As of 2010, there has been increasing interest from young minds across the country in developing their creative skills, while the number of art schools and university art departments across the country has risen. While most art schools are notoriously expensive, a small minority of art schools throughout America has a reputation for being generous when it comes to financial aid packages.

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is the only college in the nation that gives all of its students full-ride scholarships. For this reason, it is more competitive than Harvard to get into. It has launched the careers of numerous successful artists. Notable alumni include Nick Mauss, Donald Baechler, Eva Hesse and R.B. Kitaj.

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art 30 Cooper Square New York, NY 10003-7120 212-353-4100 cooper.edu

California College of the Arts

In 2009, the California College of the Arts awarded more than $19 million in financial aid. The college publicly acknowledges that qualified students get full-ride scholarships. Some of the school’s more popular programs include film, animation, ceramics and sculpture. The school has campuses in both San Francisco and Oakland.

California College of the Arts 5212 Broadway Oakland, CA 94618-1426 510-594-3600

1111 Eighth St. San Francisco, CA 94107-2247 415-703-9500 cca.edu

Maryland Institute College of Art

The Maryland Institute College of Art is another institution known for giving out full-ride scholarships based on merit as well as need. The college is known for registering a high number of presidential scholars in the visual arts.

Maryland Institute College of Art 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217 410-669-9200 mica.edu

Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD offers degree programs in film and television, sculpture, painting, performing arts and service design, among other areas. Select students attending the Savannah College of Art and Design are awarded full-tuition scholarships for all four years. It should be noted, however, that these scholarships do not include the cost of supplies, room and board. If you want to compete for one of these scholarships, you should have an excellent academic record (including high test scores) and an impressive portfolio.

Savannah College of Art and Design 22 E. Lathrop Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 800-869-7223 scad.edu

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