Fine Arts Scholarship Opportunities

Cornell College offers fine arts scholarships ranging from $2,000 to full tuition. While some of the scholarships listed below require a major or minor in the chosen field, others are available to any qualified student, regardless of major. We encourage all students who have a strong interest in art, music or theatre to apply.

Application guidelines

To be considered for a fine arts scholarship, you must complete the following steps:

• Submit the Fine Arts Scholarship Consideration Request Form.
• Apply for admission to Cornell before the Feb. 1 Regular Decision deadline. 
• Art students
  Submit a portfolio of your work by March 1.
• Music students
  Complete an audition before March 1. We prefer that auditions be performed live, but recorded auditions will also be accepted. Copies of sheet music must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the audition.
• Theatre students - performance
  Complete an audition before March 1. We prefer that auditions be performed live, but recorded auditions will also be accepted. You will also need to submit a letter of recommendation from a theatre teacher or director.
• Theatre students – technical
  Complete an interview and submit a portfolio of your work before March 1. You will also need to submit a letter of recommendation from a theatre teacher or director.

Decisions and notification

Unlike academic scholarships, which are announced at the time of admission, notifications about fine arts scholarship are made as soon as your materials have been reviewed. We encourage you to complete the process listed above as early as possible.

Renewal

Fine arts scholarships and awards are renewable annually if you make satisfactory academic progress, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.  Please be sure to read the specific eligibility and participation requirements for renewal of the Fine Arts awards and scholarships as listed below.

Questions and assistance

Once you submit your Fine Arts Scholarship Consideration Request Form, our Fine Arts Scholarship Coordinator (Joey Crowley) will contact you to arrange the rest of the process. Feel free to contact Joey at any time if you have questions.

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Available scholarships and awards

Art Scholarships Awards

Buzza Art Scholarship: $10,000
Cornell College Art Award: $2,000 - $4,000

Music Scholarships and Awards

Cornell College Music Scholarships: 16,000 - Full Tuition + music lessons
Horace Alden Miller Music Scholarship: $10,000 + music lessons
Cornell College Music Award: $2,000-$4,000 + music lessons

Eligibility: All music scholarships and awards require students to enroll in music lessons, participate in at least one major ensemble on the student's primary instrument, and enroll in a FAA 701 Music Performance Seminar. Scholarship and award recipients are awarded free music lessons at a value of $350 per semester.All music scholarships and awards are avialable to all qualified students, regardless of major.

Theatre Scholarships and Awards

Hunter Theatre Scholarship: $10,000

Eligibility: The Hunter scholarship requires a major in theatre and participation in one main stage production per semester. 

Cornell College Theatre Award: $2,000 - $4,000

Eligibility: Students earning a Cornell College Theatre Award are not required to participate in the department's courses or activities, although many recipients take courses or remain involved through other theatre department activities.