Photography school doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re getting your undergraduate degree or going back to school for your master’s degree in the field, scholarships and grants can make it possible for you to get your education for free. Let’s look at some of the main funds available for photography students.

Photography Scholarships

Scholarships are given to students based on merit or talent, so this kind of fund for college lends itself well to photography students. Scholarships don’t have to be repaid and many are available for renewal during each year you’re in college, as long as you maintain a decent GPA. Some of the sources of scholarships for photography students include the James Alan Cox Foundation, the North American Nature Photography Association, the World Studio Foundation, the National Press Photographers Association, and the Ivan and Bernice Burnham Memorial Fund. Many schools also offer scholarships directly to photography students, and you can often find scholarship funds open to students from all majors, not just photographers. These typically require you to write an essay based on a given topic.

Photography Grants

Unlike scholarships, the main criteria for grants is financial need rather than talents. Grants can go toward tuition, but many are open to fund specific projects. More so than scholarships, sources for grants change often based on available money and quality of submissions. You can start your search with the North American Nature Photography Association Foundation, Getty Images, and the Alexia Foundation for World Peace. If you’re an undergraduate student, you can also apply for the Federal Pell Grant, a government grant available to all students in need, regardless of academic field of study. Most colleges also offer grants to their students.

Other Sources of Money

As a photography student, scholarships and grants aren’t your only choices. Graduate students can look for fellowships, which are similar to scholarships but usually come attached to student research or teaching responsibilities. If you’re already working as a photographer, your employer might offer a tuition assistance or reimbursement program to help you earn your degree. Of course, student loans are also an option, and although these have to be repaid, most student loans are deferred until after graduation, so your payments won’t start until you’ve had a chance to start working in the field.

While amateur photographers abound, professional photography requires a high degree of knowledge and skill that can be gained through online learning. Currently, only the Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers an online photography degree (more details below). But many other colleges offer related online programs like graphic design.

BS in Photography	Art Institute of Pittsburgh — The BS in Photography from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh will help you to create thought-provoking imagery. If photography is your passion, then this is the place that can help transform you into a professional photographer. You will develop the skills that will allow you to compete with some of the best photographers around.
BS in Multimedia Design & Development	DeVry University — DeVry University is a leader in higher education with accredited campuses across the nation and several degrees available online. The BS in Multimedia Design and Development explores the theory and technical aspects behind today's design world. Students will combine tested practices and principles with the latest technology and software to breathe life into their ideas.
BA in The Arts	Union Institute & University — The BA in liberal studies - the Arts offered by Union Institute & University focuses on honing the skills of established artists through classes in photography, sculpture, painting, and other forms of art. Students of this online program will work closely with a mentor. Many graduates pursue the Master of Fine Arts degree upon graduation.
AOS in Web Design	Sessions College for Professional Design — Sessions College for Professional Design offers an Associate of Occupational Studies in Web design that comprises six 15-week semesters. Students of this entirely online program will take courses in Adobe Photoshop, color theory, composition, digital photography, drawing, typography, online marketing, and more.
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