Scholarships + Grants

SFAI understands that your education is an investment in you and your creative future. 

In addition to any state and federal financial aid that a student may be eligible for, we offer scholarships and grants to help provide financial support for you in your pursuit of an arts education. Scholarships and fellowships are awarded to incoming students each year and are subject to the terms of the award as indicated below or on their scholarship award letter.

For more information, please contact SFAI Admissions.

Undergraduate Awards

  • Merit Scholarships
  • California Transfer Scholarship
  • BFA Portfolio Achievement Scholarships
  • BA Critical Essay Achievement Scholarship
  • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
  • SFAI Grants
  • SFAI Legacy
  • Veterans Benefits

Graduate Awards

  • MFA Fellowships
  • MA Fellowship
  • SFAI Grants
  • SFAI Legacy
  • Veterans Benefits

Undergraduate Awards

Eligibility
All admitted first-degree and second-degree BA and BFA students are automatically considered for these merit-based scholarships. Students are considered for our merit scholarships based on their academic GPA and portfolio or critical essay. Recipients of this award must maintain full-time status and the required GPA as indicated on their scholarship award letter. Scholarship amounts start at $10,000 a year.

How to Apply
All undergraduate applicants who submit applications on or before the priority deadline will be considered for these awards during the admissions process.

Eligibility
Transfer students from any California community college pursuing their first bachelor’s degree who are admitted into SFAI will be automatically eligible for the California Transfer Scholarship provided that they have earned at least 24 credits from the CA community college and achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. There will be no limit to the number of scholarships available each semester and no additional application required to receive funds. This scholarship will replace any previously awarded scholarship.

How to Apply
All California transfer applicants who submit applications on or before the priority deadline will be considered for this award during the admissions process.

Eligibility
The scholarship is highly competitive, and receiving one represents a prestigious honor. The scholarship is renewable, and replaces any previously awarded Merit Scholarship.

How to Apply
All applicants who submit their complete application and portfolio on or before the priority deadline will be considered for this award during the admissions process.

Eligibility
Offered to an outstanding BA applicant who submitted their complete application by the priority application deadline and is based on the merit of their critical essay. The scholarship replaces any previously awarded Merit Scholarship.

How to Apply
All applicants who submit their complete application and academic essay on or before the priority deadline will be considered for this award during the admissions process.

Award Amount
$1,000 yearly

Eligibility
Awarded to any admitted student with a certificate of Phi Theta Kappa membership. An unlimited amount of scholarships are available. SFAI is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

The SFAI Legacy Scholarship is awarded to any admitted incoming student who is a family member of an SFAI alum or family member of a current SFAI student. The scholarship amount is $2,000 per year and it is renewable. Please let us know if you are a family member of a current student or of an SFAI alum.

SFAI also funds need-based grants for students who demonstrate financial need beyond any scholarship assistance. Domestic candidates for the BFA and BA programs are eligible to be considered for these grants.

How to Apply
To be considered for these awards the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA early in the application process. This form can be found online at fafsa.ed.gov and SFAI’s school code is 003948.

For more information about Grants (Federal/State/SFAI), visit Apply for Financial Aid.

SFAI is committed to providing support for your education and career goals and proudly offers education opportunities for military members and veterans who have honorably served.

For more information, visit VA Benefits

Graduate Awards

Eligibility
The fellowship is a highly competitive, partial tuition scholarship and receiving one represents a prestigious honor. All admitted MFA applicants are eligible to be considered for this award. Recipients of this award must maintain full-time enrollment status and a high level of artistic development during the course of your graduate studies at SFAI.

How to Apply
All applicants who submit applications on or before the priority deadline will be considered for this award during the admissions process.

Eligibility
All MA and Dual Degree candidates are eligible to be considered for this award. Recipients of this award must maintain full-time enrollment status and a high level of artistic development during the course of your graduate studies at SFAI.

How to Apply
All applicants who submit applications on or before the priority deadline will be considered for this award during the admissions process.

Eligibility
SFAI Grants are need-based grants awarded through the Financial Aid Office. Domestic candidates for the MFA, Low Residency MFA, MA, Dual Degree, and Post-Baccalaureate programs are eligible to be considered for these grants.

How to Apply
To be considered for these awards the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA early in the application process. This form can be found online at fafsa.ed.gov and SFAI’s school code is 003948.

For more information about Grants (Federal/State/SFAI), visit Apply for Financial Aid.

The SFAI Legacy Scholarship is awarded to any admitted incoming student who is a family member of an SFAI alum or family member of a current SFAI student. The scholarship amount is $2,000 per year and it is renewable. Please let us know if you are a family member of a current student or of an SFAI alum.

SFAI is committed to providing support for your education and career goals and proudly offers education opportunities for military members and veterans who have honorably served.

For more information, visit VA Benefits