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If you are pursuing a degree in architecture to enter a popular career field that combines your creativity with practicality in creating long-lasting buildings, then you should be aware of the scholarships for architecture majors that are available across the United States.
While architects have a high average annual salary of $79,650 with many lucrative opportunities for advancement passed the six-figure mark, earning a degree in architecture takes at least five years of paying costly college tuition bills.
In order to help defray the expenses of higher education to study the processes of planning, designing, and constructing buildings, the following are 25 great undergraduate and graduate scholarships that could be your ticket to a bright future in architecture.
1. AIA/F Diversity Advancement Scholarship
Deadline: May 2nd
Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Foundation awards the Diversity Advancement Scholarship for up to $4,000 to two outstanding high school graduates or college freshmen from minority and/or financially disadvantaged backgrounds who intend to pursue a professional degree in architecture. Eligible candidates must be legal U.S. residents, be entering an NAAB-accredited program leading to a pre-professional Bachelor of Architecture degree, and submit a personal essay on career interests in architecture.
Contact
AIA/F Diversity Advancement Scholarship
1735 New York Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20006
(800) 242-3837
divscholarship@aia.org
Scholarship Link
2. Arnold W. Brunner Grant
Deadline: February 1st
Sponsored by the Center for Architecture Foundation, the Arnold W. Brunner Grant is awarded annually for up to $15,000 for U.S. graduate students who are pursuing advanced study in any area of architectural investigation which will effectively contribute to the knowledge, practice, or teaching of architecture. Along with the completed application, architectural applicants must submit a research or design project description, curriculum vitae, expected budget, three letters of recommendation, and a $50 entry fee.
Contact
Arnold W. Brunner Grant
536 LaGuardia Place
New York, NY 10012
(212) 358-6133
scholarships@cfafoundation.org
3. Association for Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
At the beginning of each year, the Association for Women in Architecture Foundation (AWAF) offers scholarships for $1,000 to female students who are currently pursuing an accredited college degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and land planning, interior design, environmental design, or architectural rendering and illustrating. Applicants must be California residents or be attending a school in California, have completed at least 18 units of a related major, and provide a professional portfolio of two to three design projects.
Contact
Association for Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarships
1315 Storm Parkway
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 534-8466
scholarships@awa-la.org
4. Charles E. Peterson Fellowship
Deadline: January 2nd
Within the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), the Charles E. Peterson Fellowship is granted annually for $2,000 to support the participation of a graduate student in the research and writing for a volume in the Buildings of the United States (BUS) series at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. The fellowship is only intended for students who are currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. graduate school in pursuit of an advanced degree in art or architectural history, architectural design, urban planning, historic preservation, or landscape architecture.
Contact
Charles E. Peterson Fellowship
1365 North Astor Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 573-1365
info@sah.org
5. Clark Memorial Architectural Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
For students enrolled in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona, the Clark Memorial Architectural Scholarship is available to cut the costs of earning a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree. Eligible candidates must have achieved at least junior-level undergraduate status, plan to travel outside of the United States to expand their knowledge on some aspect of their architectural studies, and compose an essay that clearly demonstrates academic goals.
Contact
Clark Memorial Architectural Scholarship
1040 North Olive Road
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 621-6751
jcervell@email.arizona.edu
6. Connecticut Building Congress Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 31st
Annually, the Connecticut Building Congress Scholarship Fund presents cash awards for up to $2,000 to graduating Connecticut high school seniors who are entering college-level programs in architecture, construction engineering, construction management, surveying, planning, or similar courses of study. Recipients will be chosen based on academic performance, extra-curricular activities, financial need, letters of recommendation, and future potential in the construction industry.
Contact
Connecticut Building Congress Scholarship Fund
500 Purdy Hill Road
Monroe, CT 06468
(203) 452-1331 ext. 108
cbc@cbc-ct.org
Scholarship Link
7. David F. Wright Scholarship
Deadline: December 9th
Administered through the Alabama Concrete Industries Association (ACIA) in honor of one of the industry’s bright young leaders who was killed in a plane crash, the David F. Wright Scholarship is awarded for $8,000 to college seniors enrolled full-time at an in-state accredited school of architecture, building science, construction design, or structural engineering. To qualify, applicants must be residents of Alabama, have a minimum major GPA of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate financial need for assistance.
Contact
David F. Wright Scholarship
1745 Platt Place
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 265-0501
jsorrell@alconcrete.org
8. Eleanor Smith Scholarship in Inclusive Housing
Deadline: February 28th
In honor of intellectual legacy of the disability rights activist who advocated for accessible housing policies, the Eleanor Smith Scholarship in Inclusive Housing is granted annually for $1,000 by the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) within the SUNY University of Buffalo. Applicants must be pursuing the Master of Architecture or Master of Urban Planning degree, be interested in working with a diverse team of faculty on a research project, and clearly demonstrate a commitment to inclusive housing.
Contact
Eleanor Smith Scholarship in Inclusive Housing
114 Diefendorf Hall
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 829-5900
ap-idea@buffalo.edu
9. James W. Fitzgibbon Scholarships in Architecture
Deadline: January 15th
At the Washington University in St. Louis, the College of Architecture awards one full-tuition and up to five $6,000 James W. Fitzgibbon Scholarships in Architecture each year to incoming freshman who are planning to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Architecture or Bachelor of Arts with a major in architecture. Eligible high school seniors must demonstrate outstanding scholastic potential, rank high in their graduating classes, possess SAT or ACT scores in the upper ranges, and provide 10-20 pieces of recent work as evidence of their creative talents.
Contact
James W. Fitzgibbon Scholarships in Architecture
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 935-6532
gbinning@wustl.edu
10. Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Architecture Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
Within the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), the Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Architecture Scholarship is awarded each year for $5,000 to students with financial need who are in the final three years of a Bachelor of Architecture program or are enrolled in a graduate program leading to a Master of Architecture. Candidates must be present/former residents of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Centre, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Tioga, Union, or York counties in Pennsylvania.
Contact
Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Architecture Scholarship
200 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 236-5040
allison@tfec.org
11. Kevin Theobald Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 9th
At Ball State University, the Kevin Theobald Memorial Scholarship is presented annually for up to $2,000 to senior-level undergraduate students who have completed the first three years of a program in the Department of Architecture with a major in architecture, interior design, industrial design, historic preservation, or construction management. Students must be permanent Indiana residents, have financial need, and be nominated by his/her fellow classmates based on their commitment to pursuing a career in architecture.
Contact
Kevin Theobald Memorial Scholarship
2000 West University Avenue
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 285-1900
mahesh@bsu.edu
12. Landscape Architecture Foundation Olmsted Scholars Program
Deadline: February 15th
As the premier national award named in honor of the father of American landscape architecture, the Olmsted Scholars Program is hosted annually by the Landscape Architecture Foundation to present $15,000 undergraduate and $25,000 graduate prizes in recognition of exceptional leadership potential in sustainable design. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program in the U.S. or Canada and have made a commitment to pursuing a career in landscape architecture.
Contact
Landscape Architecture Foundation Olmsted Scholars Program
1129 20th Street NW Suite 202
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 331-7070
scholarships@lafoundation.org
Scholarship Link
13. Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
In memory of a beloved teacher, software engineer, and basket artist who inspired young minds at all levels of education, the Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,000 through the Armenian International Women’s Association to full-time female students of Armenian descent attending accredited post-secondary institutions. Applicants must have at least junior-level status in pursuing a degree in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, computer science, or architecture.
Contact
Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship
65 Main Street Suite 3A
Watertown, MA 02471
(617) 926-0171
AIWAInc@aol.com
14. Mel Ferris Scholarship Fund
Deadline: January 30th
Established by the California Architectural Foundation (CAF) in order to recognize his contributions to the profession of architecture as the former Executive Vice President, the Mel Ferris Scholarship Fund will distribute annual awards for up to $2,000 to outstanding university students pursuing architectural education. Based upon academic performance and design achievements, the scholarships are available for qualified undergraduate and graduate students studying at one of California’s ten accredited architectural schools.
Contact
Mel Ferris Scholarship Fund
1303 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-9082
ndennis@aiacc.org
15. Mitsu and William O. Fukui Memorial Diversity Scholarship
Deadline: February 21st
Through a generous donation by the practicing architect David H. Fukui in honor of his parents, the Mitsu and William O. Fukui Memorial Diversity Scholarship is granted annually for $5,000 at the University of Washington at Seattle to graduate architectural students enrolled in the College of Built Environments who demonstrate design excellence. Eligible candidates must be from underrepresented minority groups, show academic merit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit a portfolio of five original design works.
Contact
Mitsu and William O. Fukui Memorial Diversity Scholarship
3950 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-4180
archdept@uw.edu
16. Nathan and Anna Boggan Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: February 14th
Within the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University, the Nathan and Anna Boggan Legacy Scholarship is awarded for $5,000 annually to the highest achieving high school students applying for admissions into the pre-architecture track at the bachelor’s level. Eligible candidates must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, possess an ACT score of 29 or better, have leadership experience in school or community activities, and demonstrate promise for a career in architecture.
Contact
Nathan and Anna Boggan Legacy Scholarship
899 Collegeview Street
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2202
pprater@caad.msstate.edu
Scholarship Link
17. Richard D. Stehly Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 15th
With a cash stipend of $3,000, the Richard D. Stehly Memorial Scholarship is distributed each year by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) to full-time undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time in an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree program in structural design, construction management, architecture, or any related field in the area of concrete. Applicants must submit a completed application, one-page resume, official transcript, and 750-word essay describing their personal activities to promote sustainability.
Contact
Richard D. Stehly Memorial Scholarship
38800 Country Club Drive
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
(248) 848-3700
scholarships@concrete.org
18. Robert E. Thunen Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
Administered through the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the Robert E. Thunen Memorial Scholarships are bestowed annually for $2,500 upon at least two full-time students in Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington who desire to study illumination as a career. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an accredited four-year college with at least junior-level standing with a declared major related to architectural, commercial, residential, navigational, theatrical, or agricultural lighting.
Contact
Robert E. Thunen Memorial Scholarships
1201 Park Avenue Suite 100
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 355-1200 ext. 214
mlaw@silvermanlight.com
19. Robert P. Madison Scholarship in Architecture
Deadline: March 31st
Within the Cleveland Foundation, the Robert P. Madison Scholarship in Architecture is granted each year for $1,000 to African-American high school seniors and undergraduate students who are enrolled at any accredited four-year institution with a declared major in architecture. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and exhibit special talents related to excelling in architectural coursework for becoming an architect.
Contact
Robert P. Madison Scholarship in Architecture
1422 Euclid Avenue Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 861-3810
Hello@CleveFdn.org
20. Sherwin E. Small Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
At the Illinois Institute of Technology, the College of Architecture has created the Sherwin E. Small Endowed Scholarship to present up to $1,500 in financial support to undergraduate students completing their third year of the architecture program with plans to study abroad. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens, have financial need, have improved academically during the course of their studies, exhibit strong creative talents, and express a commitment to studying architecture in foreign travel.
Contact
Sherwin E. Small Endowed Scholarship
10 West 33rd Street
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 567-3230
admission@iit.edu
21. Simpson Strong-Tie Student Scholarship
Deadline: April 25th
Annually, the Simpson Strong-Tie Student Scholarship program is available to provide up to 57 awards for $2,000 apiece to assist junior and senior-level undergraduate students with at least 60 credit hours who are enrolled full-time in an architecture or structural engineering program at one of the participating universities in the United States. Selection will be based on academic achievement, leadership potential, work experience, honors, participation in school/community activities, and career goals in architecture or structural engineering.
Contact
Simpson Strong-Tie Student Scholarship
One Scholarship Way
Saint Peter, MN 56082
(507) 931-1682
Scholarship Link
22. The Russell Gamble Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Founded at the University of Southern California by an accomplished alumnus, the Russell Gamble Endowed Scholarship is granted each year for $1,000 to incoming and current students pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Master of Building Science. Strong preference will be given to architectural students who have clearly exhibited a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues through their academic work and/or community service.
Contact
The Russell Gamble Endowed Scholarship
Watt Hall Suite 204
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 740-2723
uscarch@usc.edu
23. Tile Contractors’ Association of America Architectural Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Since 2001, the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) has awarded to annual merit-based architectural scholarships for $2,000 apiece to outstanding college students who are in the third or fourth year of a five-year program leading to a Bachelor of Architecture, or are currently working towards a Master of Architecture degree. Applicants must submit a transcript, two letters of recommendation, one-page resume, and a personal statement discussing educational goals related to architecture.
Contact
Tile Contractors’ Association of America Architectural Scholarship
10434 Indiana Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64137
(816) 868-9300
caroled@tcaainc.org
24. Tyler J. Viney Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
Sponsored by the Texas Architectural Foundation (TAF) as a lasting tribute to his contributions to HLM Design Inc., the Tyler J. Viney Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year for up to $2,000 to fourth or fifth year students with a declared major in architecture who are enrolled at any of the eight accredited architectural schools in Texas. While the scholarships are granted based on potential architectural talents and interests in photography, priority will be given to minority or female students of architecture.
Contact
Tyler J. Viney Memorial Scholarship
500 Chicon Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 478-0528
jrobertson@texasarchitects.org
25. Walter A. Hunt Jr. Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 15th
In the amount of $7,500 per year for two years, the Walter A. Hunt Jr. Scholarship Fund is available through the Center for Architecture Foundation (CFAF) for New York City public high school students who have been accepted to a five-year Bachelor of Architecture program or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture program. Eligible candidates must be enrolled at one of the nine NAAB-accredited schools in New York State, demonstrate financial need, and submit a 500-word essay discussing what NYC buildings have inspired their architecture career.
Contact
Walter A. Hunt Jr. Scholarship Fund
536 LaGuardia Place
New York, NY 10012
(212) 358-6133
scholarships@cfafoundation.org
Scholarship Link
For college students with strong artistic talents, a creative imagination, and a desire to positively impact people’s lives through their personal expression, pursuing a degree in architecture at the bachelor’s or master’s level can be an excellent option. However, it is important to make sure you have the financial support needed to meet your professional goals by applying to some of these great scholarships for architecture majors on your path towards becoming an architect.
