Students working in a pottery class

Scholarship Opportunities

Watkins College of Art

The Watkins College of Art Scholarship Endowment will be used exclusively to provide need and merit-based scholarships for incoming freshman, transfer or graduate students studying the visual arts within the College of Art. The endowed fund is expected to produce more than $800,000 annually for arts scholarships upon maturation.

Incoming Undergraduate Students

Incoming undergraduate students pursuing a major within the Watkins College of Art are eligible for both need-based and merit scholarships. Students must have their Belmont application and portfolio submitted by December 1st to be eligible for the college merit scholarships. Please visit the Portfolio Guidelines page for specific details. 

Need-based scholarships will be determined by the Office of Student Financial Services and the Office of Admissions. The Office of Student Financial Services includes the Watkins Scholarships to all scholarship recipients in the financial aid award package.

Graduate Scholarships

Scholarships for the Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts are funded through the Watkins Endowment. Scholarships are awarded through a faculty jury of student applications and portfolios. In order to be given priority consideration for scholarships, apply by Friday, March 15th, 2024.

Graduate Assistantship

The Watkins College of Art is proud to offer one Graduate Assistantship to an incoming, MFA student that covers full tuition. This position requires the applicant to live locally, have flexible hours and the ability to work approximately 15-20 hours a week. The position will be crafted around the student's skill set and may include studio technician work, gallery assistance, classroom support, and more. To be considered for this full-ride, you must apply to the program and notify Kristi Hargrove of your interest. More information and further steps will be communicated in the candidate's interview.

Portfolio Submission Process for Graduate Students

For information about applying and submitting your portfolio to the MFA program, please see the MFA program page.

Contact Us

Watkins College of Art

1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  (615) 460-6770

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