Scholarships and Awards

Once you’ve declared your major, it’s important to establish regular contact with your advisor, professors, and the department office staff. They can be valuable resources for you and help you make the most of your college experience.

For example, there might be scholarships or new sources of financial aid for which you qualify. To find out what’s available—and the eligibility requirements—contact the department office.

Part-time jobs, service learning, and volunteering will play a key role in your preparation for the future. The faculty and staff in your major area will offer you excellent networking opportunities.

Extracurricular activities can enhance your classroom experiences. There are more than 200 clubs and organizations for you to consider, most of which will help you develop your leadership skills, connect with students who share your interests, and, in some cases, expand your academic experience.

Studio Art Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities for First-Year Students and Studio Art Majors.
  • The SOTA Performance Award for Studio Art

    These awards are given to a limited number of incoming freshmen who:

    • Reside out of state
    • Show exceptional talent in the visual arts
    • Plan to major in Studio Art at the College of Charleston

    These awards can be renewed for up to four years, as long as recipients continue to pursue a BA degree in Studio Art and maintain a minimum grade of 3.0 in Studio Art classes.

    A portfolio review of artwork created in the past three years is required to be considered for this award.

    Please follow these guidelines for submitting artwork:

    • Submit 12 digital images in a single PDF file (with image dimensions of 1024 pixels on the longest side). One image per page. The file size should not exceed 5 MB.
    • Label each image with its dimensions and materials used (L x H or L x H x W in inches)
    • Any combination of drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and mixed media will be accepted.
    • One of the submissions must be a drawing (portrait, self-portrait, or still life) made from direct observation (not from a photographic source).
    • A personal website link or Instagram account, instead of a slide portfolio, will not be accepted.

    Please email a letter of interest and your portfolio to studioartinfo@cofc.edu.

    The deadline for portfolio submissions is Tuesday, February 16, 2026.

    Application Form
  • J. E. Simcox Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 1981 by family and friends in memory of Janet E. Simcox, Class of 1978. The purpose of this fund is to provide assistance to students in the Fine Arts, with a preference for the visual arts. A scholarship is awarded to a rising senior. (Credited to the student's account for the Fall semester).

    Not renewable.

  • Rick Watkins Memorial Scholarship

    Established by Joanne and Fred Watkins of Knoxville, Tennessee, in memory of their son Rick Watkins, the Rick Watkins Endowed Memorial Scholarship honors Rick's dedication to teaching and his talent for nurturing and inspiring young artists at Garrett Academy and North Charleston High School. The recipient may hold the scholarship for up to four academic years, as long as they are enrolled full-time and continue meeting the scholarship committee's academic standards. The scholarship amount may vary based on the Foundation board's decision.

    • Eligibility criteria require demonstrating financial need.
    • Majoring in Studio Art with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
    • Preference is given to minority students from North Charleston area.
    • The student is required to be enrolled full-time, earning a minimum of 24 credit hours throughout the academic year, not counting Maymester and summer sessions.
  • Barbara Duval Endowed Scholarship

    Established in 2004 by Peyton Cochran, Class of 2004, in recognition of the support provided to Peyton Cochran by Studio Art Professor Barbara Duval, this scholarship is restricted and aims to retain the most talented students in the Studio Art Department. These students will be selected based on recommendations from the faculty and the chair of the department. Students must remain full-time and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship can be renewed for up to three years.