College of Arts & Sciences Scholarships

Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) Scholars will be immersed in the world of technology and analytics through ongoing meetings with the CODE faculty advisor and a community of peers throughout their time at Drake.

The Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) Scholars program includes:

• A $5,000 tuition scholarship, renewable for each of the student's Drake undergraduate school years, assuming the student has met the CODE requirements (see below). 
• Individual meetings with the faculty advisor for the CODE program every two weeks during the first year at Drake. 
• Monthly meetings with the CODE community, including the faculty mentor and CODE scholars.
• Professional development opportunities
• Digital Proficiency Community Engagement opportunities
• Peer and faculty mentorship

As a part of the Community of Digital Excellence program, there is also an annual service commitment. As a CODE Scholar, you will be required to perform 40 hours of Digital Proficiency Program Community Service per year such as:

• Serving as a Teaching Assistant for a Digital Proficiency Program course (any course in Computer Science, Mathematics, Math Education, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems or Data Analytics).
• Organizing community engagement events such as an Hour of Code at the Burt Boys and Girls Club or an interdisciplinary Hack-a-Thon.
• Participate in a research group with a Drake University professor.
• Or another community service project as approved by the CODE faculty mentor.

CODE Scholars are also required to serve as mentors for incoming CODE Scholars and attend monthly meetings with other CODE Scholars.

Recipients must major in one of the Drake Digital Proficiency Platform programs: Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, or Information Systems. Recipients who change their major out of one of these programs will no longer be eligible to renew the scholarship.

• Preference in selection will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, strong academic achievement, and a willingness to explore new experiences and collaborate in developing new technologies.
• Preference will also be given to students who have completed at least one math or computer science course per year throughout high school.

How to Apply

The following criteria is required for a complete application:

1. A completed application to Drake University, including all required application materials.
2. A completed CODE Scholarship application, including all required application materials.

Apply Now

Deadline: January 29, 2027

Awards will be announced (March 19, 2027)

Students seeking a bachelor's degree in Art & Design may qualify for a Fine Arts Scholarship based on exceptional artistic ability and the strength of their creative work.

Priority Deadline: February 19th, 2027

Scholarship Highlights

• Art & Design Fine Art Scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years.
• Scholarship amounts vary by recipient.
• Students who apply in multiple Fine Arts areas (Art & Design, Music, and Theatre) may receive only one Fine Arts Scholarship.
• Scholarships are awarded competitively based on demonstrated artistic achievement.
• Eligible applicants must be incoming first-year or transfer students pursuing a Fine Arts bachelor's degree.
• Students enrolled only in a Fine Arts minor or participating as non-majors are not eligible.
• Applications are reviewed as they are received, subject to available funding. Early submission is encouraged.
• Scholarship recipients will be notified in March.
• Students receiving a Fine Arts Scholarship are not eligible for the Drake Grant or Drake Supplemental Grant.
• Fine Arts Scholarships may be combined with other Drake scholarships and aid up to the cost of full tuition.

Applying for the Art & Design Scholarship

Recipients must complete an undergraduate application to Drake University before a Fine Arts Scholarship application will be considered.

Art & Design applicants must submit either:

• A portfolio of six to eight images showcasing studio art or graphic design work, or
• A writing sample of no more than three pages analyzing a work of art, literature, or another art history-related topic.

Submit Your Art and Design Portfolio

The Music Fine Arts Scholarship recognizes talented student musicians who plan to pursue music within Drake's Fine Arts programs.

Priority Deadline: February 19th, 2027

Award Information

• The Music Fine Arts Scholarship may be renewed annually for a maximum of four years.
• Award values differ based on individual consideration.
• Applicants may seek consideration in more than one Fine Arts discipline; however, only one Fine Arts Scholarship may be awarded.
• Selection is based on merit and demonstrated musical excellence.
• Candidates must be new first-year or transfer students enrolling in a Fine Arts bachelor's degree, mninor or non-major program.
• Auditions and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while funding remains available, so early action is recommended.
• Award notifications are sent in March.
• Recipients are not eligible for the Drake Grant or Drake Supplemental Grant.
• Fine Arts Scholarship recipients may receive additional Drake scholarships and aid up to full tuition.

How to Apply

Recipients must complete an undergraduate application to Drake University before a Fine Arts Scholarship application will be considered.

Music applicants must audition for department faculty. Find audition methods, requirements, and deadlines for the Fine Arts Scholarship.

Department of Music Auditions

Drake offers Theatre Fine Arts Scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding promise in theatre arts and intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in a Fine Arts field.

Priority Deadline: February 19, 2027

Eligibility and Requirements

• The Theatre Fine Arts scholarship can be renewed for up to four years of study.
• Award amounts vary per recipient.
• Students may apply for consideration in multiple Fine Arts disciplines, but only one Fine Arts Scholarship can be awarded.
• Awards are based on merit and demonstrated achievement in theatre arts.
• Eligibility is limited to incoming first-year and transfer students entering a Fine Arts bachelor's degree program.
• Students pursuing a Fine Arts minor or participating without a Fine Arts major are not eligible.
• Applications and auditions are considered on a rolling basis until available funding is exhausted.
• Applying early provides the best opportunity for consideration.
• Recipients will receive notification of scholarship decisions in March.
• Students awarded a Fine Arts Scholarship cannot receive the Drake Grant or Drake Supplemental Grant.
• Fine Arts Scholarship funding may be combined with other Drake scholarships and financial aid up to full tuition.

Application Process

Recipients must complete an undergraduate application to Drake University before a Fine Arts Scholarship application will be considered.

Theatre applicants must audition for department faculty. Find audition methods, requirements, and deadlines for the Fine Arts Scholarship.

Department of Theatre Auditions