Scholarships
Watkins offers numerous scholarships to incoming students based on faculty recommendations after reviewing completed applications for admission and portfolio submissions. These range from the Commissioners’ Scholarship, which awards full-tuition for four years to one applicant each year, to smaller, individual recognition of excellence in scholarship and/or portfolio work. Usually only one scholarship is awarded to a student, but occasionally an unusually exceptional applicant may be offered a combination of scholarships.
We are always adding new ways to encourage young artists, designers and filmmakers. Watkins also continues to reward talent and scholastic achievement in our continuing students with merit awards during their studies at the college. Departmental merit awards and the Presidential Award for Scholastic Excellence are given out to many students every year.
DEADLINES:
For scholarship consideration applicants must submit a complete application for admission by the dates listed below.
| Fall | May 1st |
| Spring | October 1st |
Other Resources-Scholarship Search
Many institutional scholarships are available through Watkins. However, below are resources that you might use to explore additional funding for your education.
Watkins Institutional Scholarships for Incoming Students
Scholarships are awarded based on faculty recommendations after reviewing completed applications for admissions and portfolio submissions. Recipients will be informed within their letters of acceptance if they have been awarded an admissions application scholarship.
No specific application for a scholarship is required. Usually only one scholarship is awarded to a student, but, occasionally, when applicable, a combination of scholarships is offered. Scholarships are also awarded based on reviews at National Portfolio Days or the applicant’s prior participation in various regional visual arts competitions in which Watkins is a sponsor. A list of these competitions is included within this document, including, when available, web sites for more information. Unless otherwise stated, all awards are based on full-time enrollment and are prorated for part-time enrollment. The annual amount is divided equally between the fall and spring semesters. Some awards are given over a period of years and may be dependent upon maintaining a certain cumulative GPA for continuing eligibility. This will be indicated in the award letter. All scholarships offers are dependent upon successful application, registration and completion of the semester of the year of the award. If a student withdraws during the award period, the scholarship will be forfeited.
Scholarship List:
Commissionersʼ Scholarship
The Commissionersʼ Scholarship, the most prestigious award given by the college, is presented in honor of those who have served as Commissioners of the institution. Only one new Commissionersʼ Scholar will be chosen each year. The recipient of this award will receive full tuition for up to four years (maximum of 30 credits per year) and must be registered as a full-time student throughout their tenure at Watkins. Based on their prior scholastic record and application submissions, a select number of applicants will be invited to apply for this scholarship. Those applicants will be asked to write an additional essay and provide the college with any further information about themselves and their commitment to the study of art, design or film. A committee, with a representative from each program, will review all applications and choose that yearʼs Commissionersʼ Scholar.
• Award is automatically reviewed for three subsequent and continuous academic years provided the student remains in superior academic standing by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.65 or above.
• All high school students who intend to enter Watkins as full-time students in any of the degree programs are eligible for consideration.
• Applicants must have outstanding academic records and must show unusual potential to become accomplished artists, designers or filmmakers.
• Applicants will be chosen by the department to which they initially apply and will receive an invitation to apply for the Commissionersʼ Scholarship, after which the recipient will be selected by a committee of the faculty.
The Presidential Award of Excellence for Incoming Students
Given in recognition of excellence in prior scholarship.
• A total of $2,000 given over the first two semesters.
• Award can be given to either a first-time college or transfer student.
• Recipients must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.65 or higher at their prior institution.
The Deanʼs Award of Portfolio Excellence
Given in recognition of excellence in the portfolio materials submitted for admittance to the college.
• A total of $2,000 given over the first two semesters.
• Award can be given to either a first-time college or transfer student.
TAEA Student of the Year Award
The TAEA Student of the Year Award is intended to recognize outstanding artistic achievement on an ongoing basis, as determined by a high school art teacher who is a member of the Tennessee Art Educators Association.
• Every high school art teacher in the state of Tennessee who is a TAEA member may name one Student of the year per year to receive this award in the teacherʼs name.
• A total of $1,000 given over the first two semesters.
• Award requires a letter of recognition from the TAEA member, to be received by the Director of Admissions on or before April 1 of each year. The award will only be granted to a high school senior planning to attend Watkins as a full-time student in the fall immediately following graduation.
• The TAEA member may name a new student on an annual basis.
Raw Talent Scholarship
Merit-based scholarship awarded to applicants who show excellent potential to excel in the visual arts.
• Amount of award varies
• Multiple recipients may be chosen to receive this award
• Award can be given to either a first-time college or transfer student.
Star Scholarship for Transfer Students
Awarded to promising students who have completed and earned a minimum of 12 transferable college credit hours.
• Awards range from $500 to $2000 per year, for up to four years.
• Multiple recipients may be chosen to receive this award.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at their prior institution or provide a portfolio for review in order to be considered for this award.
• Award is based on a combination of prior scholarship and application materials.
Watkins Community Education Young Artist Program Scholarship
Applicants to the college who have taken at least three Watkins Community Education classes prior to enrollment are eligible to receive this award. A written recommendation from the Director of the Community Education program is required.
• $500 a year for up to four years.
Watkins Pre-college Program Scholarship
Given to applicants who successfully complete the Watkins Pre-College program and who are accepted into any of the Watkins College of Art, Design & Film BFA or BA programs.
• $1,000 a year for up to four years.
Tennessee Governorʼs School for the Arts Scholarship
Given to applicants who have successfully completed the Tennessee Governorʼs School for the Arts.
• $1,000 a year for up to four years.
• One award per recipient.
Kentucky Governorʼs School for the Arts Scholarship
Given to applicants who have successfully completed the Tennessee Governorʼs School for the Arts.
• $1,000 a year for up to four years.
• One award per recipient.
National Portfolio Day Scholarships
Students whose portfolios are reviewed by a Watkinsʼ representative at a National Portfolio Day in the year prior to entry are eligible to be considered for a scholarship. The amount awarded is based on the quality of their portfolio as determined by the collegeʼs reviewer and range from $4,000 to $20,000 over four years.
Renaissance Scholarship
Awarded to non-traditional students who have been out of school for 10 or more years, based on a review of application materials.
• Award is $1,000 per year of attendance at Watkins
• Recipients must be in good academic standing for award to be renewed each year.
Onyx Diversity Scholarship
Preference is given to members of the African-American community. Students must show high levels of commitment and talent as well as demonstrate financial need.
• Award is up to $4,000 a year for a maximum of four years, based on academic and artistic promise and financial need as determined by the FAFSA application.
• Recipients must remain in good academic standing to continue to receive the award in years two through four, maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.
• Multiple recipients may receive this award.
• Applicants must complete the FAFSA application available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Creatividad Diversity Scholarship
Preference is given to members of the Hispanic community. Students must show high levels of commitment and talent as well as demonstrate financial need.
• Award is up to $4,000 a year for a maximum of four years, based on academic and artistic promise and financial need as determined by the FAFSA application.
• Recipients must remain in good academic standing to continue to receive the award in years two through four, maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.
• Multiple recipients may receive this award.
• Applicants must complete the FAFSA application available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships
Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is designated as a recipient of the Hope Scholarship offered by the State of Tennessee to eligible Tennessee high school graduates and non-traditional Tennessee students (age 25 and older). Questions about qualifications to receive these awards should be directed to www.collegepaysTN.com.
Out-of-State Matching Lottery Scholarships
If an out-of-state applicant is eligible for a financial award from a state lottery education scholarship and will lose that award if attending a college out-of-state, Watkins will match the award up to a maximum of $3,000 per year.
• Recipient must submit details of the state lottery award, including award criteria to the Director of Admissions at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester.
• Recipient must qualify for the award if he/she were to attend college in the home state.
• Award will be renewed for up to four years as long as the recipient maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and registers for 12 or more credits a semester.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Watkins is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon GE Education Enhancement Program, a provision of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows degree granting institutions of higher learning to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.
• Up to five entering students each year will be eligible to receive this benefit.
Sponsored Scholarships
Sponsored scholarships are awarded by Watkins through various competitions and exhibitions held in the visual arts. Students looking to be eligible for any of these awards should contact the sponsoring agency of the particular event. Information can also usually be found through the visual arts department of your local high school. Awards must be used within three years of receipt. All awards are dependent upon a successful application to Watkins College of Art, Design & Film.
Scholastic Gold Key Award
www.scholastic.com/artandwritingawards/enter.htm
Amount: $1,500, applied to the first year of attendance
One award per student
Scholastic American Visions Award
www.scholastic.com/artandwritingawards/enter.htm
Amount: $4,000 over four years
One award per student
Nashville Film Festival Young Filmmakerʼs Award
Amount: $5,000, applied to the first year of attendance
Awarded to each of the principals involved in the winning film (Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Editor)
One award per student
East, Middle and West Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition Awards
Amount: From $4,000 to $12,000, over four years, depending on category of award received from the issuing competition. If a student wins multiple awards, the highest award will prevail.
One award per student.
Ohio Governorʼs Youth Art Exhibition “Top 25” Award
Amount:: $16,000 over four years
Kentucky AEA All-State High School Art Exhibition and Competition Awards
Amount: $4,000 (First Place winners) and $10,000 (Best of Show winners)
T Tauri Young Filmmakers Competition Award
http://www.ttauri.org/2011_t_tauri_entry_form.html
Amount: $1,000 to each of the principals of the winning film (director, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor).
One award per recipient.
Alabama Regional Scholastic Gold Key Art Awards
Award: $1,500 applied to first yearʼs tuition.
One award per student
Atlanta High School Art Exhibition at the Dogwood Festival
Amount: $2,000 to $8,000 over four years, depending on level of award (Third Place to Best of Show) as determined by the exhibition committee.
One award per recipient.
Dogwood Arts Festival Student Art Exhibition – Knoxville, TN
Amount: $4,000 to $12,000 over four years, depending on level of award as determined by festival committee.
One award per student.
Watkins Institutional Scholarships for Continuing Students
A number of scholarships are available for continuing students, ranging from merit-based department-specific awards to college-wide Presidential and Trustee awards which are given based on cumulative grade point averages at the end of the spring semester. For more information on the department-specific awards, students should confer with his or her advisor. For information pertaining to the Presidential and Trustee Awards, please see the Director of Admissions.