subject: How to Pay for Art and Design School [print this page] Before you can enter the art and design industry, you must figure out how to pay for art and design school. There are art and design programs at traditional colleges and universities, as well as a variety of dedicated technical colleges that focus specifically on training artists and designers for their careers. It is fortunate that there are a number of financing options available for art and design school programs.
The first option for any prospective student wondering how to pay for art and design school is to seek federal funding. If you are trying to choose a college, you must make sure it is accredited and that it passes the requirements for student funding from the Department of Education. After filling out and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form you can find out whether you qualify for government grants. Although grants are given out on a limited first come, first serve basis based on income and financial needs, if you qualify for grants, you will also likely qualify for low-interest student loans. Federal student loans are the best kind to take out because they don't have to be paid back until after college, and you can consolidate them with various monthly payment plans that fit your budget.
There are also a variety of private student loans, grants and scholarships from various organizations that have a vested interest in promoting artists and designers. There are loans from banks and other financial institutions as well, although you will probably need to start making payments on these while you're still in school. This should be a last resort. Make sure to check out scholarship opportunities from independent companies and organizationsthese do not have to be paid back. If you're a good artist or designer with promise you never know what you'll get. And finally, there are also work-study programs that pay money if you agree to work for a design company while you're learning the trade.
In order to get a good education and get a head start on your career, you must first figure out how to pay for art and design school. Fortunately, there are many financing options available.
