University of South Florida

School of Art & Art History

USF College of The Arts

Financial Aid

Affording tuition can be challenging for many, let alone the cost of art materials and supplies. Take one step closer to realizing your dreams with the support of the School of Art & Art History. We are committed to helping aspiring artists and scholars by providing undergraduate scholarships and various forms of graduate student financial aid. In addition, the College of The Arts and the University of South Florida also provide an array of financial aid opportunities.

Graduate Financial Aid

Every current graduate student in the School of Art & Art History receives a full tuition waiver plus either a scholarship OR a graduate assistantship. The USF School of Art & Art History offers two graduate degree programs: Master of Arts in Art History and Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art.

Graduate Student Assistantships

About 30 available each semester, for exceptional students to teach or assist classes and work in other capacities in the School of Art & Art History or the Contemporary Art Museum. Amounts vary from about $6,000 to $10,000 per year plus tuition waivers.

Graduate Assistantship FAQs

How can I be considered for a departmental assistantship or fellowship?

All applicants who are admitted to the graduate program are automatically considered for departmental assistantships and fellowships. These awards are competitive and are granted to students pending availability and funding. Recipients of these awards are notified in their official offer letters at the time of admission into the program.

What is a graduate assistantship?

A graduate assistantship carries a semester-long stipend and provides the recipient with a tuition waiver. The graduate student normally works an average of ten hours a week for an individual faculty member or adjunct.

How many hours of tuition waiver come with a graduate assistantship?

Tuition waivers cover nine credits each regular term as per university guidelines. Upon acceptance, a letter will be issued to you describing the specific stipulations of the waivers.

Graduate Student Research Awards 

Research award amounts vary for materials or travel related to studio and art history research and creative activity. All graduate students are eligible to receive the following and have no need for additional applications. Please note that awards are determined by faculty and the school's director based on achievements and abilities of our students and applicants to our programs.

  • Harrison and Jane Covington Award
  • James Rosenquist Fellowship
  • Robert Huff Memorial Scholarship
  • Adah Schaich Photography Scholarship
  • Carolyn M. Wilson Scholarships
  • William and Nancy Oliver Scholarships
  • Theo Wujcik Memorial Scholarship
  • Jean Rozier Winter Fellowships
  • Hope Rietschlin Memorial Scholarship
  • The Hayes and Hayes Endowed Scholarship

  • Las Damas de Arte Scholarships and Awards
  • University Graduate Fellowships in Art and Art History
  • Y2K Fellowship

Funds for Graduate Conferences in Art History

The School of Art & Art History has a small fund available to art history graduate students invited to give papers at conferences each academic year. The funds can be used to defray costs of travel and conference registration. Contact school Director for more information

Conference Presentation Grant Program

The USF Graduate & Professional Student Council (GPSC) sponsors the Conference Presentation Grant Program, which provides graduate students with funding up to $300 for presentations at professional conferences. For more information, visit the GPSC website.

It is never too early in the academic year to apply for conference funding: the grants are given out on a first-come, -first-served basis. Turn in your application as early as possible, regardless of when you are traveling.

How do I apply for student loans or other university financial aid?

The School of Art & Art History does not determine financial assistance for student loans, grants, general funding sources or other USF scholarships and fellowships. For specific information regarding student loans and other funding sources, please directly contact the university’s Scholarships & Financial Aid Services.

See the Office of Graduate Studies for Opportunities for Graduate Student Research Funding, and additional opportunities and funding sources.

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    USF offers several forms of public and private financial aid including scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. Learn about the types of aid available to pursue your educational dreams.

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    The cost to attend USF changes every academic year. Check with the Cost of Attendance page for your academic year estimates.

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