Accounting Scholarships: What to Look for in 2023/24
Discover the highest-paying accounting scholarships available in 2023/24.
- By: The College Compass Team

Did you know that the average cost of an accounting degree in the US can range from $7,070 for public schools to $31,700 annually for private tuition? This high cost often becomes a roadblock for many aspiring accountants.Â
However, there’s a silver lining – numerous scholarships are available specifically for accounting students.Â
These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden but also open doors to incredible opportunities in the accounting field.
The Highest Paying Accounting Scholarships
Malcolm Baldrige Scholarship
Recognized for its emphasis on excellence, the Malcolm Baldrige Scholarship honors the legacy of a former US Secretary of Commerce. Applicants passionate about quality management and leadership in accounting will find this scholarship a perfect match.
SLAS-NOBCChE Scholarship
The SLAS-NOBCChE Scholarship is dedicated to promoting diversity in the STEM workforce (including accounting) on a global scale by providing support to young people of color who are frequently underrepresented in these fields.
HBCU Week x FOSSI STEM Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to encourage students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to pursue careers in STEM and aerospace fields.
WSOS Baccalaureate Scholarship
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) provides this scholarship for low and middle-income undergraduate students in Washington State, targeting those majoring in STEM fields, including accounting.
Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship
The Government Finance Officers Association offers this scholarship to support full-time graduate students preparing for a career in state and local government finance. It’s named in honor of Robert D. Goldberg and Frank L. Miller, two prominent figures in the field of public finance.
Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation
The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation supports students pursuing degrees in Business Administration, including accounting. Recipients are awarded scholarships based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and financial need.
American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship
This scholarship aims to promote diversity in energy-related fields by targeting African American students who are studying accounting or finance.
American College of Radiology STEM Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by the American College of Radiology, supports students who demonstrate potential in pursuing careers in the radiology technology and engineering fields, including accounting in the healthcare sector.
EFWA Scholarships
The EFWA provides scholarships for women pursuing accounting degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. They aim to aid women in achieving their professional goals in the field of accounting.
Women in Transition Scholarship
Offered by EFWA, this scholarship targets women returning to school to pursue a degree in accounting. It’s designed to provide financial aid and a support system to women in transition, thus promoting gender diversity in the industry.
Scarlett Family Foundation
This foundation offers scholarships to students in Middle Tennessee pursuing business degrees, including accounting. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and leadership skills.
Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship
This scholarship, named after the former GFOA executive director, provides financial aid to government employees pursuing an advanced degree or certification in finance or accounting.
SVCF Samsung@First Scholars
Silicon Valley Community Foundation, in partnership with Samsung, provides this scholarship to students pursuing a major in a STEM field, with preference given to underrepresented students.
James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships offer financial aid to students pursuing a career in the manufacturing industry, particularly in fields that impact the technological advancement of the industry.
Deloitte Future Leaders Scholarships
Deloitte offers this scholarship to support students who demonstrate leadership potential and are pursuing a degree in a field related to business or finance.
Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
The Frank L. Greathouse scholarship from the Government Finance Officers Association supports students pursuing careers in state and local government finance.
Minorities In Government Finance Scholarship
This scholarship is also offered by the GFOA, specifically to support minority students preparing for a career in state and local government finance. It’s part of the GFOA’s commitment to promoting diversity in government finance.
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners offers this scholarship to support full-time students in accounting, business administration, finance, or criminal justice programs.
Carolina Panthers Graduate Scholarship
The Carolina Panthers Graduate Scholarship is a unique initiative by the Carolina Panthers, providing financial assistance to graduate students hailing from North or South Carolina.
AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers this scholarship to support students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree in accounting or an accounting-related major. The scholarship is designed to help future CPAs finance their education.
How to Apply for Accounting Scholarships
Identify Appropriate Scholarships
Research and identify the scholarships that align with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Understand the requirements
Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria. Understand these thoroughly before applying.
Gather necessary documents
Prepare all documents needed for your application, like transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal essays.
Craft a compelling application
Make sure your application reflects your passion for accounting, your career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Submit on time
Deadlines are crucial. Always submit your applications on time to ensure they are considered.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Showcase your passion for accounting and your future career goals clearly.
Highlight any previous experiences related to accounting, like internships or relevant projects.
Show your commitment to community service or leadership roles.
Ask for recommendation letters from teachers or professionals who know you well.
Proofread your application and essays to ensure they are error-free.
FAQs
Any student pursuing or planning to pursue an accounting degree can apply for these scholarships.
However, eligibility criteria might differ from one scholarship to another. It is always essential to read the requirements of each scholarship before applying.
No, scholarships are a form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid.
However, some scholarships may have stipulations, like maintaining a certain GPA or pursuing a specific career path, to ensure you keep the scholarship throughout its duration.
Yes, several accounting scholarships target minority students, promoting diversity in accounting. These include the SLAS-NOBCChE Scholarship, the HBCU Week x FOSSI STEM Scholarship, the American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship, and the Minorities In Government Finance Scholarship.
Yes, scholarships like the EFWA Scholarships and the Women in Transition Scholarship are specifically designed to support women pursuing accounting degrees at various levels.
Yes, scholarships like the Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship are designed to provide financial aid to government employees pursuing an advanced degree or certification in finance or accounting.
Don’t let financial obstacles hold you back from pursuing your dream career in accounting. Start researching these high-paying accounting scholarships today and identify which ones align best with your career goals and personal circumstances.
So don’t wait—start your journey towards financial aid and a promising accounting future today!
Editorial Disclaimer
The College Compass is reader-supported and committed to maintaining complete editorial independence. All views expressed are solely ours and are not influenced by any external party. We may include affiliate links in the article, which helps us earn a small commission to support our work. We always have a link to the source for any data or information we include. Learn more about our editorial practices.
Explore More Scholarships & Financial Aid Advice