Scholarships
Students who are enrolled within any of our disciplines (ACM@UCO, Art, Dance, Design, Music or Theatre Arts) may apply for College of Fine arts and Design (CFAD) scholarships.
There are more than 100 scholarship opportunities available and more than $150,000 will be awarded. These scholarships and awards help us to recognize the excellence of our students and were made possible by the generosity of private individuals, local businesses and alumni who have been moved to give back to the university. Many were established in memory of special individuals who valued the arts and education. These scholarships help honor those individuals and carry on their memory.
Give to Support ScholarshipsApply for Scholarships
Applying for Scholarships
To be considered for scholarships, CFAD students use an online application system. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit, financial need or to specific student populations. To be considered, students must be admitted to the university. Most CFAD scholarships are open for application during late fall/early spring and are awarded for distribution during the following academic year. Details about specific timelines for application during the 2019–20 academic year will be posted in the fall of 2018 and applications will be due early in the spring of 2019.
2018-19 Application Period
- January 2, 2018 - Scholarship Application Portal Opens
- February 9, 2018 - Scholarship Application Portal Closes. Applications Due by 4 p.m.
- March 26-30, 2018 - Award Notifications Sent to Applicants
- April 27, 2018 - CFAD Scholarship Awards Luncheon
Student Success in the Arts and Design Fund
Students with financial emergencies are encouraged to apply for scholarship aid from the Student Success in the Arts and Design Fund. This fund was established in 2013 to address unexpected hardships faced by CFAD students that cannot be covered through traditional financial aid or scholarships. Funds can be accessed by students at any time during the academic year through a simple application process, making this the best method to support students facing an unforeseen financial crisis.
Students may apply for funds no more than one time a semester. Amounts of awards will vary based on demonstrated need, and the number of awards granted each semester is subject to the availability of funds.
Emergency Financial Aid Application
Preparing for Scholarship Applications
Official Transcript
Request an official transcript from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in Room 124 of the Nigh University Center. For more information, call (405) 974-2727, email onestop@uco.edu or visit How to Request a Transcript.
Personal Artist Statement
Most CFAD scholarship applications require a 250-word personal artist statement describing academic interests and how they relate to career objectives. The same statement may be used for each scholarship.
Faculty Letters of Recommendation
Some scholarship applications require letters of recommendation from faculty members. Students will submit their faculty's email addresses during the application, and they will receive an online form to complete. It’s best practice to ask their permission in advance and give them plenty of time to do their part.
Artwork / Essay / Additional Questions
Some scholarship applications require original artwork, an essay or answering additional questions. Please see the individual scholarship criteria in the Scholarships by Application section for specific requirements.
NOTE: All requirements are based on your status during the upcoming academic year, unless otherwise stated.
Contact Us
Donors and Friends
Interested in contributing to or establishing a scholarship?
Deborah Baucom, Executive Director of Development
(405) 974-3718 or dbaucom@uco.edu
Incoming and Current Students
Questions about applying for CFAD scholarships?
Tiffany Bryant, Project Coordinator
(405) 974-3783 or cfadscholarships@uco.edu