Scholarships
The Potter College Creative Arts Scholarship is a competitive award, based on the requirements of the department in which you apply. Award amounts are between $1,000 and $9,000 per year, renewable each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. High school seniors are invited to apply if they plan to attend WKU and major in one of the degrees listed below.
Eligibility: Only incoming first-year students are eligible for this award.
Due: Feb 1
Art & Design Departmental Scholarships
The Department of Art & Design awards more than $50,000 total each year to students with majors in Art & Design.
Scholarships for Summer 2026 - Spring 2027
Application Deadline: Apply by Thursday, March 12, 2026 by 11:59pm
Eligibility: Students must have a major in the Department of Art & Design; graduating seniors inquire before applying
Following Application Best Practices Will Increase Your Chances of Receiving Funding, Review Our Best Practices Guidelines
How to Apply:
1)Fill out the WKU TOPDollar application: https://wku.academicworks.com/
Take a screenshot of your complete TOPDollar Application
2) Create a student portfolio:
Add up to 12 Work Samples (See more information below)
Use this Google Slides Student Portfolio Template (must use)
Suggested Types of Work Samples could include:
- Images of completed 2D or 3D fine art, graphic design, or UX/UI works
- Links to animations, reels, websites, or functional digital prototypes
- Stills of 4D (time-based) works or screengrabs of websites created
- Case studies
- Art History Majors: writing samples (essays or papers) from Art History courses
- Art Education: along with images of your own work, you may include photo documentation of P-12 and community-based teaching; feedback from service-learning; documentation from PD Workshops or conferences
MAKE SURE THE LINK SHARE SETTINGS ARE SET TO "ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN VIEW"!!!!
2) Write a cover letter addressing any of the following:
- Artistic / creative achievements
- Academic achievements
- A statement about your artistic work
- Career goals
- A statement of need
- Anything else the scholarship committee should consider, such as ways you’ve been
involved in the department or arts / design community; leadership or mentorship roles
you’ve taken in and outside of class; and all the ways you are awesome!
Name the file Your -First-Last-Name-Scholarship-Cover-letter
3) Submit your Art & Design departmental scholarship application here: Apply Now
We know unexpected financial burdens can be crushing. We've got your back! The Care and Keeping Scholarship may be able to help with one-time emergency needs such as:
Basic Necessities :
• Hygiene Products
• Medicine
• Groceries or Gas
Necessary Expenses:
• Emergency Child Care
• A Portion of this Month’s Utility Bills
• A Portion of this Month’s Rent
Scholarships can typically be awarded within days. Award amounts vary, but typically range from $30 - $70.
Eligibility: Current Students with Majors / Minors / Certificates in the Department of Art & Design
Due: Awarded on a rolling basis; apply as needed
How to Apply: Email kristina.arnold@wku.edu for more information.
Emergency Tuition Scholarship funds are available to address student needs associated with tuition, required books and materials, housing, etc. The funds must be applied to your WKU student account. Max award: $500 per award; a student can re-apply and receive a max of $2,000 / academic year if need persists. While students can re-apply, priority may be given to first-time applicants. Awards are dependent upon departmental funding available.
Eligibility: Current Students with Majors in the Department of Art & Design
Due: Awarded on a rolling basis; apply as needed
How to Apply: Email art@wku.edu for an application.
Explore all available scholarships on TopDollar!
Scholarship Application Resources:
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.