Financial Aid and Student Loans for Jewelry Design School

Jewelry design school can cost anywhere from $8,500 for a certificate program at the Gemological Institute of America to more than $67,000 per year at top art schools like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

This guide covers your financing options, including scholarships, federal financial aid, and private student loans for jewelry design school, as well as tips from experts to help minimize your costs.

Current private student loan rates

Federal student aid for jewelry design school

You may qualify for federal financial aid, including student loans and grants, if you attend an accredited school that participates in the Title IV federal student aid program. Most eligible programs must be at least 10 weeks long. You can find out if your school qualifies by using the Department of Education's school search tool.

To apply for aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on your results, you may qualify for the following:

• Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. These loans don't charge interest while you're in school or during your 6-month grace period after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, regardless of financial need. Interest starts accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.
• Direct PLUS Loans are available to graduate students, professional students, and parents of dependent undergraduates. These loans can cover as much as the full cost of attendance at your school, minus any other financial aid you receive.
• Pell Grants are need-based grants for undergraduate students. For the 2025-26 school year, you can receive as much as $7,395 in Pell Grant funding, and this money doesn't need to be repaid.
• Work-study provides part-time job opportunities to students with financial need. The program is designed to help you earn money to use toward your educational expenses.

See Also: Best Student Loan Lenders of 2025

Private student loans for jewelry design school

If federal student loans don't cover the full cost of your jewelry design program, private student loans can help fill the gap. However, keep in mind these loans usually have higher interest rates and fewer protections than federal loans. Approval is based on your credit score and income, or your cosigner's if you apply with one.

Most private lenders offer loans for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. If you're pursuing an associate degree or certificate in jewelry design, Sallie Mae, College Ave, and Ascent are among those that offer loans specifically for community college and trade school programs. For example, Sallie Mae's Smart Option Student Loan for Career Training could help cover the cost of a jewelry design certificate.

When comparing private student loans, it's a good idea to prequalify with multiple lenders to see which offers you the lowest interest rate and most flexible repayment terms. If you don't qualify on your own or have limited credit history, consider applying with a cosigner who has strong finances to get approved and potentially lower your interest rate.

More financial aid for jewelry design training

Student loans aren't your only option for covering the cost of jewelry design school. Here are alternative types of financial aid you can explore:

• Scholarships: Check whether your school offers its own scholarships, like those available through the Gemological Institute of America. You can also search for industry-specific scholarships, such as those from the MJSA Education Foundation.
• School-specific aid: Some schools offer merit- or need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office directly to learn what's available.
• Payment plans: Many schools let you spread out tuition through monthly payment plans. Ask your financial aid office if this option is available.

Cost of jewelry design school

Jewelry design school costs vary widely depending on the type of program and the school you choose. In general, certificate programs are more affordable than four-year degrees. For example:

• A 4-year jewelry design degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) costs about $67,000 per year.
• A 2-year associate degree in jewelry and metal arts averages $4,050 per year, according to the College Board.
• Certificate programs vary in cost. For example, the Gemological Institute of America charges around $8,500, while Pinellas Technical College charges about $4,400 total.

Salary outlook for jewelry designers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jewelers and precious stone metal workers earn a median salary of $49,140 per year, or about $23.63 per hour, while the top 10% in the field earn more than $81,610 annually. However, it's worth noting that self-employed or high-end designers can earn much more, especially after building a strong portfolio and client base.

Borrowing strategies for art and design students

Minimize your debt burden

“Jewelry design is a passion career, but it's not perhaps the most lucrative career option at first,” says Joosep Seitman, co-founder of Icecartel.com, an online jewelry platform.

Seitman notes that it takes time to build your name and client base, and starting out with a large amount of debt can make that even harder.

“The jewelry world thrives on creativity and entrepreneurship,” he says. “When you're weighed down with massive monthly payments, it's harder to be able to take risks like opening your own line. You'll miss out on things because you're running after a paycheck instead of running after innovation.”

Consider school options carefully

“I recommend that prospective designers investigate schools more thoroughly,” advises Seitam.

“Some jewelry courses are much more expensive than others, but yield equal results. Browse around and consult with graduates on their return on investment,” he adds.

Review all loan details before moving forward

Because you'll be responsible for repaying student loans with interest, it's important to understand the full cost before you borrow.

“The best advice is to know what the monthly payment will be before signing on the dotted line and then making sure you can handle that payment plus all the other monthly expenses for rent or mortgage, credit cards etc,” says John Hupalo, founder of MyCollegeCorner.com and co-author of “Plan and Finance Your Family's College Dreams.”

To avoid overborrowing, compare your expected loan payments with the average jewelry designer salary in your area.