Ultimate Guide to Business Scholarships for College Students (2026-27 Edition)

This is the one step that most business majors miss. Most business students don’t apply for business scholarships for college students. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, there are plenty of scholarships to help fund your education.

Business scholarships for college students are everywhere! They are awarded by colleges, private companies, professional organizations, and foundations that aim to support you through your educational journey. These business scholarships are available to general business majors or those in related fields, such as marketing, accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, management, etc. Some of these business scholarships focus on different student groups, including first-generation college students, underrepresented students, community college transfers, and students with financial need.

The key to getting your share of these business scholarships for college students is knowing where to look and how to present yourself as a strong candidate. We have created the ultimate guide to business scholarships for college students, so you know where to look for scholarships, how to present yourself as a strong candidate, and how to start winning scholarships for business majors.

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Win Business Scholarships for College Students

Types of Business Scholarships for College Students

There are three main categories of business scholarships for college-bound seniors, college students, and graduate students, which include Merit, need-based, and diversity and inclusion scholarships.

Merit-Based Business Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships reward you for your academic performance, leadership skills, and business achievements. These awards typically require a minimum GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5. When applying to merit scholarships, be prepared to share your extracurricular activities, transcript, and work experience (if you have any. You’ll need to demonstrate excellence through grades, test scores, and business-related accomplishments.

Common Merit Requirements:

Minimum GPA (usually 3.0 to 3.5)
Strong SAT or ACT scores
Leadership experience
Business internships or work history
Letters of recommendation

Merit scholarships often range from $1,000 to $10,000 annually. Some renewable awards can total $30,000 or more over multiple years. The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship program and the Above the Bar Scholarships are Merit-based scholarships

Need-Based Business Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are based on your family’s financial situation rather than academic performance alone. These scholarships help students who cannot afford college costs without additional assistance. You’ll typically need to complete the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.

Need-Based Application Materials:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion
Family income documentation
Personal financial statements
Essays about financial challenges

Many need-based programs also consider your life circumstances, work responsibilities, and family obligations when making awards. John Galt Solutions scholarship and the Dell Scholars program offer need-based scholarships

Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships

Diversity scholarships support underrepresented students in business fields. These programs aim to increase participation from minority groups, women, and first-generation college students.

Target Groups Include:

Racial and ethnic minorities
First-generation college students
Female business majors
LGBTQ+ students
Students with disabilities

Some diversity programs combine identity-based criteria with academic or financial need requirements. You may need a minimum GPA or demonstrate leadership potential. There are professional associations that often sponsor diversity scholarships to build inclusive workforces. These scholarships may include mentorship opportunities and networking events. RSM First Generation scholarship, Prospanica Scholarship, and The Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship are diversity scholarships

Eligibility Requirements for Business Scholarships for College Students

Most business scholarships focus on three main areas: academics, your major, and your ability to present yourself well through essays and recommendations. These requirements typically help scholarship committees identify students who will succeed in business programs and careers.

Academic Performance Standards

Your GPA will play a major role in qualifying for SOME business scholarships. Many programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, while competitive awards often demand 3.3 or higher. Some scholarships consider your overall college GPA. Others focus only on grades in business courses, while first-year students might be evaluated based on high school transcripts if they lack college grades.

Test scores matter less for business scholarships for college students than grades. However, standardized test performance can strengthen your application when combined with a strong academic record.

Major and Degree Program Requirements

For most larger business scholarships for college students, you must be enrolled in or accepted to a business degree program to qualify for scholarships. This includes students pursuing a business major in areas like finance, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship. There are scholarships for high school who are interested in a business career and have not applied to college yet.

Most business scholarships are for full-time students, while part-time students have fewer options but can still find awards designed for working professionals or non-traditional students.

Some of the Eligible Majors

Business Administration
Accounting and Finance
Entrepreneurship
Human Resources
International Business
Information Technology
Business Analytics
Supply Chain Management

Essay Guidelines

Your personal essay should demonstrate your passion for business and your career goals. Most business scholarships for college students require 500-1000 word essays answering specific prompts about leadership, challenges, or business interests.

Write about your real experiences that shaped your business interests. Avoid generic statements about wanting to help people or make money. Instead, describe specific projects, internships, or situations that inspired your career path.

Strong Essay Elements

Clear career goals
Specific examples and stories
Problem-solving skills
Leadership experience
Industry knowledge

Recommendation Letters

Your recommendation letters should come from professors, employers, or mentors who know you and your capabilities. Academic references are great for high school students and recent graduates, while working students and students planning or attending graduate school should strive for professional references.

Everyone is extremely busy, so don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a recommendation. If possible, ask your recommender at least three weeks in advance. Provide them with your resume, essay drafts, scholarship details, and any other pertinent information they may need. The goal is to have your recommenders write targeted letters that align with your application.

Most scholarships require 2-3 recommendation letters. Choose people who can speak to different aspects of your abilities and character.

How to Find Business Scholarships for College Students

Here are five ways you can find and win business scholarships year-round and graduate debt-free.

Utilize Campus and Department Resources

Your college or potential college may have a scholarship portal that usually has internal scholarships
The business department usually has internal scholarships for students whose majors fall within their department
Professors, club advisors, and department heads often hear of donor-funded awards or “named scholarships” with fewer applicants
Career Center typically prepares you for your dream career, but they also have relationships with local businesses that offer scholarships to students. These regional awards typically have smaller applicant pools
Don’t forget about your Alumni network on LinkedIn or school databases. Business graduates often establish scholarship funds at their alma mater

Tap Into Professional & Industry Associations

Many business fields (marketing, accounting, supply chain, entrepreneurship, and finance) have professional associations that offer scholarships.

High School Clubs Scholarships

Industry Associations Scholarships

Non-Profits & Minority Professional Associations Scholarships

Use Scholarship Databases & Filters

Bold.org – Filter by major
Scholarships.com – Browse by major
Unigo.com – Search by major
Big Future College Board – Filter by field of study, plus ethnicity, and scholarship type (merit and need-based)

Implement Smart Scholarships Searches

The best tip for finding the best business scholarships is to use keywords. Using the right keywords will enhance and expedite your scholarship search. Your keywords will be based on the app or site that you are using. When searching for business scholarships, use business or related majors in the industry, and some social media sites will let you use hashtags to enhance your search.

Google – [Your Major] + scholarships or [Your Major] + scholarshisp + minority [or Your Ethnicity] or [Your Major] + scholarships + [Your State/Region]
TikTok – [Your Major] scholarships or [Your Major] scholarships for [Your Ethnicity] or [Your Major] scholarships for [Your State/Region]
Facebook – scholarships for [Your Major] students or [Your Major] scholarships or scholarships for [Your Major]

Don’t forget about ChatGPT, Instagram, Pinterest, Substack, Threads, etc. There are plenty of places to do keyword searches for business scholarships for college students. Just play around with some of the keywords listed above and try some of your own keywords.

Leverage Your Network

This is probably the easiest way to find scholarships for business majors. You get to use all your connections.

Family’s bank or credit union – they usually have scholarships for members and their families
Parents’ or guardians’ employers – the company or their union may have scholarships
Fraternities and sororities – if you or your parents are part of a fraternity/sorority, check out their scholarships. Also, check out all the local fraternity/sorority organizations because they have scholarships for non-members.
Local businesses – don’t forget to seek out scholarships at the businesses that your family frequents
Relatives, friends, and current college students – let everyone know that you want to graduate debt-free and that you are looking for scholarships

Scholarships through your network are the best business scholarships for college students, because these scholarships are usually local scholarships and have less competition.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning Business Scholarships for College Students

Start early! Creating a document or spreadsheet of deadlines, requirements, and contact details will help you stay organized. Prepare “master essays” or story templates (e.g. leadership journey, obstacles overcome) that you can tailor per application.

Craft a Strong Scholarship Application

Start your search early to avoid missing deadlines. Many business scholarships for college students have application periods that close months before the academic year begins.

Create a master spreadsheet with these columns:

Scholarship name
Deadline date
Required documents
Essay prompts
Award amount

Tailor each application to the specific business scholarship requirements. Generic applications get rejected quickly.

Your essays should highlight relevant business experiences: Include internships, business competitions, leadership roles in business clubs, or entrepreneurial ventures you’ve started.

Quantify your achievements when possible. Write “increased club membership by 40%” instead of “helped grow the club.”

Request recommendation letters from business professors, internship supervisors, or employers who know your work ethic. Give them at least three weeks’ notice and provide your resume and essay drafts.

Proofread everything multiple times. Grammar errors can eliminate you from consideration immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reusing your essays, but not adapting them for each business scholarship. Committees can spot recycled content easily.

Missing deadlines is the fastest way to lose opportunities. Apply early when possible, since some scholarship committees review applications on a rolling basis.

Avoid vague career goals in your essays. Instead of writing “I want to help businesses,” specify your interest in areas like marketing analytics, sustainable supply chain management, or fintech innovation.

Don’t ignore smaller business scholarships for college students. A $500 business scholarship requires the same effort as a $5,000 one but has fewer applicants.

Never lie or exaggerate your accomplishments. Scholarship committees verify information and false claims result in automatic disqualification.

Don’t wait until senior year to apply. Many business scholarships are available to sophomores and juniors too.

Here are the Top Business Scholarships for College Students

Does your dream career consist of putting on a cute business suit, heading to your Fortune 500 company job, and making business deals in your large corner office? No worries! Check out these business scholarships for college students.

Boren Scholarships

Open to: Undergraduate students
Majors: Business and STEM
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $8,000 – $25,000
Deadline: January

Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) Scholars Program at UMBC

Open to: Incoming female and underrepresented groups of freshmen at University of Marlyand Baltimore County (UMBC)
Majors: Business Technology Administration, Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical/Biochemical/Environmental Engineering or a related program at UMBC
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: Four-year scholarships from $5,000 – $15,000 per year for in-state students and from $10,000 – $22,000 per academic year for out-of-state students
Deadline: January

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate students
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: 2.5
Amount: $5,000 (100 Awards) (Renewable)
Deadline: January

GHR Fellows Scholarship

Open to: Incoming first-year undergraduate students pursuing a business degree
Majors: Business
GPA Minimum: 3.7
Amount: Full-tuition scholarship
Deadline: January

Greehey Scholars Program

Open to: St. Mary’s University Incoming first-year undergraduate students pursuing a business degree
Majors: Business
GPA Minimum: 3.8 (without test scores) or 3.5 (27 ACT or 1290 SAT)
Amount: Full-tuition scholarship, stipends for study abroad, and funding for extra-curricular activities (Renewable)
Deadline: January

MHEFI Scholarships

Open to: Undergraduate students must first be nominated by a professor, faculty member or employer (direct supervisor/manager or senior company official)
Majors: Business & Management related to Material Handling or Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Distribution, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Computer Science related to Material Handling & Supply Chain, etc…
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $1,500 – $6,000
Deadline: January

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors who live in Southwest Georgia
Majors: Agriculture Sciences, Animal Biology, Chemistry, Business, Accounting, Finance, Communications, etc. with an interest in a career that is essential to sustaining infrastructure in our small towns and communities.
GPA Minimum: 3.7
Amount: $1,500 (2 Awards)
Deadline: January

Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship – Full-time Master’s

Open to: Full-time Master’s students seeking a career in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science
Majors: Risk Management, Insurance, Actuarial Science, or a related field of study
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January

Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship – Part-time Master’s

Open to: Part-time Master’s students seeking a career in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science
Majors: Risk Management, Insurance, Actuarial Science, or a related field of study
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: January

Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship – Undergraduate

Open to: College students seeking a career in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science
Majors: Preferred majors are Risk Management/Insurance or a related field of study (e.g., actuarial science, business, finance, information technology, etc.)
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $7,500 – $10,000
Deadline: January

Loman Financial Aid Program

Open to: Full-time college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have accepted a paid risk management/insurance-related internship that requires you to work an average of 30 hours/week for at least 8 weeks total in Spring/Summer
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: Varies. The financial aid is intended to help students offset the costs of professional clothing, travel, housing, and other expenses that may prevent them from pursuing an internship in the insurance industry.
Deadline: Rolling basis

Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship

Open to: African American graduating seniors at a North or South Carolina high school and planning to attend a full-time four-year college or university located in North or South Carolina
Majors: Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Computer Science, and the Sciences
GPA Minimum: 3.5
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: February

Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation

Open to: High school seniors and college students who are residents of Hawaii and plan to have a career in business
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $20,000 over 4 years (10 Awards)
Deadline: February

JSU Alabama Jeff Parker Scholarship

Open to: Rising seniors enrolled at Jacksonville State University
Majors: Marketing, Management, or Accounting
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February

JSU Alabama Power Scholarship

Open to: Full-time undergraduates who are legal residents of Alabama and enrolled at Jacksonville State University’s College of Business
Majors: Business-related majors
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

Open to: Undergraduate must be enrolled in 9 semester hours (or equivalent) per term and must be a junior, senior, or at least in the second half of their sophomore year when applying and must be enrolled through 2027
Majors or Minors: Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Criminal Justice or similar fraud-related discipline
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $2,000 – $10,000
Deadline: February

AICPA Scholarship for Future CPAs

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a CPA license after graduation
Majors: Business or Accounting
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $5,000 – $10,000 (20 Awards)
Deadline: March

AICPA Two-year Transfer Scholarship Award

Open to: Students looking to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year institution to complete their degree in accounting or an accounting-related field
Majors: Business or Accounting
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $5,000 (20 Awards)
Deadline: March

ALPFA Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students
Majors: Business-related
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March

Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors of African descent
Majors: Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or one of the following Business programs – Business Administration, Finance, or Marketing
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $2,500 – $5,000 (55 Scholarships) (Some Renewable)
Deadline: March

Business Professionals of America Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors and college students
Majors: Varies
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March

FWSF Scholarship

Open to: San Francisco Bay Area women pursuing careers in the fields of accounting, finance, and/or the financial services industry
Majors: Accounting, Finance, and Financial Services
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $10,000 (for undergraduates) and $15,000 (for graduates)
Deadline: March

GoSkills “Be the Boss” Scholarship

Open to: Female High school seniors and undergraduates who want to start their own business
Majors: Varies
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March

Project Management Institute DE&I Scholarship

Open to: Underrepresented full-time undergraduate students, and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time
Majors: Project Management or related fields, including Engineering, Business Administration, and information technology
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $5,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: March

Spencer Educational Foundation Scholarship – Pre-Dissertation Ph.D Candidates, Doctoral Candidates, and Pre-Instructor of Practice

Open to: Ph.D students seeking a career in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science
Majors: Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March

BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities interested in a career in Financial Services with a focus on Capital Markets
Majors: Business/Commerce, Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, Statistics, or a related discipline
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: April

Dairy Management Inc. Scholarship

Open to: College rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Majors: Business, Economics, Marketing, Communications/Public Relations, Journalism, Nutrition, Food Science, and Ag Education
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $2,500 (11 Awards)
Deadline: May

WCASHRM Scholarship

Open to: College juniors, seniors or graduate students who reside in W. Central Arkansas or attend a college in W. Central Arkansas and have demonstrated scholastic achievement and a commitment to a career in human resources
Majors: Human Resources, Business or related field, or Law (with emphasis on labor/employment law)
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $500
Deadline: May

Project Management Institute Scholarships

Open to: High school seniors, full-time undergraduate students, and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time
Majors: Project Management or related fields, including Engineering, Business Administration, and information technology
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May

AICPA Foundation Fellowship for Accounting Doctoral Students

Open to: CPAs starting or already pursuing a full-time accounting Ph.D. or DBA degree at an AACSB-accredited accounting/business school who demonstrate significant potential to become accounting educators
Majors: Accounting
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $15,000 (25 Awards) (Renewable)
Deadline: June

Future Green Leaders Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students
Majors: Business, Environmental Science, Sustainability, and related fields
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June

In2Risk Student Program Scholarship

Open to: College juniors and seniors who can commit to attending the In2Risk event (Oct 19-21) and pre-event session
Majors: Committed to entering the insurance industry and interested in completing the CPCU designation
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: Free registration to In2Risk, free accommodations, and $800 Travel/on-site stipend (provided after the conclusion of the event)
Deadline: June

Mid-Atlantic STA Foundation Scholarship

Open to: Maryland and Virginia High school seniors who have participated in the Stock Market Game for their first year of college, and Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. undergraduates who are currently sophomores or juniors
Majors: Business, Finance, or Economics
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $2,000 (2 Awards for high school seniors) and $5,000 (2 Awards for college students)
Deadline: June

TELACU Education Foundation Scholarship

Open to: First-generation college students enrolled in a graduate program full-time for the entire academic year. Also a permanent resident of CA, IL, NY, or TX
Majors: Business and Engineering (Students pursuing other graduate degrees may also be considered at the Foundation’s discretion)
GPA Minimum: 2.5
Amount: $500 to $5,000
Deadline: June

CardRates.com Financial Futures Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors and current college students
Majors: Business, Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Management, and others preparing for a career in the personal finance industry
GPA Minimum: 3.5
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July

Jet Future Business Leaders Scholarship

Open to: Incoming freshmen and current undergraduate students
Majors: Business-related field
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July

Andrea N. Santore Scholarship

Open to: High school students and undergraduates from low-income, single-parent family
Majors: Business-related or Veterinary Medicine
GPA Minimum: 2.5
Amount: $928 (2 Awards)
Deadline: August

Rapid Formations Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and/or entrepreneurial potential
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $700 (Up to 5 Awards)
Deadline: August

AICPA Foundation CPA Exam Grant

Open to: Current students and graduates who are CPA candidates
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: Up to $1,000 in a lump sum to reimburse and assist with expenses for exam fees and CPA exam preparatory courses (80 Awards)
Deadline: September

Digital Marketing Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors and college undergraduate students
Majors: Plan to or currently studying Digital Marketing or related field
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: September

J.C Cote Scholarship

Open to: College juniors or graduate students who reside in Arkansas or attend a college in Arkansas and have demonstrated scholastic achievement and a commitment to a career in human resources
Majors: Human Resources (General Business, Management, or Administration may be considered)
GPA Minimum: 3.0 (undergraduate) 3.5 (graduate)
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September

Ken Bolick Memorial Scholarship

Open to: BIPOC 1st Gen High school seniors
Majors: Business or the Arts
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September

Neal Hartl Memorial Sales/Marketing Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate students
Majors: Business Management, Sales, or Marketing
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $1,500 (2 Awards)
Deadline: September

The Harold and Muriel Berkman Marketing Scholarship

Open to: College sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students
Majors: Marketing
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: September

Golden Door Scholars

Open to: Graduating/have graduated from high school and reside in one of our regional states: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia
Majors: Business Analytics, Business, Accounting, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Software Engineering (here is a list of preferred majors)
GPA Minimum: 3.2
Amount: Full-tuition
Deadline: October

Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship

Open to: Alabama high school seniors and undergraduate students who have been impacted by mental illness
Majors: Business, Computers, Engineering, Music, or Psychology
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $500 (4 Awards)
Deadline: October

WCASHRM Scholarship

Open to: College juniors, seniors or graduate students who reside in W. Central Arkansas or attend a college in W. Central Arkansas and have demonstrated scholastic achievement and a commitment to a career in human resources
Majors: Human Resources, Business or related field, or Law (with emphasis on labor/employment law)
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $500
Deadline: October

Kathleen McComber Scholarship Program

Open to: College juniors, seniors or graduate students who reside in W. Central Arkansas or attend a college in W. Central Arkansas and have demonstrated scholastic achievement and a commitment to a career in human resources
Majors: Human Resource Management or related field,
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November

John Gault Scholarship for Future Supply Chain Leaders

Open to: Undergraduate students
Majors: Business forecasting or supply chain management
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November

Marilynn Walker Memorial Scholarship

Open to: Female graduate students who are pursuing a career in business
Majors: Business
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: November

Mildred C. Hanson, Sior Memorial Scholarship

Open to: Female college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who intend to pursue a career in commercial real estate
Majors: Real Estate, Business, or Finance
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $8,000
Deadline: November

NextGen Scholarship

Open to: Full-time undergraduate students
Majors: Risk Management, Actuarial Science, Finance, Business, Information Systems, and/or have a strong desire to join the risk and insurance industry upon graduation
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $5,000 (25 Awards)
Deadline: November

WIIT Scholarship

Open to: Female college juniors, seniors, and graduate students
Majors: Interested in International Trade
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: November

Annual iSeeCars Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

Open to: Incoming freshmen, undergraduate, and graduate students currently enrolled full time
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December

Betty Jo Harker Professional Development Scholarship

Open to: Part-time graduate students with a career interest in state and local government finance
Majors: Public Administration, (Governmental) Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration (with a specific focus on government)
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: December

Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors from a low-income or single-parent household, or who have been impacted by cancer
Majors: Business
GPA Minimum: 3.0
Amount: $3,440
Deadline: December

Clark Burrus Public Service Academic Scholarship

Open to: Full-time or part-time Minority graduate students or upper-level undergraduate students preparing for a career in state or local government finance.
Majors: Public Administration, (Governmental) Accounting, Finance, Political Science, Economics, or Business Administration (with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management)
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December

Forte Business Leaders Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate students
Majors: Business (or Business Minor)
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December

Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship

Open to: Full-time graduate students or upper-level undergraduate students preparing to pursue a career in government finance
Majors: Accounting
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $10,000 (2 Awards)
Deadline: December

Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship

Open to: Full-time graduate students preparing for a career in state and local government finance
Majors: All
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: December

Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship

Open to: Part-time students pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and employed by state or local governments for at least three years who are seeking to advance their education and careers
Majors: Public Administration, (Governmental) Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (with a specific focus on government)
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $5,000 – $15,000 (1-3 Awards)
Deadline: December

NAWT’s Hapchuk Scholarship

Open to: College students enrolled in an accredited university offering a bachelor degree related to wastewater transport and treatment
Majors: Management/Business, Biological Sciences, Natural & Environmental Sciences, and Agricultural & Civil Engineering
GPA Minimum: Above average GPA for your college
Amount: $1,500 (2 Awards)
Deadline: December

Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors, students with GEDs, college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors, and who have graduated from any Middle Tennessee county’s high school
Majors: Business or STEM
GPA Minimum: None
Amount: $2,500 – $30,000 (Renewable)
Deadline: December

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors
Majors: Pursuing a career path in agriculture sciences, animal biology, chemistry, business, accounting, finance, communications, etc. with an interest in a career that is essential to sustaining infrastructure in our small towns and communities
GPA Minimum: 2.5
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January

Pursuing your educational goals of obtaining a business degree is an exciting journey—one that often comes with a significant financial investment. Winning scholarships can make all the difference. In this post, we highlighted some of the top business scholarships for college students and shared strategies and resources for uncovering even more opportunities. After you apply to these business scholarships, share this ultimate guide to business scholarships for college students with all your friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any full-ride scholarships available for undergraduates pursuing business degrees?

Full-ride business scholarships for college students are rare. Schools typically don’t offer many full-tuition business scholarships because these programs attract a large number of applicants. However, some private foundations may offer full-ride or large renewable scholarships.

Merit-based institutional scholarships tend to provide significant funding. These merit scholarships require strong academics and test scores. Some of your national scholarships offer full-rides for various majors with intense competition.

Are international students eligible for business scholarships in the United States?

International student eligibility varies by scholarship provider. Some private business scholarships for college students welcome applications from non-U.S. students, such as PMI Scholarships. Federal financial aid programs typically restrict eligibility to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This includes most government-funded scholarships. University-specific scholarships often accept international applicants. Check directly with your school’s international student services office.

How does one verify the legitimacy of a business scholarship like the Niche $25,000 offer?

It is important to research the scholarship organizations. Legitimate scholarship providers have professional websites with clear contact information and never charge fees to apply for scholarships or processing fees, and they shouldn’t ask for your bank account information

Does the scholarship appear on official college financial aid websites? Schools verify awards before promoting them to students. Contact your school’s financial aid office to verify questionable offers. They can help you identify potential scams.

What resources are available to high school seniors seeking business scholarships for college?

Your future college offers scholarships during the freshman application process, so apply early to maximize your chances. College admissions offices provide scholarship information during campus visits. Ask about automatic merit awards based on your academic profile.

Many community organizations specifically target graduating seniors. Your high school guidance counselor maintains lists of local scholarships. Just find out if they keep them online in a portal or on the school website.

What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining business scholarships for college students?

Most business scholarships for college students require you to be enrolled in or accepted into a business-related program. Full-time students are preferred, but there are business scholarships for community college students and part-time students.

Some scholarships require a minimum GPA, while others are need-based scholarships. If you are a college-bound senior, undergraduate or graduate student, remember to complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens to demonstrate your family’s financial situation.