Accounting Scholarships for College

Accounting is one of the most stable and in-demand professions in the business world. From public accounting and audit to corporate finance, taxation, forensic accounting, and government oversight, accounting majors serve as the financial backbone of nearly every organization. Because of the profession’s importance — and the additional coursework often required for CPA eligibility — accounting students have access to more structured scholarship funding than many other business majors.

Accounting scholarships are offered by national professional associations, state CPA societies, major accounting firms, universities, nonprofit foundations, and corporations. These awards recognize academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and a clear commitment to the profession. Many programs are also designed to strengthen diversity within accounting and expand the CPA pipeline.

Are There Scholarships for Accounting Majors?

Yes — and accounting is one of the most scholarship-supported disciplines within business education. Funding is available at multiple stages:

• High school seniors planning to major in accounting
• Undergraduate accounting students (freshman through senior year)
• Graduate students completing 150-hour CPA eligibility requirements
• Students specializing in audit, tax, forensic accounting, or government accounting
• Underrepresented students entering the accounting profession

Because the CPA credential requires additional academic preparation beyond a standard bachelor’s degree in many states, numerous organizations actively fund students progressing toward licensure.

Major Categories of Accounting Scholarships

National Accounting Scholarships

AICPA Scholarship Programs

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) administers several scholarship programs for undergraduate and graduate accounting students. These awards are among the most recognized in the profession.

• Open to accounting students pursuing CPA licensure
• Minimum GPA requirements apply
• Award amounts commonly range from $2,000 to $10,000
• Strong emphasis on academic excellence and professional commitment

CollegeWhale Tip: The strongest AICPA applicants demonstrate a clear CPA pathway, internship experience, and involvement in accounting organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship (Forensic Accounting)

Administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), this scholarship supports students pursuing careers in fraud examination and forensic accounting.

• Open to undergraduate and graduate students
• Essay and recommendation letters required
• Award levels vary by academic standing

PCAOB Scholars Program

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars Program supports students preparing for careers in public company audit. Participating universities nominate eligible students.

• Institutional nomination required
• Focus on public accounting and audit careers
• Significant annual scholarship amounts applied to tuition

State CPA Society Scholarships

Nearly every state CPA society offers scholarships for accounting majors attending in-state institutions. These awards are often less competitive than national programs and are highly valuable.

• Available to residents or students attending in-state schools
• Often tied to CPA exam eligibility progress
• Common award range: $1,000 to $5,000

CollegeWhale Tip: State CPA scholarships frequently receive fewer applications than national programs. These should always be part of your funding strategy.

Accounting Firm–Sponsored Scholarships & Pipeline Programs

Major accounting firms invest heavily in scholarships to strengthen their recruiting pipelines and support future CPAs. Unlike many general business scholarships, firm-sponsored awards are often tied directly to internship programs, leadership conferences, or early career development tracks.

Large public accounting firms frequently offer:

• Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: Designed to increase representation in audit, tax, advisory, and consulting practices. These programs often include paid internships and structured mentorship.
• CPA Pipeline Scholarships: Target students completing the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA eligibility, particularly those enrolled in Master of Accounting programs.
• Leadership & Early Talent Programs: Multi-day conferences, case competitions, and training events that may include scholarship funding or internship guarantees.

Because these scholarships are directly connected to hiring pipelines, recipients frequently transition into internship offers and full-time roles upon graduation.

Scholarships for Women in Accounting

Although women make up a growing percentage of accounting graduates, leadership representation in audit and corporate finance remains a professional focus. Several national and state-level organizations provide scholarships aimed at increasing long-term leadership participation.

• Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA): Offers multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate accounting students, including awards for nontraditional and returning students.
• State CPA Society Scholarships for Women: Many state CPA organizations administer targeted awards supporting women pursuing licensure.
• Women-in-Business Leadership Awards: Business schools frequently sponsor scholarships that include accounting majors preparing for leadership tracks.

These awards often prioritize academic performance, persistence in the major, and demonstrated commitment to the accounting profession.

Scholarships for Minority Accounting Students

The accounting industry continues to expand initiatives focused on improving diversity across public accounting, corporate finance, and government audit roles. National organizations and major firms offer scholarships to support underrepresented students entering the profession.

• AICPA Minority Scholarship Program: Supports outstanding minority accounting students committed to CPA licensure and public accounting careers.
• Firm-Sponsored Diversity Awards: Many large accounting firms administer annual diversity scholarships tied to internship opportunities.
• Regional Minority Business Associations: Provide awards for students pursuing careers in financial reporting, auditing, or forensic accounting.

In many cases, these scholarships also include professional development seminars and networking access within national accounting organizations.

Graduate Accounting Scholarships (MAcc & 150-Hour Programs)

Because CPA eligibility typically requires 150 credit hours, many students pursue a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or related graduate credential. Scholarship funding at this level often focuses on strengthening the CPA pipeline and preparing students for advanced audit, tax, and advisory roles.

• Master of Accounting Merit Scholarships: Awarded by business schools based on undergraduate GPA and accounting coursework.
• CPA Exam Preparation Scholarships: Some state CPA societies and accounting foundations provide funding to offset CPA review course costs.
• Teaching & Research Assistantships: Graduate students may receive tuition reductions or stipends in exchange for instructional or research responsibilities.

Graduate-level funding is particularly common for students pursuing public accounting, taxation, forensic accounting, and corporate advisory positions.

High School Scholarships for Future Accounting Majors

Students interested in accounting can begin building their funding portfolio before enrolling in college. Early awards often recognize academic strength in mathematics, business, and financial literacy.

• Future CPA Scholarships: Sponsored by state CPA societies and accounting associations to encourage early entry into the profession.
• Business & Financial Literacy Competitions: Awards for high school students demonstrating excellence in accounting fundamentals or entrepreneurship.
• Community Foundation Business Awards: Local scholarships supporting students planning to major in accounting or finance.

CollegeWhale Tip: Many state CPA societies administer scholarships that receive far fewer applicants than national awards. Searching your specific state plus “CPA scholarship” can uncover lower-competition opportunities.