Scholarships and Awards

Once you’ve declared your major, it’s important that you establish regular contact with your advisor, your professors, and with the department office staff. They can be tremendous resources for you and help you maximize 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 an integral part in your preparation for the future. The faculty and staff in your major area will provide you with wonderful 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 hone your leadership skills, help you connect with students who share your interests, and in some cases, expand your academic experience.

Studio Art Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities for Incoming 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
    • Exhibit exceptional talent in the visual arts
    • Intend to major in Studio Art at the College of Charleston

    These awards are renewable for up to 4 years with the condition that recipients continue to pursue a BA degree in Studio Art and earn a minimum grade of 3.0 in Studio Art classes.

    To be considered for this award, a portfolio review of artwork -- created in the past three years is required.

    PLEASE follow these guidelines for the submission of artwork:

    • Submit 12 digital images in a single pdf file (image size: 1024 pixels for longest measurement). One image per page. File size should be no larger than 5 MB.
    • Label each image with the 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
    • 1 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 e-mail a letter of interest and portfolio to studioartinfo@cofc.edu.

    The deadline for portfolio submissions is February 18, 2025.

    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 for students in the Fine Arts, with preference given to the visual arts.  Scholarship awarded to a rising senior.  (Credited to student's account for 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 celebrates Rick's commitment to teaching and his ability to nurture and inspire the artistic talents of his young students at Garrett Academy and North Charleston High School. The recipient will be allowed to hold the scholarship for a total of four academic years, provided she/he is enrolled as a full-time student and continues to meet the academic standards established by the scholarship committee.  The amount of scholarship may vary based on the determination of the Foundation board.

    • The student demonstrates a financial need.
    • Majoring in Studio Art with a minimum GPA of 3.0
    • Preference is given to minority students from the North Charleston area
    • Enrolled as a full-time student earning a minimum of 24 credit hours during the academic year, excluding Maymester and summer school.
  • Barbara Duval Endowed Scholarship

    Established in 2004 by Peyton Cochran Class of 2004 in recognition of the assistance given to Peyton Cochran by Studio Art Professor Barbara Duval. This scholarship is restricted and designed to support the retention of the most talented students in the Studio Art Department. These students will be identified by the recommendation of the Faculty and Chair of the Studio Art Department. Students must maintain full-time status and a 3.0 overall GPA. The scholarship is renewable for up to 3 years.