College Scholarships for Business (2025 - 2026) Majors

Business Scholarships for College Students

Business majors are the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who drive economic growth and organizational success. To help students pursue degrees in business administration, management, finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship, a wide range of business scholarships are available from universities, corporations, and professional associations. These awards often recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and a passion for business development.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own startup or advance in the corporate world, the following business scholarships can help you reduce college costs and invest in your future career success.

How Can I Find Business Scholarships Near Me?

To find business scholarships in your area, explore opportunities offered by local businesses, community foundations, schools, and professional organizations. Many scholarships are underpublicized and targeted toward students from specific regions, high schools, or counties.

Tips for finding local business scholarships:

• Contact your high school guidance counselor: Counselors often have access to community-based scholarship lists that aren’t available online.
• Visit local chamber of commerce websites: Many chambers offer scholarships to support future business leaders within the community.
• Check regional colleges and business schools: Even if you’re not enrolled there yet, many schools list external scholarships that local students can apply for.
• Use advanced filters on scholarship databases: On websites like CollegeWhale.com, use filters to search by location, major (business), and eligibility level.
• Search for community foundations: Organizations like the San Diego Foundation or Cleveland Foundation offer scholarships based on geographic location and intended major.

Examples of local business-related scholarships:

• Rotary Club Business Scholarships – Available in many cities, these scholarships support students planning to major in business or entrepreneurship.
• Credit Union and Bank Scholarships – Local credit unions often support future finance or business majors through scholarship programs.
• Small Business Association (SBA) Affiliate Scholarships – Some SBA partners sponsor scholarships for students interested in small business and entrepreneurship.

What Are the Typical Requirements for Business Scholarships?

Business scholarships vary widely in eligibility and criteria, but most focus on academic performance, leadership potential, and a demonstrated interest in business, finance, entrepreneurship, or management.

Common requirements for business scholarships include:

• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher, though some may consider overall improvement or unique circumstances.
• Personal Statement or Essay: Applicants are usually asked to explain why they’re pursuing a business degree, their long-term career goals, and how they demonstrate leadership or entrepreneurial spirit.
• Letters of Recommendation: From teachers, business mentors, internship supervisors, or community leaders who can speak to your leadership or business potential.
• Resume or Activity List: Many applications ask for a summary of your extracurricular activities, part-time work, business competitions, DECA participation, or involvement in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).
• Demonstrated Financial Need (optional): Some programs consider need-based criteria alongside merit. Be ready to submit the FAFSA if requested.

Bonus Tip: Business scholarships often value applicants who show initiative—highlight any personal ventures (like starting a small business or nonprofit), business classes, or finance internships to stand out.

What Scholarships Are Available for Female Business Majors?

Numerous scholarships are specifically designed to support female students pursuing degrees in business, finance, entrepreneurship, or management. These scholarships aim to close the gender gap in business leadership and encourage more women to enter corporate and entrepreneurial roles.

Top scholarships for female business majors include:

• Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship (Zonta International): Awards $5,000 to undergraduate and master’s-level women studying business. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding potential in business leadership and academic performance.
• American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Scholarships: Offers various scholarships through local chapters to women pursuing business degrees. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 and require academic excellence and community involvement.
• Women in Public Finance Scholarship: Open to female high school seniors or college students interested in finance, economics, or business careers in the public sector. Awards up to $3,000.
• National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA) Scholarships: Provides financial support and networking opportunities to women pursuing MBAs or graduate business degrees.

Tips: Highlight leadership roles in school or the workplace, entrepreneurship experience, and long-term goals in your application essays to stand out. Many of these scholarships value both academic performance and business initiative.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Students Interested in Business?

High school students planning to pursue a business degree in college can apply for scholarships that reward leadership, entrepreneurship, and academic achievement. Many of these awards are open to students involved in business-focused programs or who have demonstrated an early interest in entrepreneurship.

Notable scholarships include:

• DECA Student Scholarships: Offered through DECA Inc. and its corporate partners (like Marriott, NAPA, and Publix), these scholarships provide $1,000 to $5,000 for students active in DECA who plan to major in business, marketing, or finance.
• NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Awards: Offers up to $5,000 to graduating high school seniors who have started and operated their own small business. Ideal for self-starters and student-run businesses.
• Junior Achievement Scholarship Programs: Local JA chapters offer scholarships to students who have participated in Junior Achievement business and finance education programs.
• National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Business and Economics Scholarships: Awards high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and interest in business-related fields. Amounts vary, often around $1,000 to $2,500.

How to stand out:

• Get involved in school business clubs like DECA, FBLA, or entrepreneurship programs
• Start a small business, side hustle, or participate in pitch competitions
• Include leadership roles and community involvement in your application

Many national and local scholarships reward business-minded high school students, so apply early and often to maximize your chances!

Are There Scholarships for Business Administration Students?

Yes, students pursuing degrees in Business Administration can access various scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards. Examples include the MBA Future Leaders Scholarship and undergraduate awards offered by business schools and professional organizations.

Are There Scholarships for Business Management Students?

Business Management scholarships are available through universities, private organizations, and professional associations. Examples include the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Scholarship Program and awards specific to management-focused studies.

Are There Undergraduate Business Scholarships for International Students?

Yes, many universities and organizations offer scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate business degrees. Examples include the Global Business Diversity Scholarship and awards offered by international business schools and foundations.