportunity to be considered for renewal each year for a total of up to four years of undergraduate study. Learn more about the scholarship.

Ready to Apply?

All applicants will use the Scholarship Universe portal. The link will be activated on the first day of classes following Spring Break and will remain available until 4:00 p.m. on April 15, 2024. 

You will be prompted to upload your materials and information as you work your way through the online application.

Application Materials 

For application materials, view this PDF.

The Clarvit Design Scholarship provides funds to design students who have achieved a high degree of merit in the design program. The award is open to studio art students currently enrolled or recently admitted into the design concentration. Current Clarvit scholars may reapply for the scholarship in any subsequent year. Selection is competitive. For more details, visit the Graphic Design Scholarships page. 

The Department of Art Van Crews Jr. Scholarship is designated for a student who has been admitted into the design concentration or has declared a commitment to pursue a concentration in design. The current Van Crews scholar can reapply for the scholarship in any subsequent year. The selection is competitive. For more details, visit the Graphic Design Scholarships page. 

The Paula A. Santen Scholarship is awarded to an Art Major recognizing their talent as an artist and need of financial assistance. 

The Paula A. Santen Scholarship is for the academic year and will be posted directly to the student's account. The terms of the award require that the student maintain a minimum of 12 credits per semester at the College Park campus, remain in good academic standing (3.0 or better in your major), and continue to be enrolled at the University of Maryland at College Park for the full year covered by the award. In addition, the student must demonstrate a continued pursuit of their major in Art by taking a minimum of one Art Course per semester while retaining a high level of quality in their artwork. 

This award is granted to a student in their junior year with the possibility of having it renewed for a second year.

Ready to Apply?

All applicants will use the Scholarship Universe portal. The link will be activated on the first day of classes following Spring Break and will remain available until 4:00 p.m. on April 15, 2024. 

You will be prompted to upload your materials and information as you work your way through the online application.

Application Materials 

For application materials, view this PDF.

The Department of Art is pleased to announce the Jenny Rhee Student Award for Painting. This award, given in memory of UMD alum Jenny Rhee, will be awarded to two rising senior Studio Art majors whose primary practice is in the field of painting. Each recipient will receive $1,000 for use in the completion of ambitious work in painting during their senior year within the Studio Art major.

Eligibility:  Applicants must be rising seniors and declared Studio Art majors who have completed or are currently enrolled in ARTT 320, and who plan to enroll in Advanced Painting ARTT courses in some capacity in their senior year.  

To Apply:  Submit a portfolio of 5-10 images of recent work in painting and drawing along with a short (1 page) cover letter (PDF.) Cover letter should explain the applicant's interests in painting, and describe how the award will be used to further those interests.

Apply through the Scholarship Universe portal - Applications Due: April 15th, 2024

Questions on the application process should be directed to artdept@umd.edu

Given in conjunction with the Anwar Sadat Lecture for Peace held annually on the UMD campus. Awards are given in 2D and 3D categories. Learn more about the competition.

As a leading art critic for the Baltimore Sun and a well-known area curator, John Dorsey’s incisive critical perspective and passion for visual arts provided immeasurable contributions to the contemporary art community. This annual Department of Art prize rewards students who excel in critical thinking skills and curatorial practice. The award honors the single best exhibition proposal submitted for this competition. Guidelines and information can be found on this page

Awarded to a studio art major who is of at least junior standing and who exemplifies the artistic aspirations and achievements of Stephanie Pogue and has financial need. This award is administered by the David C. Driskell Center.

Three monetary awards are made to graduating seniors for presenting accomplished artwork in the department's senior exhibition.

This monetary award aims to support the work of a promising graduate student who is entering their second year of study within the program.