Finance Scholarships

Apply to a Finance Scholarships

Due to the fact that finance is quickly growing as one of the hottest and highest-paying business majors in the global marketplace, more organizations are investing in the next generation of financial leaders with finance scholarships.

If you've always loved balancing your checkbook or setting up a budget plan for your weekly allowance, then you could be the perfect fit for starting a lucrative career in finance with these scholarships. A finance degree can translate into a wealth of job opportunities in corporate finance, government finance, commercial banking, hedge funds, investment banking, venture capital, insurance, financial planning, and more.

Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's or a graduate degree, the following are 20 of the best scholarships for number crunchers starting a career in finance.

1. AFWA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 1st

With the mission of guiding women to achieve success and leadership in financial services, the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA) offers an undergraduate scholarship program to support the costs of attending the third, fourth, or fifth year of an accredited accounting or finance degree. Applicants must have completed at least their sophomore year, have a minimum of 60 college credits, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be attending a senior university in the United States. Recipients will be chosen based on their leadership abilities, moral character, communication skills, scholastic record, financial need, and dedication to the financial world.

Contact

AFWA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
2365 Harrodsburg Road Suite A325
Lexington, KY 40504
(800) 632-2163

Scholarship Link

2. ALPFA National Hispanic Scholarships

Deadline: January 31st

In partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) offers National Hispanic Scholarships annually for $2,000 to $10,000 each to students of Hispanic heritage who are pursuing a degree full-time in accounting, finance, or business administration. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, be attending a four-year accredited university, have at least junior-level status, and possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Along with the funding, recipients will be given a one-year student membership and be invited to attend the ALPFA Annual Convention in Washington, DC.

Contact

ALPFA National Hispanic Scholarships
801 South Grand Avenue Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 243-0004

3. AXA Achievement Scholarship

Deadline: December 15th

As one of the nation's largest corporate scholarship providers, AXA has partnered with the U.S. News and World Report to deliver 52 $10,000 one-time awards to students from each state, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico to cut tuition costs for enrolling full-time in an accredited four-year university in the United States. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, be graduating high school seniors, represent ethnically diverse backgrounds, demonstrate outstanding achievement in school, and exhibit the ambition to excel in college. Preference will be given to business students pursuing a major in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration to potentially become financial professionals with AXA companies.

Contact

AXA Achievement Scholarship
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
(800) 537-4180

Scholarship Link

4. Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship

Deadline: February 20th

Funded by the Girard Miller Foundation through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship is presented annually for $12,000 to full-time graduate students who are earning an advanced degree in preparation for a career in state and/or local government finance. Candidates must already possess a bachelor's degree, have citizenship in the U.S. or Canada, and exhibit a strong dedication to a government career plan. Students must supply a personal statement, official undergraduate transcript, current resume, letter of recommendation, and list of all government finance courses they've completed.

Contact

Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship
203 North LaSalle Street Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 977-9700 ext. 2273

Scholarship Link

5. Financial Women's Association Graduate Scholarships

Deadline: Varies

Now celebrating its 31st consecutive year of supporting the dreams of female finance professionals, the Financial Women's Association (FWA) offers $10,000 merit-based graduate scholarships annually to women pursuing a career in finance at top graduate business schools in New York City. To qualify, candidates must be currently enrolled in the second or final year of an MBA program at Columbia University, Fordham University, Baruch College, or New York University with demonstrated academic achievement. In addition to the scholarship, recipients will be given unlimited access to the FWA network to refine their professional goals and gain assistance in their job search upon graduation.

Contact

Financial Women's Association Graduate Scholarships
215 Park Avenue South Suite 1712
New York, NY 10003
(212) 533-2141

6. FWSF Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 27th

Since 1985, the Financial Women of San Francisco (FWSF) Scholarship Fund has been providing $5,000 awards to undergraduates and $10,000 awards to graduate students annually to support women pursuing careers in finance and financial services. Qualified applicants must reside or attend school in the San Francisco Bay Area, have at least junior-level standing, have a declared major in finance, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4, and enroll in an independently accredited university. Female candidates must submit a current resume, official transcript, photograph, two letters of recommendation, and a 1,000-word essay describing how finance education will fit their career goals.

Contact

FWSF Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 26143
San Francisco, CA 94126
(415) 586-8599

Scholarship Link

7. George Harding Scholarship Program

Deadline: July 15th

As part of the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA), the George Harding Scholarship Program is administered annually for awarding $1,000 to college juniors, seniors, and first-year graduate students who are pursuing a major in finance or a closely related banking field. Applicants must be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credits per term, be legal Michigan residents, attend an accredited Michigan or out-of-state university, have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and show leadership qualities through involvement in campus or community activities. Funds will be paid directly to the recipient's university to cover tuition expenses for the following year.

Contact

George Harding Scholarship Program
507 South Grand Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 485-3600

8. John B. Lilja Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Established by the Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association (MNGFOA) in honor of the senior manager at Deloitte & Touche who became the first CPA to serve as the Deputy State Auditor in Minnesota and an instructor at North Hennepin Community College, the John B. Lilja Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,000. To qualify, candidates must be currently enrolled in a four-year bachelor's degree program with a major in finance, government finance, or accounting at an accredited university in Minnesota. Applicants should provide a current resume describing any work or volunteer service related to finance, an official transcript, and a 250-word essay showing their interests in governmental finance.

Contact

John B. Lilja Undergraduate Scholarship
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
(952) 563-4930

Scholarship Link

9. J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship

Deadline: January 17th

For up to $15,000 each, the J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship is available for talented Black, Hispanic, and Native American students who are seeking the opportunity to fulfill their career ambitions in finance with one of the world's leading financial firms. Eligible candidates must be enrolled as sophomore or junior undergraduate students, attend an accredited U.S. university, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, and show a clear interest in a financial services career. Recipients will receive a coveted spot in the Summer Analyst Internship Program to fine-tune their skills in risk management, investment banking, public finance, treasury services, commercial banking, or sales and trading.

Contact

J.P. Morgan Launching Leaders Scholarship
1321 Murfreesboro Road Suite 800
Nashville, TN 37217
(800) 345-1833

10. Ludwig Alumni Business Scholarship

Deadline: March 13th

Through the National Academy Foundation (NAF), the Ludwig Alumni Business Scholarship is presented each year for $1,500 to five outstanding graduating seniors or graduates of NAF academies across the United States who are pursuing higher education in business and/or financial services. Qualified candidates should have maintained a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, be currently active in the academy, and plan to continue involvement in a local NAF academy. Along with a completed online application, interested students should submit their official academic records, at least two letters of recommendation, a list of extra-curricular activities, and a personal essay showcasing their goals in financial services.

Contact

Ludwig Alumni Business Scholarship
218 West 40th Street 5th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 635-2400

11. Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 30th

Annually, the Mid-Atlantic Security Traders (STA) Foundation awards at least three $2,500 scholarships to sophomore or junior-level undergraduates pursuing an undergraduate business degree with a concentration in finance or economics within Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled at a four-year public or private university, have U.S. citizenship, submit at least two letters of reference, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and be actively involved in professional extra-curricular activities. For consideration, candidates should submit a 500-word essay discussing how the world's securities markets impact our daily lives.

Contact

Mid-Atlantic Security Traders Foundation Scholarships
1900 Glenroths Drive
Abington, MD 21009
(410) 908-6230

12. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

Deadline: February 20th

Also sponsored through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is distributed for $7,000 each year to upper-division undergraduate or graduate students of African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic descent. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree program in governmental accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or public administration with the goal of starting a career in state and local government finance. Selection will be based on proposed career plans in the public sector, past academic records, work experiences, recommendation letters, and financial need.

Contact

Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
203 North LaSalle Street Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 977-9700 ext. 2273

Scholarship Link

13. NAFA Corporate Aviation Business Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

Ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 apiece, the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) offers Corporate Aviation Business Scholarships to full-time college students seeking a bachelor's, MBA, or Ph.D. in accounting, finance, business, or economics to enter a career within the corporate aircraft finance and/or insurance community. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and exhibit potential in aviation business. Applications must be signed by both the applicant and an authorized school contact person with an official transcript.

Contact

NAFA Corporate Aviation Business Scholarships
P.O. Box 1570
Edgewater, MD 21037
(410) 571-1740

Scholarship Link

14. New York Financial Writers' Association Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

As the country's oldest organization devoted to financial journalism with hundreds of writers covering every aspect of finance in each media outlet, the New York Financial Writers' Association (NYFWA) awards up to 10 scholarships for $3,000 apiece to students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate finance program in the Tri-State New York area. Eligible candidates must be attending an accredited four-year university, be in good academic standing, and show promise for leading a career in financial journalism. Applications must be accompanied by a current resume, three to five financial writing samples, and a short personal essay.

Contact

New York Financial Writers' Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 338
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
(201) 612-0100

Scholarship Link

15. Richard "Dick" Wiegers Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 1st

Through the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (ILREEF), the Richard "Dick" Wiegers Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,000 in remembrance of a dedicated sales manager who owned a Century 21 franchise and helped build thousands of homes in the Greater Gateway area by establishing D&D New Home Sales. This program is open to all Illinois residents who are pursuing an undergraduate college education in business administration, finance, or law with the goal of entering a career in the real estate industry. Recipients will be chosen based on their scholastic achievements, economic need, intended course of study, recommendations, employment experience, and real estate interests.

Contact

Richard "Dick" Wiegers Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 2607
Springfield, IL 62708
(866) 854-7333

Deadline: February 5th

Named in honor of Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie who were fatally wounded in a terrorist attack while traveling to a meeting in Karachi, Pakistan, the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Award is presented for between $1,000 and $10,000 annually to students with career interests in fraud examination. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year university, have a declared major in accounting or finance, and aspire to receive the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. Applicants must submit a completed application with proof of enrollment, official college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation showing their potential in anti-fraud professions.

Contact

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Award
716 West Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-9000

Scholarship Link

17. Tim Smith Memorial Scholarship for Finance

Deadline: May 16th

Created by the Colorado Fiscal Managers' Association (CFMA), the Tim Smith Memorial Scholarship for Finance is awarded for $1,000 annually to honor a past president and former Deputy Director of the Colorado State Lottery who lost his life while serving the state's citizens. Qualified recipients must reside in Colorado, be pursuing undergraduate studies at a state-supported institution, have at least sophomore standing, have a declared major in finance or accounting, and intend to pursue a financial-related career within Colorado upon graduation. Up to three scholarships may be awarded based on availability of funding and demonstrated need.

Contact

Tim Smith Memorial Scholarship for Finance
1525 Sherman 5th Floor
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-4449

Scholarship Link

18. W. Allan Herzog Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15th

Through the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, the W. Allan Herzog Scholarship Fund has been created in memory of a past member who initiated the first chapter at the University of California - Berkeley in 1949 and served on the board of directors for the Financial Executives Institute. Active members interested in this scholarship must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students, be pursuing a degree in accounting or finance, have at least one full year of studies remaining, and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above. Applications won't be considered complete until an official transcript and current photograph are received.

Contact

W. Allan Herzog Scholarship Fund
7439 Woodland Drive Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46278
(317) 875-6533

Scholarship Link

19. Willa S. Bellamy Scholarship

Deadline: April 5th

As a non-profit organization that seeks to promote all aspects of financial administration in government units across South Carolina, the Government Finance Officers Association of South Carolina (GFOASC) offers the Willa S. Bellamy Scholarship for $1,500 annually to current undergraduate students pursuing four-year degrees in finance. To qualify, students should reside in South Carolina, have completed at least one year of college, be attending an in-state public university, be enrolled full-time, and possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Recipients will be chosen based on their initiative, career potential, communication skills, ability to express ideas, academic performance, civic involvement, and financial work experience.

Contact

Willa S. Bellamy Scholarship
P.O. Box 8840
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 252-7128

Scholarship Link

20. Women in Public Finance Scholarship

Deadline: August 31st

With the goal of supporting young women in their aspirations for successfully entering careers in the financial services industry, the Women in Public Finance Scholarship is awarded for up to $2,000 annually for 10 college-bound high school seniors seeking to major in finance for unlocking various career opportunities in the public finance area. Eligible female applicants must display an aptitude in math, exhibit leadership skills, be actively involved in volunteer work or extra-curricular activities, have scholastic achievement, and write a 500-word essay describing who or what has influenced their career goals in finance.

Contact

Women in Public Finance Scholarship
P.O. Box 1195
Chicago, IL 60690

As careers in financial analysis are set to grow by 23 percent and personal advising positions are skyrocketing by 32 percent, it's clear that specializing your business education with a finance major will be a smart investment. However, you'll need to first finance your four to six years in post-secondary education to fine-tune the analytical and leadership skills required in the field. For help reducing the tuition expenses of your degree, consider applying to one or more of these great finance scholarships for witnessing your own financial growth.

See also: Top 20 Cheap Online Finance Degree Programs (Bachelor's)