Photography is popular among graduating high school students, and also college students. There are many scholarships available to talented individuals studying photography or photojournalism in college. Photography scholarships like these can reduce the stress of paying for future education and can also advance a student’s presence in the arts community.
The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: TBD for 2020 (Opens July 15, 2020)
The organization founded the scholarship in honor of an important late television photojournalist. This award provides substantial financial aid to high school and college students who exhibit a true dedication to the pursuit of a life of journalism and photographic arts. The scholarship also gives special consideration to applicants who can produce relevant photo journals of breaking news, and photos that “tell a story.”
All high school and college photojournalism students are eligible. This award is given based on goals, but also on financial need.
Anchell Photo Workshops Scholarship for Documentary Photography
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 1, 2021
The scholarship awards $1,000 to community college students who show good academic standing at their school. The organization asks for an essay regarding students’ future plans in the photography industry. This award targets specifically bright and new student photographers who have an interest in journalling pertinent information regarding important social and environmental issues. Projects are also not limited to human subjects.
Any important contemporary issue captured on film is eligible for this award. The scholarship asks for qualified community college, university, and trade school applicants. All applications must be centered on how the photographic arts can be used to increase public engagement with social issues.
Columbia College Chicago Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31
Columbia College Chicago offers multiple scholarships for artistic and creative students. Besides scholarships that are automatically awarded to students, there are talent-based scholarships available as well. For those, students must submit a portfolio of their work by January 31 to qualify.
Bodie McDowell Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 1, 2020
The Bodie McDowell Scholarship encourages students involved in outdoor communications, including photography. Any undergraduate and graduate student studying some form of communications or journalism may apply for this scholarship. Students, along with completing the application, must also submit samples of their work and letters of recommendation.
NPPF Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
The National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF) offers a wide variety of photography scholarships for students to apply for. From telling a story through photography to stills with captions, students will find a scholarship that suits their creative needs.
Urban Art Scholarship
Amount: $350
Deadline: December 31, 2020
An art student committed to community involvement created this $350 scholarship. Trevor Coopersmith, an aesthetically-driven individual, found ways to benefit local communities with his art. High school and collegiate photography enthusiasts are required to submit an essay.
The Weston Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 1, 2020
Kim and Gena Weston established this award. These California professional photography artists created a frenzy over their methods of capturing modern life in black and white pictures. Students entering the competition must create a 10-frame mounted portfolio of powerful social-political pictures. This portfolio must also communicate a specific interest in certain social matters.
Want to find more photography scholarships? In that case, look online and through scholarship databases. Otherwise, talk to your high school counselor or college’s financial aid office. There’s also no such thing as applying for too many scholarships, as long as you meet all the requirements.
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.99%-16.61%* Variable
4.24%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.37% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
5.37% - 17.99% Variable
3.79% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
5.98% - 13.74% Variable
3.99% - 12.61% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.99% - 15.85% Variable
3.79% - 15.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
4.17% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
6.00% - 14.22% Variable
4.50% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
