Fully funded opportunities

Cranbrook Academy of Art is more than a graduate program—it’s a place where architects, artists, and designers shape the future of visual and material culture. Ranked as the top graduate-only program in the United States, Cranbrook provides an unparalleled environment for creatives ready to elevate their craft, launch a career, or establish a studio practice. 

Making graduate education accessible to all
At Cranbrook, we believe cost should never be a barrier to pursuing your creative potential. For the current academic year, 97 percent of our students received gift funding to help finance their education. 

Gilbert Fellowships—a transformative opportunity
Thanks to the Gilbert Family Foundation’s transformational 2021 gift, Cranbrook offers up to ten full-tuition Gilbert Fellowships in Studio and Critical Studies each year. These fellowships are awarded to students of color from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups which historically have not seen significant opportunities for specialized degrees in art and design, and are: 

–Available to domestic and international students: Open to applicants worldwide.
–Renewable for two years: Fellows receive full tuition support for the duration of their program.
–Cohort-based: Join a supportive community of peers dedicated to making a difference.
–Engaged with Detroit: Fellows participate in special projects and initiatives in the surrounding community. 

Interested applicants must submit an essay and writing sample with their application. 

Additional funding support
Cranbrook proudly stewards more than 50 endowed funds to offset the costs of tuition, materials, travel, and other essential needs for our studio-based graduate programs. 

A unique educational model
Cranbrook’s innovative approach prioritizes time, space, and collaboration. No fixed curriculum: Instead of a fixed curriculum, the curriculum changes with the contemporary issues and interests of the community. Diverse disciplines: The Academy’s community comprises up to 150 graduate students working in eleven disciplines: Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. 

Applications are open, deadline February 1.

This is your opportunity to join a program that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration while making education accessible through unparalleled financial support. 

Learn more about the Gilbert Fellowships in Studio and Critical Studies, additional scholarships, and how Cranbrook Academy of Art can elevate your career by visiting cranbrookart.edu.