Scholarships

Through the office of admission, SCAD administers a number of scholarships for entering students. Scholarship recipients are expected to be particularly strong and positive leaders at SCAD, excelling academically and representing SCAD well within the community. Scholarships are available to both United States citizens and international students and are awarded to entering students prior to first-quarter attendance.

Entering students may be offered a scholarship from SCAD based on artistic and/or academic achievement with consideration given to financial need as indicated by completion of the FAFSA or other documentation. A scholarship recipient may accept additional scholarships from other sources, as well as additional forms of financial aid if qualified.

Most scholarships are awarded to degree-seeking students, are applied quarterly, and may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Students who plan to pursue a double major or multiple minors should meet with a student success adviser to determine if aid is sufficient.

An annual award is intended to be disbursed over 45 hours of credit earned in three quarters at SCAD. Students may qualify for both academic and artistic scholarships and may receive both up to the cost of tuition.

SCAD scholarships offer an on-campus or off-campus award amount with the on-campus award being 100 percent and off-campus being 70 percent. A scholarship student who accepts an on-campus award as an entering student, but moves out of the residence hall at any time during a quarter or during an academic year, is considered to be declining the on-campus award amount and accepting the off-campus award, thus reducing his or her award to 70 percent. Therefore, a balance due may be created. These students must then resolve any resulting charges incurred with the bursar’s office.  

A limited number of Academic Honors Scholarships may be awarded to accepted students based on SAT scores evaluated on a scale of 1600 (ACT scores on a scale of 36) with consideration given to math and critical reading sections and/or grade point averages evaluated on a 4.0 scale. The scholarship may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Academic honors scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year and may be awarded in addition to other awards, up to the cost of tuition.

May and Paul Poetter Scholarship
A limited number of May and Paul Poetter Scholarships may be offered to accepted students whose official standardized test scores and grade point averages are superior. Grade point averages are evaluated on a 4.0 scale and SAT scores are evaluated on a scale of 1600 (ACT scores on a scale of 36) with consideration given to math and critical reading sections. The scholarship covers full tuition. Room, board, books and supplies are not included, but may be paid through scholarships from other sources, loans or financial aid. The scholarship may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.  

A limited number of Artistic Honors Scholarships may be awarded to accepted students whose portfolio, audition or writing submission is judged to be of excellent quality by the Admission Review Committee. The scholarship may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Artistic honors scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year and may be awarded in addition to other awards, up to the cost of tuition.

Frances Larkin McCommon Scholarship
A limited number of Frances Larkin McCommon Scholarships may be offered to accepted students who have a strong academic profile and whose portfolio, audition or writing submission is judged to be superior by the Admission Review Committee. The scholarship covers full tuition. Room, board, books and supplies are not included, but may be paid through scholarships from other sources, loans or financial aid. The scholarship may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.  

A limited number of Combined Honors Scholarships may be offered to accepted students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in both academic and artistic endeavors. Criteria include documentation of above average grades, standardized test scores above the national average, or completion of an International Baccalaureate diploma, and presentation of an excellent portfolio, audition or writing submission. The scholarship may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

ACA Scholars
In honor of the tradition of the Atlanta College of Art, which joined SCAD in 2006, a $15,000 per year scholarship may be awarded to a limited number of accepted students who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic achievement. Minimum requirements include a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, SAT/ACT score of at least 1220/27 or demonstration of outstanding leadership potential, and documentation of extracurricular activities, honors and awards. In addition, portfolio, audition or writing submission must be submitted and judged to be of excellent quality by the Admission Review Committee. The award may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company Scholarship
The Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company Scholarship of $12,500 per year may be awarded to two SCAD Savannah accepted students from Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, or South Carolina. This scholarship is awarded to applicants who meet or exceed normal admission standards, submit a portfolio and demonstrate interest in advertising, animation, motion media design, film and television, graphic design, illustration, or industrial design. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled, maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates continued interest in the fields listed.

SCAD Distinguished Scholars
A limited number of SCAD Distinguished Scholar awards in the amount of $18,000 may be offered to accepted students who demonstrate exceptional academic and artistic achievement as well as leadership, extracurricular activities, honors and awards. Minimum requirements include a grade point average of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, SAT/ACT score of at least 1440/33, demonstration of outstanding leadership potential, and documentation of extracurricular activities, honors and awards. In addition, portfolio, audition or writing must be submitted and judged to be of exceptional quality by the Admission Review Committee. The award may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Mayor’s Next Step Scholarship
The Mayor’s Next Step Scholarship may be awarded to a limited number of students accepted to SCAD-Atlanta who are members or alumni of the Next Step Program in Atlanta. Applicants must be Georgia residents and must demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic achievement. Minimum requirements include a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, SAT/ACT score of at least 1220/27, or completion of an International Baccalaureate diploma program, demonstration of outstanding leadership potential and documentation of extracurricular activities, honors and awards. In addition, portfolio, audition or writing must be submitted and judged to be of excellent quality by the Admission Review Committee. The scholarship may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Transfer Scholars
The Transfer Scholars award may be offered to a limited number of accepted transfer students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellence in areas of art and design. Minimum requirements include 45 quarter hours or 27 semester hours of college level coursework maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, demonstration of outstanding leadership potential and documentation of extracurricular activities, honors and awards. In addition, portfolio, audition or writing must be submitted and judged to be of excellent quality by the Admission Review Committee. Students who have earned less than 45 quarter hours or 27 semester hours should refer to the ACA Scholars and SCAD Distinguished Honors award descriptions. The Transfer Scholars award may be renewed annually through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.  

Atlanta Board of Visitors Endowed Scholarship
An award of $20,000 may be presented to one incoming, first-year SCAD Atlanta student from the metro Atlanta area who meets or exceeds normal admission standards. The applicant must demonstrate academic achievement, artistic excellence and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 180 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled, maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrates continued financial need.

Bethesda Scholarship
The Bethesda Scholarship is a full-tuition award that may be offered to a graduate of the Bethesda Home for Boys who meets or exceeds normal admission standards and who demonstrates financial need through completion of the FAFSA or other documentation means. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled, maintains at least a 2.0 grade point average and demonstrates continued financial need. Applicants must present a letter of support from both the current president of the Bethesda Board of Directors and the executive director. Recipients are expected to exhibit satisfactory conduct and attitude inside and outside the classroom.

Community Foundation Scholarship
A $5,000 Community Foundation Scholarship may be awarded to a limited number of accepted SCAD Atlanta students who meet or exceed normal admission standards and who demonstrate financial need through completion of the FAFSA or other documentation means. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled, maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates continued financial need.

Eckburg Scholarship
The Eckburg Scholarship is a need-based award that may be presented to a limited number of students graduating from Savannah Christian Preparatory School or to students graduating from other schools within a 200-mile radius of Savannah. This scholarship is awarded to U.S. citizens who meet or exceed normal admission standards, and who demonstrate financial need through completion of the FAFSA or other documentation means. The Eckburg Scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled, maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates continued financial need.

European Board of Visitors Scholarship
One $3,500 scholarship may be awarded to a European student accepted to SCAD who demonstrates outstanding academic and artistic ability and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled, maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates continued financial need.

Goizueta Scholarship
The Goizueta Scholarship is a need-based award that may be presented to one accepted Hispanic/Latino student at SCAD-Atlanta and one accepted Hispanic/Latino student at SCAD Savannah whose family resides in the United States. Funding is provided by an endowment from The Goizueta Foundation. The applicant must meet or exceed normal admission standards. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Gulfstream Endowed Scholarship
Gulfstream Endowed Scholarships may be awarded to dependents of Gulfstream Aerospace employees who meet or exceed normal admission standards and who demonstrate financial need. The scholarships may include full tuition, room and board, or full tuition only. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Jordan Siegel Equestrian Scholarship
A $500 scholarship may be awarded to an incoming first-year student eligible for walk-trot or walk-trot-canter divisions in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competition who meets eligibility requirements for the SCAD equestrian team. Eligible students must have graduated from high school with a grade point average of at least 3.0, must have athletics experience (any sport) and must demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years (up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance and participates on the SCAD equestrian team.

Kane Family Scholarship
The Kane Family Scholarship is offered to one high school graduate from Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, who is accepted to SCAD and who demonstrates financial need. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours), as long as the recipient remains enrolled and maintains a grade point average of at least 2.0 overall and 3.0 in the major course of study and demonstrates continued financial need.

SCAD Grant
SCAD grants may be awarded to accepted freshmen and transfer students who meet or exceed normal admission standards and who demonstrate financial need through completion of the FAFSA or other documentation means. These grants may be renewed annually for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours) as long as the recipients remain enrolled, maintain the specified grade point average and demonstrate continued financial need.

Student Opportunity Scholarship
A limited number of scholarships is awarded to accepted students who meet or exceed the normal admission standards and who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships may be awarded in addition to any other scholarship awarded by SCAD, as long as the total SCAD award does not exceed the cost of tuition. Funding is limited. Eligibility criteria are available by contacting the admission department.  

Army ROTC
Army ROTC may offer grants to undergraduate and graduate students who wish to participate in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps to earn a commission in the U.S. Army while pursuing a degree at SCAD. For more information about ROTC and grant qualifications, students should contact the admission office.

Art in Teaching Scholarship
A $1,000 per year scholarship is awarded to a full-time Master of Arts in Teaching candidate who has demonstrated a commitment to teaching primary or secondary art or drama in a public school or other not-for-profit community organization. The scholarship is disbursed at $250 per quarter.

Athletic grants-in-aid
Athletic grants may be awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding athletic ability and individual merit. Criteria include high school academic record, standardized test scores, recommendations, achievements, leadership in extracurricular activities, and other documentation of ability to contribute to and benefit from the educational experience at SCAD.

Educator scholarship
Educators who are employed full-time at the time of application and who teach at the kindergarten through college level at a public or private institution recognized by the applicant’s state department of education may be eligible to receive a scholarship for half the amount of SCAD’s tuition. To be eligible, an educator must apply and be accepted to SCAD and must provide proof of employment and good standing from his or her school administrator or human resources department. The awards are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Employer tuition assistance
Many employers offer tuition assistance to employees who seek to improve themselves through further education. These students may also qualify for SCAD scholarships for up to one-fourth tuition costs and/or federal or state financial aid. To be eligible, an employee must apply and be accepted to SCAD as an undergraduate or graduate student, request scholarship consideration, and provide proof of the employer’s commitment to provide tuition assistance.

Horatio Alger Scholar Award
A matching scholarship is awarded to each Horatio Alger Scholar who is accepted and enrolls at SCAD. Horatio Alger Scholars also may be eligible for other financial aid, grants, loans or scholarships. The award is renewable for up to four years through completion of a bachelor’s degree (or up to 225 attempted hours), provided the recipient remains enrolled and maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average.

Multicultural student scholarships
A limited number of scholarships may be awarded each year to help make the benefits of a postsecondary or postgraduate education available to degree-seeking students of various ethnic backgrounds who apply and are accepted to SCAD. Students should meet or exceed normal admission standards and must request scholarship consideration.

Recognized outstanding achievements and programs
SCAD recognizes a variety of national and statewide programs or competitions that identify exemplary undergraduate students. Students who provide documentation of these achievements receive an institutional scholarship of at least $1,500.

SCAD and ACA alumni scholarships
Scholarships of $250 per course, with a maximum of $3,000 per year, are awarded to SCAD and ACA alumni who apply and are accepted to any undergraduate or graduate program. Alumni also may qualify for additional scholarships and financial aid. The application fee and enrollment fee are waived for SCAD and ACA alumni accepted into a SCAD degree program, and their SCAD transcript may be requested by admission at no charge.

Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship
SCAD participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Through the Yellow Ribbon program, veterans who apply and are accepted to SCAD may receive the equivalent of the highest Georgia in-state public institution tuition plus an additional $5,000 in grant money from SCAD and a match of $5,000 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, toward their tuition at SCAD. In order to qualify for this grant, the student must complete and submit the Post-9/11 GI Bill application form to the Department of Veterans Affairs. If eligible, the student receives a Certificate of Eligibility, which the student must present to SCAD to receive the Yellow Ribbon grant. The student continues to receive the grant as long as he or she maintains satisfactory progress, conduct and attendance, remains in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) and has remaining entitlement. Students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon grant also may qualify for additional federal or state aid or scholarships. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and the Georgia Aid application to receive maximum financial aid benefits.