Accounting Scholarships for College

Accounting Scholarships, Costs & ROI Snapshot

This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for Accounting majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently list 28 active scholarships tied to Accounting programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

The scholarships currently listed total approximately $208,460 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.

Early-Career Pay & ROI

Early-career median pay for Accounting graduates is about $82,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.

That means first-year earnings are roughly 76% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.3 years (before taxes and living expenses).

Accounting Scholarships to Apply for Now (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Accounting scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

FFSH Scholarship Program

The FFSH Scholarship Program is offered by the Foundation for Financial Service History (FFSH) to support students pursuing higher education and careers in financial services, business, economics, accounting, finance, and related fields. This scholarship is designed to help motivated students

Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Med (88 min)
2

Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship

The Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship is a prestigious national scholarship administered by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). It is specifically designed to support students who are preparing for careers in public finance, including government budgeting, public-sector accounting, financial management,

Award: $15,000 Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
3

PwC Career Development Scholarship

The PwC CDP Scholarship is designed for young Caymanians pursuing university degrees that prepare them for relevant accounting examinations. The program offers funding, coaching, networking, and work experience opportunities. Awards are available for both on-island and overseas studies, with funding

Award: $50,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
4

Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program

The Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program collaborates with designated universities to offer full scholarships to students pursuing a master's degree in accounting, taxation, or related fields. The program aims to support students interested in careers in public accounting and obtaining

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
5

PCAOB Scholars Program

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) administers the PCAOB Scholars Program to support undergraduate and graduate accounting students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Established under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the program is funded through monetary penalties collected

Award: $10,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
6

NSA Foundation Scholarships

The NSA Foundation, established in 1969, is dedicated to building career paths into and within the accounting profession. It offers scholarships to undergraduate students enrolled in accounting degree programs at accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities. Applicants are evaluated

Award: $500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
7

EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship

The EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship is designed to support women who are pursuing advanced studies or professional certifications in accounting. This scholarship is open to women who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a postgraduate program, including

Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
8

IMA Graduate Scholarship

The IMA Graduate Scholarship is designed to support women who are pursuing a graduate-level degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Sponsored by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), this scholarship aims to assist students who are interested in

Award: $1,500 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
9

Laurels Fund Scholarship

The Laurels Fund Scholarship supports women who are pursuing a PhD in accounting at an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to help alleviate financial challenges that women face in pursuing advanced academic research in the field of accounting. The scholarship

Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
10

EFWA Graduate Scholarship

The EFWA Graduate Scholarship is designed for women who are pursuing a master's degree in accounting or a related field. This scholarship aims to assist graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to advancing in the

Award: $1,500 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
11

IMA Undergraduate Scholarship

The IMA Undergraduate Scholarship is designed to support undergraduate students pursuing a degree in accounting or a related field, with a focus on those who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to the profession. The scholarship is sponsored by

Award: $2,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
12

EFWA Global Undergraduate Scholarship

The EFWA Global Undergraduate Scholarship is designed for non-U.S. citizens who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in accounting at an accredited institution in the United States. This scholarship aims to support international students who have shown academic excellence and a

Award: $1,500 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (43 min)
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Expert Answers to the Most Asked Accounting Scholarship Questions

Accounting majors play a critical role across every sector of the economy — from public accounting and corporate finance to government, nonprofit, and forensic work. To help offset the cost of education, a wide range of accounting scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in accounting, auditing, finance, and related fields.

These scholarships are awarded by universities, professional associations, foundations, and major accounting firms. Competitive awards typically recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, ethical standards, and a clearly defined professional path, including preparation for CPA licensure.

Are There Scholarships for Accounting Majors?

Yes. Accounting is one of the most well-supported business disciplines when it comes to scholarships. Funding is available for students at every stage — from high school seniors planning to major in accounting to graduate students completing advanced coursework or preparing for professional certification.

Major National Scholarships for Accounting Students

AICPA Scholarship Program

The AICPA Scholarship Program is one of the most recognized national awards for accounting students. It supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to entering the accounting profession.

  • Available to undergraduate and graduate accounting students
  • Minimum GPA requirements typically apply
  • Award amounts commonly range from $2,000 to $10,000

CollegeWhale Tip: Strong AICPA applications clearly connect coursework, internships, and career goals — especially if CPA licensure is part of your long-term plan.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship (Fraud & Forensic Accounting)

Offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship supports students interested in fraud examination, forensic accounting, and financial investigation.

  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students in accounting, finance, and related majors
  • Requires an essay and letters of recommendation
  • Award amounts vary by academic level

Scholarships for Women in Accounting

Several organizations offer scholarships aimed at increasing representation and leadership opportunities for women in the accounting profession. These awards often emphasize persistence, academic readiness, and professional ambition.

  • Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA)
  • State CPA society–sponsored women’s accounting scholarships

Need-Based Accounting Scholarships

National Society of Accountants (NSA) Scholarship Foundation

The NSA Scholarship Foundation provides need-based financial support for students pursuing accounting or taxation degrees at accredited institutions.

  • Primarily for undergraduate accounting students
  • Minimum GPA and enrollment requirements apply
  • Award amounts typically range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars

Scholarships for High School Students Interested in Accounting

Students interested in accounting careers can begin applying for scholarships before college. These awards often recognize early interest in business, finance, and leadership.

  • Future CPA–focused scholarships
  • Business and financial literacy program awards

CollegeWhale Tip: High school applicants should emphasize math performance, business coursework, leadership experience, and demonstrated interest in finance or accounting careers.

PCAOB Scholars Program

The PCAOB Scholars Program supports students preparing for careers in public accounting, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Students are typically nominated by participating universities.

  • Institutional nomination required
  • Strong emphasis on audit and public accounting careers
  • Substantial annual awards applied toward tuition

Corporate and Firm-Sponsored Accounting Scholarships

Major accounting firms and corporations sponsor scholarships that often combine funding with mentorship, leadership development, or internship opportunities.

  • Graduate-focused accounting scholarships
  • Diversity and inclusion–driven awards
  • Programs aligned with early-career pipelines

University and Departmental Accounting Scholarships

Many of the most reliable funding opportunities are offered directly by colleges and business schools. These scholarships may be automatic, competitive, or application-based.

  • Merit-based awards tied to GPA and admission credentials
  • Department-specific accounting scholarships
  • Donor-funded and alumni-sponsored awards

How to Strengthen an Accounting Scholarship Application

  • Demonstrate a clear career direction such as public accounting, audit, tax, corporate finance, or forensic accounting
  • Highlight internships, firm experience, or accounting-related employment
  • Use recommendations from accounting faculty or supervisors who can speak to professionalism and ethics
  • Write clearly and concisely — precision matters in accounting

Common Myth About Accounting Scholarships

Myth: Accounting scholarships are only for students pursuing CPA licensure.

Reality: While many awards support CPA-bound students, scholarships are also available for forensic accounting, financial analysis, taxation, government accounting, and corporate finance career paths.

CollegeWhale Tip: Scholarship eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines change regularly. Always verify the most current requirements directly with the sponsoring organization before applying.