
Accounting is among the most common college majors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the 2021-2022 school year, U.S. institutions awarded more than 44,000 bachelor's degrees in accounting, including double majors and graduates of auditing programs. That number jumps to more than 61,000 if you also include master's degrees. Given the subject's popularity, providers offer many subject-specific accounting scholarships based on need or merit.
Why Seek Accounting Scholarships?
Scholarships are widely considered the most desirable form of financial aid since you do not need to repay any funding you receive. With higher education learners amassing more debt than ever, scholarships can help you cut down on the amount you need to take out in student loans.
A November 2021 report from the Institute for College Access and Success found that:
- Average overall debt levels for 2020 graduates ranged from $18,344 in Utah to $39,928 in New Hampshire.
- Many 2020 graduates held private debt at graduation, with average amounts ranging from $13,558 in New Mexico to $51,738 in the District of Columbia.
- In 2020, Utah had the lowest percentage of graduates with debt (39%), while South Dakota had the highest (73%).
On this page, you can explore dozens of accounting scholarships, including programs awarding up to $15,000 in one-time or renewable funding. Browse the directories below to connect directly with scholarship programs and providers.
Types of Scholarships for Accounting Students
Providers and databases classify scholarships in various ways. Examples include scholarships specifically for:
- Accounting majors at specific degree levels
- Diverse or underrepresented accounting students
- Military students
Some providers also offer funding programs restricted to applicants from specific geographic areas. Many awards are also school-specific.
Read on to learn more about these accounting scholarship categories and how to qualify.
Accounting Concentration
Some providers restrict scholarship eligibility to accounting majors, but majors like mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science may also qualify if you demonstrate a commitment to launching an accounting career. You can also find funding programs specifically for learners pursuing specialized degrees in areas like auditing, forensic accounting, or management accounting.
For example, the Academic Research Grant Program from the directory below provides funding to students performing management accounting research. Similarly, the PCAOB Scholars Program offers financial awards to emerging auditors -- especially those from historically underrepresented populations.
Degree Level
Other programs, such as the Doctoral Scholars Program from the directory below, help to fund accounting students at specific program or degree levels. These scholarships begin at the accounting certificate level, proceeding through the associate degree and bachelor's degree levels, and continue into scholarships for students in accounting master's programs.
Doctoral programs in accounting are relatively rare, but they tend to offer a broader set of funding opportunities including scholarships, research grants, and academic stipends.
Enrollment Status
Your enrollment status could also lead to unique scholarship opportunities. Students who choose to study part time or online often do so because they need to balance work and school to pay for their education. Recognizing this, scholarship providers operate need-based funding programs for eligible learners.
If you work, you should also check to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or other funding programs to employees who attend college part time. Employers can provide as much as $5,250 in tax-free education assistance, or more if the education relates directly to your job.
Along similar lines, some scholarships specifically support transfer students. As an example from the directory below, the TACTYC Scholarships program offers funding to degree-seekers transitioning from two-year junior colleges to four-year institutions.
Diverse Populations
The accounting profession continues to become more diverse, thanks in part to scholarship programs geared toward students from historically underrepresented groups. Examples of these groups include women, members of racial or ethnic minorities, and people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Many providers award scholarships to applicants from diverse backgrounds. The directory below includes many examples, including the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students, the American Dream Scholarship for women, and the EFWA Global Undergraduate Scholarship for non-U.S. citizens.
Military
Scholarships are often designed to reward military personnel for their service. Depending on the provider, you may qualify as an active-duty serviceperson, reservist, veteran, direct family member, or emerging service professional.
While the directory below does not include any accounting scholarships specifically for military students, you can connect with funding opportunities by following this link:
Learn More
Scholarships for Military and Veterans
Corporations
Corporate donors commonly operate scholarship programs, with financial services and certified public accounting (CPA) firms ranking among the most common providers of accounting scholarships.
Some major corporations offer generous awards. For example, the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program, which is listed in the directory below, provides funding for one academic year of tuition costs.
You can also search for education funding from other Big Four accounting firms, such as KPMG's Future Leaders Program.
Nonprofit Organizations
Some nonprofit organizations earmark a portion of their funding for accounting scholarships. While corporate scholarships generally intend to advance the provider's branding objectives while doubling as recruitment tools, nonprofit providers more commonly offer awards aligned with their organizational mission. The NABA Foundation Scholarships, listed below, are excellent examples.
Philanthropic foundations, such as the award from the Stuart Cameron McLeod Society featured in the directory below, also fall into this category.
National and International Accounting Societies
Accounting societies, institutes, and professional organizations frequently offer need-based and merit-based scholarships to accounting students. For instance, the directory below includes many awards from the AICPA Foundation, a 100-year-old career development organization aligned with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
In some cases, providers require recipients to have or obtain membership in their organization. This could involve membership fees and other expenses, so research requirements carefully before preparing an application.
Government-Specific
Some providers design government-specific accounting scholarships to attract learners planning careers in the public sector. According to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the government is the third largest employer of accountants and auditors in the United States.
The Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship from the directory below is an excellent example of a government-specific scholarship. Founded in 1987, this scholarship awards $10,000 to an accounting student with a dedicated commitment to a public-sector career.
Location-Based
Scholarship providers may restrict eligibility to applicants from a specific location or geographic area. In some cases, location-based criteria overlap with other categories, such as scholarships from accounting societies and scholarships for diverse learners. These policies are generally designed to ensure the education funding has a tangible local impact.
While the directory below mainly focuses on scholarships open to a national applicant base, you can and should search for location-based programs designed for accounting students in your state, county, or municipality.
School-Specific
You can also seek accounting scholarships that are only available for students or alumni of specific high schools or colleges. Providers may offer these funding programs to both current and prospective accounting students.
The directory below does not feature any school-specific scholarships. However, you should check with the financial aid office at the institution where you study or plan to study to see what scholarships they offer.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Accounting Scholarships
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Start Early
Organizations open scholarship applications at different times throughout the year. Look for award options about a year in advance to avoid missing a deadline. Visit websites like College Board, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com for business and accounting scholarships. -
Make a List
Stay organized by listing all applicable scholarships, application deadlines, and submission requirements. Narrow your search by reviewing degree-specific and identity-based awards. -
Consider All Scholarship Options
Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars to complete tuition coverage. While the large awards may seem more appealing, small awards can add up quickly and make a significant difference to your out-of-pocket expenses. -
Prepare Materials
Allow plenty of time to collect and prepare all required application materials, including transcripts, resumes, and personal essays. Ask for recommendation letters well before the deadline so professors and employers have enough time to write them. -
Customize Applications
Scholarships differ greatly. Each one might focus on a unique professional or personal theme. Ensure each essay, letter, and resume reflects those differences and highlights relevant experience. -
Check Your Work
Take time to carefully review each application. Consider writing essays outside the online application form so a friend, mentor, or teacher can review and proofread them.
Accounting Scholarship Directory
The directory below contains a list of accounting scholarships. Click on the scholarship links to learn more about the programs and application details for each award.
AICPA Foundation CPA Exam Scholarship
Funded by the Controllers Council, this AICPA scholarship helps address the CPA shortage by covering some licensure costs. Applicants must provide a copy of the exam's Notice to Schedule and any proof of purchase for preparatory courses and materials. The AICPA awards 75 students up to $1,000 in reimbursements for these expenses.
- Requirements: Be an AICPA member ready to take the CPA license exam; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; supply a copy of Notice to Schedule for the CPA exam; express financial need
- Award: Up to $1,000
- Deadline: Sept. 30
AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students
This fellowship opportunity combines three prior AICPA Foundation awards: the AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students, the William Ezzell Scholarship, and the Accounting Doctoral Students program. The AICPA selects multiple awardees annually, prioritizing applicants from historically underrepresented ethnic groups. Recipients may be able to renew the $15,000 fellowship for up to three consecutive years by showing program progress and proof of enrollment.
- Requirements: Be a current or potential enrollee of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited accounting doctoral program; be a full-time student with at least one year left in their program; hold a CPA license; express written intent to work in academia; express financial need; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Award: $15,000
- Deadline: June 15
AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs
The AICPA awards this nonrenewable scholarship to 26 aspiring CPAs, primarily full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Part-time enrollees completing the CPA license work experience requirements can still apply, but they must meet two extra requirements: a letter of recommendation from an accounting professor and proof of employment. All candidates must complete the free AICPA Student Affiliate registration and present transcripts that show completion of 30 college credits, including at least six accounting credits.
- Requirements: Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate accounting student pursuing a CPA license; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; express financial need; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be an AICPA Student Affiliate member
- Award: $3,000-$10,000
- Deadline: March 15
AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship
Since 2013, the AICPA has offered the Two-Year Transfer Scholarship to support the different paths to CPA licensure. The program awards scholarships to 40 students who want to transfer from a two-year program — not necessarily in accounting — to a bachelor's degree program in accounting or a related field and pursue CPA licensure. Applicants must join the AICPA as Student Affiliate members to qualify for this nonrenewable scholarship.
- Requirements: Be a full-time student in a two-year program; declare intent to switch to a four-year accounting or accounting-related program and pursue a CPA license; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; be an AICPA Student Affiliate member; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; express financial need
- Award: $5,000
- Deadline: March 15
AICPA/PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship
The AICPA Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) and the AICPA Foundation jointly offer this scholarship to 10 students annually in honor of George Willie, an advocate for ethnically diverse business students. Applicants must identify as part of a historically underrepresented ethnic group in the accounting industry and plan to become a CPA. While open to both undergraduate and graduate accounting students, candidates must have completed 30 college credits, including six in accounting.
- Requirements: Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate accounting student pursuing CPA licensure; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; identify as part of a historically excluded ethnic group; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be an AICPA Student Affiliate member; express financial need
- Award: $10,000
- Deadline: March 15
AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
The AICPA created this scholarship in 1969 and has since awarded over $14.6 million to help increase representation in the accounting profession. Each year, 60 students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups receive awards of up to $10,000. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, especially if interested in renewing the scholarship.
- Requirements: Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate accounting student pursuing CPA licensure; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; identify as part of a historically excluded ethnic group; be an AICPA Student Affiliate member; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; express financial need
- Award: $3,000-$10,000
- Deadline: March 15
American Dream Scholarship
The American Dream Scholarship offers a one-year award to a woman currently attending a two-year community college and hoping to transfer to a four-year college to enter an accounting program. Candidates of any ethnicity can apply, but the EFWA created this scholarship mainly to support women from Latina, Black, and Indigenous American populations. The award includes mentoring support.
- Requirements: Be a woman enrolled in a two-year community college with plans to transfer to a four-year college to enter an accounting program; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; have demonstrated accounting and business aptitude; express financial need
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: March 30
Carol Markman, CPA Accounting Scholarship
In honor of Carol Markman, its prior president, the National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP) offers $1,000 to current student members or lineal descendants of active members. Candidates must submit proof of enrollment in an accounting or accounting-related program and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The NCCPAP also requests two recommendation letters from professors and a short personal essay.
- Requirements: Be an upper-class or graduate accounting student; be an NCCPAP member or descendent of an NCCPAP member; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; be a U.S. citizen or resident
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: May 1
CMA Doctoral Scholarship Program
The IMA accepts applications to its CMA Doctoral Scholarship Program year-round. Candidates must create an IMA account and prove enrollment in an accounting doctoral program with a concentration in management accounting or financial management. This scholarship does not require U.S. citizenship, instead welcoming applications from students in any globally accredited program. Recipients receive a benefits package that financially supports them on the path to becoming a CMA.
- Requirements: Be a doctoral accounting student pursuing a concentration in management accounting or financial management
- Award: Coverage for CMA exam registration and entrance fees, exam support package, and three-year IMA student membership
- Deadline: Ongoing
Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program
The Deloitte Foundation's Accounting Scholars Program covers one year of tuition costs for graduate accounting students enrolled in one of the 24 participating schools listed on the scholarship website. Eligible degree programs include a fifth-year master of accounting program, master of tax, and master of accounting. The program accepts but does not require concentrations in advisory, tax, and audit. Candidates must apply to their school of choice and then apply for the scholarship through the school. Recipients are selected by the school.
- Requirements: Be an enrollee in a master of tax or accounting program at a participating school; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Award: One year of tuition
Doctoral Scholars Program
The IMA Research Foundation created the Doctoral Scholars Program to boost the number of management accounting professors. It offers three levels of funding: Stage I (up to $2,000), Stage II (up to $3,000), and Stage III (up to $10,000). Doctoral students can apply for each funding stage as they progress through their coursework and research. IMA prioritizes applications from students who have previously received funding.
- Requirements: Be an accounting doctoral student seeking research funding; provide an explanatory letter from the student and a recommendation letter from the director of the graduate program; supply a research proposal or working paper; provide a detailed funding request (for Stage III applicants)
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: Ongoing
EFWA Global Undergraduate Scholarship
All EFWA awards require U.S. citizenship — except the Global Undergraduate Scholarship. This one-year award caters exclusively to non-U.S. citizens studying accounting at an accredited U.S. school. Eligible candidates include women either entering their first year in a bachelor's degree program or returning to school to complete a degree program.
- Requirements: Be a first-year woman accounting student or returning adult learner in a bachelor's degree program; be a non-U.S. citizen; have proven accounting and business aptitude; express financial need
- Award: $1,500
- Deadline: March 30
EFWA Graduate Scholarship
Women enrolled in an advanced accounting degree program can apply for the one-year EFWA Graduate Scholarship. Applicants must prove financial need and an ongoing commitment to becoming a finance or accounting professional. To strengthen their applications and prove accounting aptitude, students can submit transcripts, resumes, and evidence of professional accounting goals.
- Requirements: Be a female student in a graduate accounting degree program; demonstrate financial need; have proven business and accounting aptitude and goals; be a U.S. citizen
- Award: $1,500
- Deadline: March 30
EFWA Undergraduate Scholarships
Women beginning a bachelor's degree in accounting, either as first-year students or returning adult learners, can apply for this one-year scholarship. The EFWA offers three awards each year to applicants dedicated to becoming a finance or accounting professional. Applicants must attend an accredited U.S. school and explain their personal and professional goals.
- Requirements: Be a first-year woman accounting student or returning adult learner in a bachelor's degree program; have proven accounting and business aptitude; express financial need; be a U.S. citizen
- Award: $1,500
- Deadline: March 30
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
The GFOA established the Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship in 1987 to promote governmental accounting careers. Only upper-level undergraduate and graduate accounting students can apply for this nonrenewable scholarship. The GFOA does not require prior work experience but requests a recommendation letter that proves the applicant's dedication to the public sector. Recipients cannot reapply for the scholarship or any other GFOA awards.
- Requirements: Be a full-time, upper-level undergraduate or graduate accounting student; express interest in the public sector; be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Award: $10,000
- Deadline: Dec. 30
IMA Century Scholarship Award
The IMA offers its Century Scholarship Award to two active student members with leadership and volunteering experience. Awardees receive funding and a CMA exam benefits package, which includes coverage of fees and review materials. Since applicants must sit for at least one part of the CMA exam before finishing their degree, the IMA only offers the scholarship to undergraduate seniors and graduate students. Candidates must submit a recommendation letter from a professor, a resume, transcripts, and two short essays.
- Requirements: Be an active IMA member and part- or full-time graduate student or undergraduate senior in an accounting program; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5; demonstrate leadership experience; express interest in financial management, management accounting, or information technology; plan to take CMA exam
- Award: $7,500 plus CMA exam registration and entrance fee reimbursement, exam support package, review materials, and three-year IMA student membership
- Deadline: March 29
IMA Graduate Scholarship
In partnership with the IMA, the EFWA offers a one-year scholarship to a woman working toward an advanced accounting degree. The award combines the standard $1,500 cash award from the EFWA graduate scholarship with IMA's CMA exam package. Recipients must use the CMA exam entrance and registration funds within two years.
- Requirements: Be a woman pursuing a graduate accounting degree; be a U.S. citizen; have proven business and accounting aptitude; express professional accounting goals and financial need
- Award: $1,500 plus one-year IMA student membership and coverage for CMA exam entrance and registration fees
- Deadline: March 30
IMA Incubator Grant Program
The IMA Incubator Grant Program funds proof-of-concept projects that explore management accounting research ideas. The grant helps both entry-level researchers — like Ph.D. students — secure initial funding and experienced researchers complete feasibility investigations. At the end of the year-long project, recipients must complete a 3,000-word report. They can request extra funding through other IMA Research Foundation grants.
- Requirements: Be a researcher from a variety of backgrounds (doctoral students, experienced researchers, accounting practitioners, etc.); provide a preliminary research proposal
- Award: Up to $5,000
- Deadline: Jan. 31
IMA Undergraduate Scholarships
The IMA funds these two EFWA scholarships, available exclusively to women enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in accounting. In addition to the cash award of either $1,500 or $2,000, awardees receive the IMA's CMA scholarship. This package includes exam preparation materials and fee reimbursements available for up to two years.
- Requirements: Be a woman undergraduate accounting student in a bachelor's degree program; have proven accounting and business aptitude; express financial need; be a U.S. citizen
- Award: $1,500 or $2,500, plus one-year IMA student membership and coverage for CMA exam entrance and registration fees
- Deadline: March 30
Laurels Scholarship
Founded in 1978, the Laurels Scholarship offers one-year awards to women pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting. The EFWA distributes funds, selecting recipients based on financial need, volunteer experience, and academic and research achievements. Applicants should submit transcripts, a resume, any published articles or case materials, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters. Scholarship recipients may be asked to attend accounting conferences.
- Requirements: Be a woman in a doctoral accounting program; express financial need; have proven volunteer or service experience; show proof of academic and research achievements
- Award: $3,000
- Deadline: TBA
NABA Foundation Scholarships
The NABA Foundation aims to remove barriers that aspiring Black business leaders face. It awards around 150 scholarships to its student members annually through opportunities like the Barry C. Winters, CPA Memorial Scholarship, and several region-specific awards. Applicants must submit a transcript, an online application, and a 250-word essay. NABA expects scholarship recipients to attend its national convention to receive the award in person.
- Requirements: Identity as African American or Black; be an active NABA member; be enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year university; display academic excellence
- Award: $1,000-$10,000
NSA Educational Tree Scholarship
The NSA offers its two Educational Tree Scholarships annually to lineal descendants of current NSA members, including children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. Alternatively, applicants can use their own membership to qualify. The $500 award goes to a student in an associate degree program, while the $1,000 scholarship goes to a bachelor's degree enrollee. All recipients must have completed the first year of their accounting or business program.
- Requirements: Be a full-time accounting or business student in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program; be an NSA member or a lineal descendant of an NSA member who has been a member for at least five years
- Award: $500 or $1,000
- Deadline: April 30
NSA Scholarship Foundation Program
Besides its two awards exclusively for members and member relatives, the NSA offers several general scholarship opportunities for undergraduate accounting students. These nonrenewable awards can help pay for tuition, books, equipment, and fees at any accredited nonprofit two- or four-year school. The NSA considers work experience, student goals, community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need when selecting scholarship recipients. Applicants must have completed their first year of a bachelor's degree program or first semester of an associate degree program.
- Requirements: Be a part- or full-time undergraduate accounting student; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; be a U.S. or Canadian citizen (or a permanent resident in Arizona)
- Award: $500-$2,000
- Deadline: April 30
PCAOB Scholars Program
The PCAOB offers this merit-based scholarship program to support potential auditors, especially those with financial need and those from historically underrepresented populations. Eligible institutions — generally those with institutional and AACSB accreditation — can nominate high-achieving accounting students at the undergraduate or graduate level. Recipients may use the funds for tuition, fees, equipment, and books.
- Requirements: Be an enrollee in an undergraduate or graduate accounting degree program at an approved institution; demonstrate high ethical standards and an interest in auditing; hold a minimum GPA of 3.3 or be in the top third of their class; express financial need; may not be a PCAOB employee or employee's relative
- Award: $15,000
Stanley H. Stearman Award
In honor of its retired executive vice president, the NSA offers the Stanley H. Stearman Award to relatives of active or retired NSA members. Applicants must major in accounting and have completed at least one year of study (or one semester, for associate degree program students). Awardees can renew the scholarship annually, not to exceed three years, even if they move into a graduate program.
- Requirements: Be an undergraduate accounting major and relative of an active or retired NSA member who has been a member for at least one year
- Award: $2,000 annually for up to three years
- Deadline: April 30
Stuart Cameron and Margaret McLeod Memorial Scholarship
Sponsored by the Stuart Cameron McLeod Society, this scholarship celebrates one IMA member's academic merit and personal integrity. Applicants must submit a one-page resume, transcript, two 300-word essays, and a recommendation letter with their online application. The award recipient must remain proactively involved in the IMA and present a transcript to receive second-semester funds.
- Requirements: Be an IMA student member; be a part- or full-time student in an accounting program at an accredited institution; maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0; express interest in financial management, management accounting, or information technology; plan to take CMA exam
- Award: $5,000 plus two free conference registrations, up to $1,000 toward travel and lodging for either or both conferences, and mentorship opportunities
- Deadline: March 29
TACTYC Scholarships
TACTYC helps promote accounting education through various initiatives, like its scholarship opportunities. While the number of awards varies each year, TACTYC typically offers $1,000 scholarships in two award categories. One is intended for accounting students in a two-year community or technical school, while the other supports accounting enrollees transferring from a two-year school to a four-year institution.
- Requirements: Be an accounting major at a two-year or technical school
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: March 1
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