Arts Merit Scholarships
Bucknell's Arts Merit Scholarships range from $2,500 to $20,000 annually to selected first-year students who plan to pursue studies in art & design, art history, creative writing, dance, film/media studies, literary studies, music (major or non-major) or theatre (performance or design and technology). Recipients will receive notifications along with their admissions decisions.
Financial need is not a requirement, and the scholarship is automatically renewed for second, third and fourth years as long as recipients maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet requirements of the program. The application process includes an on-campus component, and recipients are selected by Bucknell faculty members.
How to Apply
To be considered for an Arts Merit Scholarship, apply for admission to Bucknell University using the Common Application or the Coalition Application, and submit Arts Merit Scholarship application materials using Slideroom.
Arts Merit Scholarship applicants who apply Early Decision I or II must contact the relevant faculty liaison (see list below) to arrange their interview or audition prior to their respective application deadline.
Early Decision I | Early Decision II | Regular Decision |
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Deadline: Nov. 15 | Deadline: Jan. 15 | Deadline: Jan. 15 |
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Regular Decision finalists are selected by faculty and invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend. Invitations to Arts Merit Weekend are for the purpose of an interview or audition for the Arts Merit Scholarship only. |
Faculty Liaisons
Art & Design and Art History |
Creative Writing |
Dance |
Film/Media Studies |
Literary Studies |
Music (Major & Non-Major) Professor Nicholas Roseth Brenda Ross |
Theatre |
Arts Merit Scholarship Requirements
Arts Merit Weekend
Feb. 14–15, 2025
Bucknell University's Arts Merit Weekend is an opportunity for talented artists to meet professors in their discipline, get their admissions questions answered and complete any required auditions for their specific artistic department.
Invitations to Arts Merit Weekend are for the purpose of an interview or audition for the Arts Merit Scholarship only. The invitation-only event is required for Regular Decision students selected as finalists for Bucknell's Arts Merit Scholarship. If you cannot attend, please contact the relevant faculty liaison (see list above) immediately so that alternate arrangements can be made.
Admitted Early Decision I and II Arts Merit Scholarship recipients are invited to attend but are not required.
Future Dates:
- Feb. 13-14, 2026
- Feb. 12-13, 2027
Find the day-by-day schedule here.
Arts Merit Scholarship Participation Expectations
If awarded an Arts Merit Scholarship, students will need to meet the participation expectations outlined below.