MICA Scholarships

1. MICA-funded scholarships are awarded to new students based solely on merit. New freshmen and transfer applicants must complete either the MICA Online Application or the CommonApp in order to be considered. Both artistic and academic performance are evaluated.
2. MICA-funded scholarships can reduce the cost of tuition, but the vast majority of students still have a bill to pay each semester. For this reason, students are encouraged to research and apply for external merit-based scholarships as well.

External Scholarships

1. All students are encouraged to apply for scholarship opportunities from independent organizations, even before they receive MICA's scholarship decision.
2. Maryland State residents are encouraged to research scholarship programs administered through the Maryland State Office of Student Financial Assistance, which may require a separate application. 
3.  Students are encouraged to apply for scholarship opportunities from independent organizations. Check with your local art center, city government, or community center to see what local opportunities are available. You can also use scholarship search engines to research opportunities you could be eligible for.
4. All external scholarships have different deadlines and eligibility requirements, so it is important to start research early.

Need-Based Grants

1. Eligible students who complete the FAFSA are considered for the Federal Pell Grant. This need-based grant is offered by the federal government if your aid application demonstrates qualifying financial need. The maximum Federal Pell Grant amount is $7,395 and the minimum is $740.
2. Maryland resident students entering in Fall 2027 are automatically considered for need-based grants if their FAFSA or MHEC One-App is submitted before March 1, 2027. Opportunities include the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant (GA Grant) and the Educational Assistance Grant (EA Grant).
3. Admitted students who have completed the FAFSA (using MICA's school code 002080) are considered for institutional need-based aid upon their acceptance to MICA.
4. Haven't added MICA to your FAFSA yet? No problem! Here are instructions on how to add a school to your submitted form.

Important Considerations: Scholarships and Financial Planning

 After scholarships and financial aid have been awarded, the vast majority of MICA students still have a tuition bill to pay each semester, even if it is reduced by a strong scholarship package. We strongly encourage students and their families to start creating a plan for how remaining cost gaps may be addressed after all aid is applied.