Scholarship & Aid
Many students receive financial assistance, either through a single scholarship or a combination of awards. Students are encouraged to begin working with TCU’s Financial Aid office as soon as they are admitted to the School of Art and TCU.
First-Year & Incoming Transfer Students
Open to entering first-year students of superior talent in art with 12 or fewer semester hours of academic credit. Selection is based on a portfolio as part of the application process. Students who satisfy the criteria for renewal will be designated Nordan Scholars and receive a merit-based award annually for the remainder of their undergraduate program (renewable for up to three years).
Eligible students must pursue a BFA degree in:
- Art Education
- Studio Art
- Ceramics
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Established in 1963 by the Fine Arts Guild, with additional contributions from the Friends of Fine Arts of the College of Fine Arts, this scholarship is awarded annually during the scholarship review to an Art Education or BFA Studio Art major who demonstrates exceptional talent.
Current Students
Application Deadline: February 1 annually
Merit scholarships are available to students currently enrolled at TCU or those who have transferred, and are majoring in the Art Education or Studio Art BFA programs (Ceramics, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture).
These scholarships are granted to top BFA candidates who submit portfolios and works for the annual open competition.
Selection is based on the submission and presentation of a portfolio and a prepared
artist statement (for Studio Art majors). Late or incomplete portfolios will not be
accepted. Portfolio reviews for merit scholarships take place in the spring.
Established in 1986 by Van Zandt and Grace S. Smith in memory of their mother—a nationally renowned artist and supporter of the arts at TCU—is awarded annually to an Art Education or BFA Studio Art major who demonstrates exceptional talent.
Established in 1955 by Dr. Richard J. Gonzalez and his wife, Loraine O’Gorman Gonzalez ’36, honors Mr. Ziegler, who served on the TCU Department of Art faculty from 1917-1919 and 1925-1953. This scholarship is awarded annually to an Art Education or BFA Studio Art major who demonstrates exceptional talent.
Endowed in 2009 through the generosity of Suzanne S. ’77 and Kevin G. Levy, this scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding junior or senior Art History major. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and the recommendation of the TCU Art History faculty and must meet the University’s minimum financial aid criteria. The award is renewable.
Established in 2005 by Professor Mark Thistlethwaite, his family, and friends in memory of Aline and Lote Thistlethwaite, this fund supports undergraduate Studio Art and Art History majors by providing financial assistance for educational travel to museums, galleries, and special exhibitions.
This fund assists School of Art majors in participating in international programs within divisions where TCU offers course credit. Awards are merit-based and determined by the student's application and academic success, with appropriate evidence of their ability to excel in international coursework required for consideration.
Renewal of Merit Scholarships
For current holders of the Emily Guthrie Smith, Fine Arts Guild, Nordan Fine Arts and Samuel P. Ziegler awards, renewal requires:
- Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in the relevant area of study.
- Meeting the University’s grade standards for non-probationary students.
- Successfully completing portfolio examinations in subsequent years until the scholarship runs out.