School of Art & Design Scholarships
The School of Art & Design offers a range of scholarships to support students at different stages of their academic journey—from incoming first-year students to transfer and returning undergraduates. These scholarships recognize creative potential, strong studio practice, and sustained engagement in art and design.
Scholarships are awarded competitively based on merit. Please review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship carefully before applying. All awards are subject to the availability of funding.
✨ Outstanding Art & Design Student Award
The Outstanding Art & Design Student Award recognizes a returning undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional creative work, sustained engagement in the School of Art & Design, and strong artistic development.
- Award Amount: $3500
- Due Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Award Distribution: Applied evenly across Fall/Winter semesters
Eligibility
- Completed one semester in the School of Art & Design
- Majoring in Art & Design
- Enrolled full time (12 credits) during the award semester
Application Requirements
- Portfolio of 6-10 images or videos saved as a PDF – see guidelines
- Resume listing Art & Design Classes with Grades
- No separate application required. All applicants to the Returning Undergraduate Scholarships are automatically considered for the Outstanding Art & Design Student Award.
Application
Start Outstanding Student and Returning Undergraduate Scholarship Application →
Incoming First-Year Scholarships
The School of Art & Design welcomes applications from incoming first-year students interested in pursuing art and design and developing their creative practice.
- Six Scholarships $1500 each
- Due Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Award Distribution: Applied evenly across Fall/Winter semesters
View Eligibility & Apply →
Transfer Student Scholarships
The School of Art & Design invites transfer students to apply for scholarships supporting creative practice and continued study in art and design.
- Four Scholarships $1500 each
- Due Date: Monday, September 15, 2026
- Award Distribution: Winter Semester
View Eligibility & Apply →
Returning Undergrad Scholarships
In addition to the Outstanding Art & Design Student Award, the School of Art & Design offers multiple Returning Undergraduate Scholarships recognizing strong studio practice and academic engagement.
- Six Scholarships $1500 each
- Due Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Award Distribution: Applied evenly across Fall/Winter semesters
View Eligibility & Apply →
🎯 Digital Portfolio Guidelines
Prepare images for PDF
- All layers must be flattened
- Images should save at no larger than 2000 pixels on the largest side at 72ppi.
- Save images as a JPEG
Save images to one PDF file
- One artwork or series per page, although multiple views are fine.
- Include any relevant information for each piece such as title, year, media, and any other information you would like the scholarship committee to know.
- Portfolio must be saved as PDF and named as such: lastname-port.pdf.
- NOTE: If you are submitting a video or website as part of your portfolio, please include a link to your site or to your video on the web (suggested sites: youtube or vimeo). Along with the link you should include any relevant information such as Title, Year, etc.
- Tip: Any presentation software can export your portfolio as a PDF. If the PDF is too large to upload, we recommend using ilovepdf.com to compress your file and retain image quality (make sure any links still work!)
Need an example? → Example PDF Portfolio
🎬 Video Tutorials
Linked below are video tutorials to assist you with the process of building your digital portfolio for scholarship applications.
Foundation Scholarships
Donor Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Art & Design
Scholarships provide the widest possible access to an affordable and excellent education. Private scholarships have played an invaluable role in helping NMU graduates become leaders in the arts, the sciences, business and industry, and their communities.
Scholarship application window
for 25-26 academic year:
Monday, January 19, 2026 - Monday, February 16, 2026
Apply for scholarships by logging in to MyNMU and find the Financial Aid/ Donor-Funded Scholarships link.
PDF Portfolio should be directly uploaded to the NMU Donor-Funded Scholarships by logging in to MyNMU and find the Financial Aid : Donor-Funded Scholarships link on the left hand side under Student Services, along with any other required information.
* If you are submitting a video as part of your portfolio, please include a link to your video on the web (suggested sites: youtube or vimeo). Along with the link you should include any relevant information such as Title, Year, etc.
Lake Superior Art Association Scholarship
One Scholarship - Award Amount varies based on earnings.
Eligibility
- Resident of the Upper Peninsula
- Full time student at Northern Michigan University
- Sophomore Status: Majoring in Art & Design
- Portfolio of 6-10 images digital submission
- Cumulative GPA of 2.7
- Enrolled in at least one course in their Art Emphasis and provide name of supporting faculty member
Bobbi Ameen Art Education Memorial Scholarship
One Scholarship - Award Amount varies based on earnings.
Eligibility
- Full time student at Northern Michigan University
- Completed one semester in the Art Department
- Portfolio of 6-10 images digital submission
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Junior or Senior status working on certification in Art K-12th grade, Majoring in Art Education
- Must have a letter with the name of the supporting faculty member and transcripts
Thomas & Carol Cappuccio Illustration Scholarship
One Scholarship - Award Amount varies based on earnings.
Eligibility
- Full time student at Northern Michigan University
- Majoring in Art & Design
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Portfolio of 6-10 images digital submission
- Junior or Senior status
- Must Demonstrate Financial Need
- Preference given to an Illustration Emphasis
Signuld Buck Endowed Scholarship
One Scholarship - Award Amount varies based on earnings.
Eligibility
- Resident of Upper Peninsula, Michigan
- Full time student at Northern Michigan University
- Majoring in Art & Design
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Must Demonstrate Financial Need
Tyyne Maria (Kauppila) Ostlund Scholarship
One Scholarship - Award Amount varies based on earnings.
Eligibility
- Full time student at Northern Michigan University
- Majoring in Art & Design
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Junior or Senior status
- Preference will be given to a student of Finnish descent
Need-Based Awards
Note: If you wish to be considered for need-based awards, you will need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Financial Aid Office. Visit the Financial Aid Website for information on the FAFSA application process.