Scholarships for accounting majors

3 days left!

SDCPAS Excellence in Accounting Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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3 days left!

Peter L. Picknelly Honorary Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$2,500
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3 days left!

ABA Motorcoach and Tour Operator Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$5,000
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ABA Member Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$5,000
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3 days left!

ABA Academic Merit Scholarships

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$5,000
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ABA Diversity Scholarships

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required
$5,000
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3 days left!

ABA Yellow Ribbon Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required No Transcripts Required
$5,000
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3 days left!

Stanley H. Stearman Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$2,000
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3 days left!

SDCPAS Opportunity in Accounting Scholarship

Due: 4/30/26 No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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Key things to know about accounting scholarships

  • Accounting scholarships can come from colleges, professional organizations, and private companies. You’re not limited to one source when building your funding plan.
  • Some scholarships are tied to your career path. Programs from CPA societies and accounting organizations often support students planning to enter the profession.
  • Academics matter, but they’re not always the only factor. Many scholarships also consider financial need, leadership, or background.
  • Firms and financial companies offer scholarships too. These programs may also connect to internships or early career opportunities.
  • The FAFSA® can unlock more than federal aid. Many scholarships and grants use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) information to see if you qualify for need-based aid.

Paying for an accounting degree can vary depending on your school and program, which is why free money should be part of your plan early on. If you're searching for accounting scholarships, you'll find options based on academics, financial need, career goals, and professional involvement.

The effort is worth it. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible.

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What are accounting scholarships?

Accounting scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college or graduate programs in accounting or related fields like finance or business.

Unlike student loans, scholarships don't need to be repaid. They may come from colleges, professional organizations, employers, or community groups.

Depending on the program, awards may be based on:

  • Enrollment in an accounting or related major
  • Academic performance
  • Financial need
  • Leadership or extracurricular involvement
  • Career goals in accounting or finance
  • Participation in professional or student organizations

What scholarships are available for accounting students?

Think about scholarships in categories. You can pursue university-based awards, CPA society scholarships, corporate-sponsored programs, and national organization funding.

Search broadly. Check your college’s financial aid and business school pages—and use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities that match your major, background, and goals.

Scholarships for accounting students by level

High school seniors

You can start applying for scholarships before college if you plan to major in accounting.

Look for local scholarships through community foundations, high school counseling offices, and regional organizations, as well as national programs that support business or finance pathways.

Undergraduate accounting majors

Most accounting scholarships are available at the undergraduate level through both colleges and outside organizations.

National Society of Accountants (NSA) Scholarship Foundation

The National Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to undergraduate accounting students based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need. The program distributes multiple awards each year to support students pursuing accounting degrees.

Graduate / Master’s / PhD students

Graduate students pursuing advanced accounting degrees can find scholarships tied to specific career paths, including auditing and fraud examination.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship (ACFE)

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, supports students interested in fraud examination and forensic accounting careers. Awards may include financial support along with access to professional development resources.

Scholarships for accounting students by category

Diversity and underrepresented students

Some scholarships are designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds in accounting and finance.

AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

The AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students provides financial support to underrepresented students pursuing undergraduate or graduate accounting degrees. The program is intended to help expand diversity within the CPA profession.

National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Scholarships

The NABA National Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in accounting, finance, or business. In addition to financial support, recipients may gain access to networking opportunities and professional development resources.

First-generation and need-based scholarships

Some scholarships focus on financial need or personal background alongside academic performance.

AICPA Legacy Scholarships

The AICPA Legacy Scholarships program allows students to apply once and be considered for multiple awards. Scholarships may consider financial need, academic performance, and long-term career goals in accounting.

National Society of Accountants (NSA) Scholarship Foundation

In addition to merit-based criteria, the National Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation also considers financial need, making it a potential option for students balancing academics and financial circumstances.

State CPA societies and professional associations

State CPA societies are a key source of accounting scholarships and are often tied to your location and career plans.

Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) Educational Foundation Scholarships

The VSCPA Educational Foundation provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate accounting students, supporting those pursuing CPA licensure and careers in the field.

Illinois CPA Society Scholarships

The Illinois CPA Society offers scholarships through its CPA Endowment Fund to students planning to become CPAs. Awards are typically given to students enrolled in Illinois colleges who demonstrate strong academic performance and commitment to the profession.

Corporate and firm-sponsored awards

Accounting firms and financial companies also sponsor scholarships for students entering the field.

Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholarship Program

The Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholarship Program supports students pursuing accounting degrees, including those attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The program may also provide mentorship and career exposure opportunities.

Scholly Scholarships

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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

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How to qualify for accounting scholarships

Eligibility varies by program, but common requirements often include:

  • Enrollment at an eligible college or university
  • Declared or intended accounting-related major
  • GPA or academic achievement
  • Financial need (for some programs)
  • Leadership, service, or extracurricular involvement
  • Career interest in accounting or finance

Some programs may also require essays, letters of recommendation, or a resume.

How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?

  • Search by category and by organization. Look at CPA societies, accounting firms, and your college’s business school—not just general scholarship sites.
  • Use your experiences strategically. Include internships, work experience, leadership roles, and relevant activities in your applications.
  • Apply to accounting-specific scholarships. These may have smaller applicant pools than general scholarships.
  • Track deadlines carefully. Use a checklist or calendar to stay organized.
  • Complete the FAFSA® early. Many scholarships and campus aid programs use it to see if you qualify for need-aid. For step-by-step help check our FAFSA® guide.
  • Use scholarship tools. Platforms like Scholly Scholarships can help you find opportunities based on your background and goals.

Additional scholarship resources for accounting students

Your next steps

Accounting students have a wide scholarship landscape, so organizing your search can make a difference. Start with your college or program, then add CPA societies, national organizations, and local scholarships.

Keep your search moving with options like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships. These low-effort options can help you get started while you continue applying to more targeted awards, which you can find using tools like Scholly Scholarships,

FAQs about accounting scholarships

What scholarships are available for accounting students?

Accounting students can find scholarships through colleges, CPA societies, professional organizations, and corporations. 

Do I need to be an accounting major to qualify for accounting scholarships?

Some scholarships require an accounting major, while others are open to students in related fields like finance or business. 

What GPA do I need for most accounting scholarships?

Requirements vary, but many scholarships look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

What documents do I usually need to submit?

Most applications require transcripts, essays, and sometimes letters of recommendation or a resume. 

Are there accounting scholarships offered by state CPA societies?

Yes. Most state CPA societies offer scholarships for students pursuing accounting degrees and CPA licensure. 

How do I avoid scholarship scams when searching for accounting scholarships?

Stick to reputable organizations, avoid fees, and verify opportunities through trusted sources. 

Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for accounting students?

Yes. Many options like Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship are available monthly and can help you get started quickly. 

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.