By BCS Staff
There is a lot of scholarship money out there for students studying finance and accounting. Below, we highlight 50 of the best. While some are specific to certain states or regions, others are available to students nationwide. Some focus on a concentration of financing (agricultural business management, anyone?), while others are for anyone studying any major in the Business department. But what each of the following 50 scholarships has in common is the ability to help finance a student’s education and get them one step closer to their dream career. Keep scrolling for 50 great scholarships for studying finance and accounting.
Looking for an online finance program? Check out our 20 Best Online Schools for Finance
Table of Contents
1. BNSF Railway Company FFA Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship, offered by the Future Farmers of America, is for high school seniors or college students who are current FFA members. Students should be enrolled (or planning to enroll) full-time, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and be pursuing a degree in either business management, economics, sales and marketing, or finance. Applicants must also be residents of either California, Montana, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, or Illinois to be eligible. In addition, students must submit a 1,000-word essay along with their application. For more information, go to the home page and navigate to the FFA Scholarship Catalog.
BNSF Railway Company FFA Scholarship Link
2. Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship
This $20,00 scholarship, funded by the Girard Miller Foundation, is open to graduate program students preparing for a career in state and local government finance. Students must be enrolled full time, and while the course of study is not specified, it should have something to do with local or state government finance. There are no employment requirements, but you will need a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector.
Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship Link
3. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Zonta International offers this scholarship for women majoring in accounting, economics, finance, business management, marketing, and related programs. Up to 32 district/regional $2000 scholarships and six national $8,000 scholarships are awarded. Ideally, you will be a member of a local Zonta club. Students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program at the time of application. The deadlines vary, depending on the local club, so check the website for details.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Link
4. Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship Fund
Offered by the Hawaii Community Foundation, this scholarship is open to college juniors, college seniors, and graduate students attending an accredited four-year institution in the state of Hawaii. To be eligible for the award, students must be majoring in accounting and have a minimum 3.0-grade point average. The monetary amount of the award varies from year to year.
Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship Link
5. Herman J. Smith Scholarship
This scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who have at least a year left of their studies. Applicants must be attending an accredited four-year institution and be majoring in mortgage finance, construction management, or another construction-related field. Preference is given to Texas residents, students attending school in Texas, and members of their school’s National Association of Home Builders chapter. Applicants must submit all application materials to be eligible for up to $2,000 in award money.
Herman J. Smith Scholarship Link
See also: Is a Finance Degree a Good Idea?
6. HSF/Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) Scholarship
This scholarship is only for students of Latino descent who are US citizens or permanent residents, are enrolled full-time in an accredited university or college, and have a grade point average of at least 3.0. Students must either be entering graduate school or be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Applicants should also be majoring in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, hospitality management, human resources management, international relations, information technology, management, or marketing. Award recipients may receive between $1,500 and $10,000, and applications are due by the end of January.
7. Synovus Bank/Calvin Smyre Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is for Black/African American sophomores attending college in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina. It is for those who major or intend to major in a field applicable to the financial and banking services industry. Applicants will need to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 after one full year of college courses. This is also a needs-based scholarship, so students will need to fill out a FAFSA and verify through their school that they have an unmet financial need.
Synovus Bank/Calvin Smyre Endowed Scholarship Link
8. Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
This $10,000 scholarship, offered by the Government Finance Officers Association, is awarded to two students who show strong performance in accounting studies each year. Its purpose is to encourage accounting careers in local and state governments. Applicants must be full-time graduate or upper-level undergraduate students studying accounting. A letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak to your commitment to the public sector is required.
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship Link
9. Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd. FFA Scholarship
The National FFA Association offers this $1,000 scholarship for students majoring in agronomy, plant breeding and genetics, economics, finance, pulp, and paper technology, transportation, crop science, plant science, or agricultural business management. Applicants must have at least a 3.0-grade point average and submit their application by February 1st of each year. For more information, go to the home page and navigate to the FFA Scholarship Catalog.
Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd. FFA Scholarship Link
10. Kent Nutrition Group Inc. FFA Scholarship
This scholarship is only for students majoring in animal science, animal nutrition, dairy science, poultry science, equine/equestrian science, agriculture, business, economics, finance, sales, or marketing. Applicants should also be residents of either Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, or Kansas. The award is $1,000. For more information, go to the home page and navigate to the FFA Scholarship Catalog.
Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. FFA Scholarship Link
11. Laurel Fund
Offered by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting, this scholarship is only available to female students pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, commitment to service, and financial need. Students should also have completed their comprehensive exams before the previous fall semester.
12. Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship
This scholarship is for those already employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments who wish to advance their careers in public finance. Students must be pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree part-time in public administration, accounting, finance, or business administration with a specific focus on government. One to three awards are given out each year, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship Link
13. New York Financial Writers’ Association Scholarship
For students interested in the journalistic side of business and finance, the New York Financial Writers’ Association offers up to 10 scholarships each year. Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate journalism students in the tri-state New York area who are seriously interested in pursuing a business and financial journalism career. To be eligible, you must be in good academic standing at an accredited four-year university and show promise for a career in financial journalism. To apply, you will need to submit several writing samples, a resume, and an essay.
New York Financial Writers’ Association Scholarship Link
14. Richard D. Wiegers Scholarship
Only Illinois residents can apply for this scholarship, which the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation offers. Applicants must also be attending an Illinois postsecondary institution and be either graduate students majoring in business or undergraduate students majoring in business, finance, or pre-law studies. Students who submit all application materials have the opportunity to be awarded up to $1,000.
Richard D. Wiegers Scholarship Link
See also: 20 Best Online Schools for Accounting Master’s
15. Ritchie Jennings Memorial Scholarship
Offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, this $1,000 to $10,000 scholarship is for full-time undergraduate or graduate students majoring or minoring in criminal justice, accounting, business, or finance. Students must submit their application, including an essay, to be eligible.
Ritchie Jennings Memorial Scholarship Link
16. Robert Half International
Applicants must be majoring in business or accounting to be eligible for this scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund. Students should also be attending a UNCF-member institution, have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. The application deadline for this scholarship varies.
Robert Half International Scholarship Link
17. Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship
The GFOA’s Executive Board awards four $10,000 scholarships each year to part-time students interested in pursuing an education (with a specific focus on government) in public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or business administration. Students will need to be employed for at least two years by one or more state or local governments and submit a letter of recommendation from an employer and someone else who can speak to their commitment to the public sector.
Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship Link
18. W. Allan Herzog Scholarship
Offered by the Tau Kappa Epsilon Educational Foundation, this $3,000 scholarship is only for TKE members in good standing who are full-time undergraduate students. In addition, applicants must be majoring in finance or accounting, have a minimum 2.75 GPA, and demonstrate leadership in their TKE chapter and other campus organizations.
W. Allan Herzog Scholarship Link
19. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
Minority students enrolled in a full or part-time program to prepare for a career in government finance are eligible for this scholarship offered through the Government Finance Officers Association. The GFOA awards one student a $10,000 scholarship each year. Among other requirements, you will need a letter of recommendation from someone who can comment on your commitment to the public sector.
Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship Link
20. Willa S. Bellamy Scholarship
Offered by the Government Finance Officers Association of South Carolina, this scholarship is for South Carolina residents who are rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending an accredited postsecondary institution. Applicants must be majoring in accounting, finance, or business administration with a concentration in accounting or finance. Students must also be attending school full-time and have a 3.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for this $500 award.
Willa S. Bellamy Scholarship Link
21. Financial Women of San Francisco Scholarship
The Financial Women of San Francisco Scholarship is awarded annually to San Francisco Bay Area women pursuing finance and financial services careers. Awards are $10,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you are enrolled in an undergraduate or a graduate program. Several students are chosen each year. Applicants must demonstrate strong community and academic communication and leadership skills and share an alignment with the organization’s goals. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Financial Women of San Francisco Scholarship Link
See also: What Is the Difference Between a Finance and an Accounting Degree?
22. AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship
This scholarship is for students pursuing a graduate degree in accounting as well as CPA licensure. The monetary value of the award is $5,000 for one year. The award is meant to encourage students with little previous experience in accounting to consider the profession.
AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Link
23. AICPA William (Bill) Ezzell Scholarship
This scholarship is for CPAs who are pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting. The award amount is $10,000. Applicants must already be accepted into a Ph.D. program. Interested students should complete the online application.
AICPA William (Bill) Ezzel Scholarship Link
24. National Society of Accountants Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by the National Society of Accountants, is meant to help students who are committed to a career in accounting by providing financial assistance. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,000 with the potential of a stipend. The application deadlines for the scholarships vary.
National Society of Accountants Scholarship Link
25. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: Institute of Management Accounting
This scholarship is for female undergraduate students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting. The $2,000 scholarship is given to two women. Award recipients are also given complimentary one-year memberships to the IMA, a complimentary CMA exam entrance, and complimentary Part 1 and Part 2 CMA exam registrations.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: IMA Scholarship Link
26. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: Women in Transition
This scholarship is for women who are the primary source of support for their families and are enrolling as freshmen in a bachelor’s of accounting program. The monetary amount of the award is $4,000 and is renewable for up to four years, provided that award recipients maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: Women in Transition Scholarship Link
27. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: Women in Need
This scholarship is also for women who are the primary source of support for their families and are sophomore undergraduate students. Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting to be eligible for the $2,000 award. The award is renewable for up to two years, provided that scholarship recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA or above.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: Women in Need Scholarship Link
28. Rhonda J. B. O’Leary Memorial Scholarship
Offered by the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance ñ Seattle Chapter, this scholarship is for undergraduate or graduate students attending an accredited institution in the state of Washington. To be eligible for the $2,000 award, students must be majoring in accounting.
Rhonda J. B. O’Leary Memorial Scholarship Link
29. Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship, offered by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting, supports students studying toward an accounting degree. Preference is given to women who are returning to college after working or raising children.
Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship Link
30. Moss Adams Foundation
This scholarship is for women who are pursuing or want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting. The scholarship is only available to minority women, women returning to school as current or re-entry juniors or seniors, and women pursuing their fifth-year requirement (either through a graduate or general studies program). Scholarship recipients are awarded $1,000 for educational expenses.
Moss Adams Foundation Scholarship Link
31. Baker Tilly Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, one of the Midwest’s largest certified public accounting firms. Scholarships are only available to students in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Scholarships are offered through specific universities, so you will want to reach out to your school or fill out the contact form on the Baker Tilly website.
32. Cheryl A. Ruggiero Scholarship
Offered by the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants, this scholarship is for female accounting students interested in pursuing a career as a certified public accountant. The application deadline and the monetary amount of the award vary.
Cheryl A. Ruggiero Scholarship Link
33. African American Network of the Carolinas Scholarship
The African American Network is a Duke Energy employee resource group of African American employees. This scholarship is for graduating seniors at a North or South Carolina high school who plan to major in accounting, finance, business administration, the sciences, engineering, or computer science. Applicants must have a 3.0 minimum GPA, plan on attending college full time, and identify as a person of color.
African American Network of the Carolinas Scholarship Link
34. Institute of Management Accountants Memorial Education Scholarship
Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants, this scholarship is for IMA student members attending undergraduate or graduate school full- or part-time. To be eligible, students must be accounting majors, financial management majors, or information technology majors. They must also have at least a 3.0-grade point average and take at least six credit hours per semester. Award recipients are given $1,000 to $5,000 in scholarship money.
Institute of Management Accountants Memorial Education Scholarship Link
35. Tribal Business Management Scholarship
The “Catching the Dream” Native American Scholarship Fund offers this scholarship for students majoring in business, finance, management, economics, banking, hotel management, or related fields. Applicants must have a desire to work in economic development for Native American tribes after graduation. In addition, applicants must be 1/4 or more American Indian, be attending (or planning to attend) college full-time, and demonstrate academic excellence.
Tribal Business Management Scholarship Link
36. AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award
Sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this $5,000 award will be presented to two five recipients. It is for liberal arts and non-business degree holders pursuing both graduate studies in accounting and the CPA licensure. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage students with little or no previous accounting education to consider professional accounting careers. To qualify, you must not already be participating in a graduate accounting program or have earned more than 12 credits in accounting during your undergraduate program.
AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award Link
37. AWSCPA Scholarship Award
This scholarship is for outstanding women undergraduate or graduate students majoring in accounting or an accounting-related field. It is sponsored by the AICPA’s Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee and The AICPA. To qualify, students must have completed at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) of college coursework, including at least six semester hours (or equivalent) in accounting, by the scholarship application deadline. You will also need to be enrolled in school full time, be an AICPA Student Affiliate member, and maintain an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. AWSCPA will send the monetary award of $5,000 directly to the student’s financial aid office. Four students will be awarded.
38. Bill Rush Mosby, Jr., Scholarship
This scholarship is only for residents of Natchez or Adams County, Mississippi, who are majoring in accounting and attending school at a four-year postsecondary institution in the state of Mississippi. Students must have at least a 3.0-grade point average, have taken at least six hours of accounting classes above the introductory level, and have completed (or be in the process of completing) their junior year. The monetary award amount is $1,000.
Bill Rush Mosby, Jr., Scholarship Link
39. AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award
Offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this scholarship is for students transferring from a two-year college to a four-year institution to complete their degree in accounting or an accounting-related field. You must be planning to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA and have maintained an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You also need to be an AICPA Student Affiliate member. You can apply for free at: https://thiswaytocpa.com/join-aicpa/. The scholarship award is $5,000.
AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship Award Link
40. CTCPA ETF Outstanding Community College Accounting Student Awards
Only accounting majors attending a community college in the state of Connecticut are eligible to apply for this award. In addition, applicants must be planning to continue their education at a four-year institution with an accounting program accredited by the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. This renewable scholarship is for between $350 and $750.
CTCPA ETF Outstanding Community College Accounting Scholarship Link
41. Association of Government Accountants Scholarships
This scholarship, offered by the Association of Government Accountants, is for AGA members pursuing full- or part-time study in accounting, auditing, budgeting, economics, finance, information technology, public administration, or a related field. Applicants must be rising college freshmen, undergraduates, or graduate students with at least a 3.0 GPA. There will be two $1,500 scholarships for Community Service accomplishments at all levels.
Association of Government Accountants Scholarship Link
42. Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation, Inc., Scholarship
This scholarship is for rising undergraduate juniors and seniors majoring in economics or finance, either as a business concentration or through direct degree programs. To be eligible, students must attend a college or university in the Mid-Atlantic states, although they do not need to be residents. There will be four scholarship recipients. Two seniors who have played the Stock Market Game will win $2,500, one from MD and one from VA. Plus, two aspiring college students will also win $5,000 each.
Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation, Inc., Scholarship Link
43. North Dakota CPA Society Scholarships
Offered by the North Dakota Society of Certified Public Accountants, there are a few scholarships available for accounting majors who are attending a postsecondary institution in the state of North Dakota and who plan to take the CPA exam. The qualifications and award amounts for these scholarships vary. To apply, students should contact the chair of their accounting department.
North Dakota CPA Society Scholarship Link
44. Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship
Offered by the Stark Community Foundation, this scholarship is only for students enrolled at a college or university in the state of Ohio and whose permanent address is in Stark County, Ohio. Applicants must be in their third, fourth, or fifth year of accounting studies, have at least a 3.0-grade point average, demonstrate financial need, and be involved in community activities. In addition, applicants must have a desire to become a CPA and to work in Stark County.
Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Link
45. NMSCPA Scholarship
This scholarship is only for accounting majors enrolled in a college or university in New Mexico. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, have completed 12 semester hours in accounting and 75 hours overall.
46. Arland D. Williams Jr. Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating seniors and graduates of Mattoon Senior High School in Mattoon, Illinois. Applicants must major or plan on majoring in accounting, finance, banking, economics, or computer science. Applicants must be nominated to be eligible for this award.
Arland D. Williams Jr. Scholarship Link
47. FICPA James Wilcox African American 5th Year Scholarship
Offered by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, this scholarship is for African American students majoring in accounting. Students must have completed their senior year of undergraduate study, be attending an accredited postsecondary institution in the state of Florida, be residents of Florida, and be planning to sit for the CPA exam.
FICPA James Wilcox African American 5th Year Scholarship Link
48. Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship
This scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least one year of full-time study and have taken courses that emphasize real estate, finance, or business. In addition, applicants must be residents of central Contra Costa County, California, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and attend school full-time. The monetary amount of the award ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Link
49. Financial Executives International (FEI) Scholarship
Offered by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, this scholarship is only for college juniors and seniors attending school in Northern California. To qualify, students must have excellent grades, be interested in finance or accounting, and have demonstrated leadership in one or more activities. The monetary amount of this award is $3,500.
Financial Executives International (FEI) Scholarship Link
50. Women in Public Finance Scholarship
The Women in Public Finance Scholarship is an annual award for women who are interested in pursuing an education in finance, banking, government, non-profit, or law. It is available for high school, undergraduate, or graduate students who show exceptional leadership and academic achievement. $2,000 is awarded to ten students each year. A 500-word essay is required.
Women in Public Finance Scholarship Link
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