The 25 Best Scholarship Opportunities for Business Students

Are you thinking of enrolling in a business school? As it is considered a prevalent degree of choice among college students, you can expect to attend large classes. On campus, you’ll interact with many people in large classrooms and auditoriums.

With the right school and major, a Business degree can mean a quick return on investment for students. A widely acknowledged downside, however, is that it involves a considerably high financial requirement.

The U.S. student debt, which has reached a staggering $1.53 trillion, is compelling, and students should consider many avenues to ease the financial stress that comes with earning a Business degree. If federal student financial aid doesn’t suffice, business students look for other opportunities elsewhere.

Producing professionals for one of the country’s largest sectors, business programs partner with private companies and organizations to offer scholarships to deserving students. Many of these business-related scholarship programs are provided to qualified students, with such programs either being 100% sponsored or partially funded.

We name the top scholarship opportunities that, beyond offering financial assistance, encourage qualified business students to strive for their academic and career goals:

A&F Business Consultants Scholarship

The Abbott & Fenner group has scholarship programs readily available for high school and college students who want to pursue a degree in business administration, business management, and other business-related industries.

Aspiring candidates must be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary academic institution. The organization grants several yearly awards of $1,000 to those students who are enrolled in a four-year degree in a business-related program.

To qualify for the A&F Business Consultants Scholarship, applicants must create a 500-1000-word essay answering to the topic specified on their website.

Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund

The Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund offers scholarship programs to students who are actively pursuing a degree in a profession in information and records management. The scholarship program is open to students who are living in the U.S. or Canada.

The Educational Fund grants $2,000 for students enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree or graduate program. Students admitted to a two-year program are qualified for $1,000 of educational assistance.

Interested applicants should submit letters of recommendation, and write a 200-300-word essay answering the question or addressing the topic provided.

Baton Rouge Area Foundation Scholarships

With the mission to serve more than 600 fund contributors and to organize their charitable accounts, Baton Rouge Area Foundation Scholarships want to help students and make the world a little better every day, especially in South Louisiana. As a result, the foundation granted $190,000 worth of scholarship funds in 2019.

If you want to become one of the lucky recipients of this generous foundation, you will need to answer a series of pre-qualifying questions to determine your eligibility. A written essay is not required for qualifying for the BRAF scholarship program. However, some of their scholarship programs require the applicant to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid before applying.

Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship Fund

In 1999, Louis M. Colvin retired from Certified Angus Beef as the executive director. During the same year, he established the Colvin Scholarship Fund which recognizes his responsibility in inspiring others to perform their best as well as in making their dreams a reality.

Students who are considered juniors or seniors, as well as students enrolled in an accredited four-year institution, are qualified for the Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship. Graduate students who are conducting applied or essential research work are also eligible to apply.

Applicants must exemplify their commitment to the beef industry by enrolling in a program related to food science, economics, animal science, meat science, business, or other programs related to the beef industry and business.

Cleary University Strategic Business Partnership Scholarship Program

Cleary University has collaborated with several businesses and companies to advocate continuous improvement and development. As a member of the Strategic Business Partner, all qualified employees and their dependents will have a 20% tuition grant towards a program after all other tuition awards and scholarship programs have been applied.

To be considered for the Cleary University Strategic Business Partnership Scholarship Program, applicants must be able to comply with Cleary University’s eligibility requirements and must provide authentication of the Strategic Business Partner membership.

Dairy Management Inc. Scholarship Program

The Dairy Management Inc. grants up to 11 scholarships worth $2,500 to qualified undergraduate students every year through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a post-secondary education that focuses on dairy.

The degree programs include agricultural education, business, communications/public relations, economics, food science, journalism, marketing, and nutrition.

The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board grants a James H. Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship worth $3,500 to the exceptional scholarship beneficiary. Dairy Management, Inc. Scholarship is based on demonstrated integrity and leadership, a passion for a career in a dairy-related industry, and academic achievement.

Interested candidates must write a short statement defining their professional work experiences, dairy-related projects, and career objectives.

Dell Scholarship Program

The Dell Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors and college students with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.4. The generous amount of scholarship funds provides students the assurance of focusing on their four-year program without worrying about financial burdens.

Business majors who are enrolled or planning to pursue an education at the University of Texas at Austin may enjoy additional benefits with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation collaboration. The collaborative movement has made sure that all Pell Grant-eligible students have the assistance and support they need to graduate from their respective programs.

The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has established the Dell Scholars for underprivileged students. The scholarship program grants $20,000 as a one-time award based on demonstrated leadership abilities, as well as outstanding academic performance, and is open to students pursuing a business or technology-related degree program.

Diabetes Scholars Foundation Award

Students who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes are qualified to apply for the Diabetes Scholars Foundation Award to assist them with their educational expenses. The scholarship fund ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the students’ needs.

Students can use the grant for any four-year bachelor’s degree program, including business-related studies. Applicants must be in their senior high school years to be eligible for this award.

Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship

Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley has devoted her life’s passion to providing the world with outstanding educated professionals. As an active community volunteer, Dr. Odom-Wesley has served several not-for-profit organizations and projects. She is the president of the Xi Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

In 2018, she commemorated 51 years of service and commitment. With her passion and dedication to education, the Spirit of Achievement has been established in honor of Dr. Odom-Wesley’s passion for teaching.

The Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship can be utilized in any two-year or four-year studies in a college or university. Tarrant County African-American female senior high school students are qualified to apply to the scholarship program. Students who are enrolled in cosmetology, technical, and trade schools are not eligible for this program.

Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship Program

The Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship Program is open to Howard Community College students who have earned a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are pursuing a degree in any business-related program. Preference will be awarded to a student who is a single parent and has dependent children. Applicants must exemplify the financial need for eligibility.

Together with application requirements, interested candidates must submit a 500-word essay describing their career and academic aspirations as well as defining the benefits of post-secondary education.

Gates Millennium Scholarship Program

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation opens the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program every year to students who demonstrate financial need and excellent leadership capabilities in their college curriculum. The foundation has awarded up to 1,000 scholarship recipients worth a maximum of $10,000 per year.

The scholarship fund will depend on the student’s needs and is determined by the foundation. It is open to high school students or graduates holding U.S. citizenship, Hispanic-American, Asian Pacific Islander American, Alaska Native, American-Indian, or African-American descent.

Students must submit several essays together with their transcript of records, professional recommendations, and current CV or resume. A GPA of at least 3.3 is required to be eligible for the scholarship program.

Generation Ali Global Citizenship Scholarship Program

Established after the world’s most famous boxer, the Generation Ali Global Citizenship Scholarship Program grants $10,000 to several winners per year. This scholarship program cannot be renewed; however, winners of the $10,000 scholarship can reapply every year if they want to.

To qualify, students should be enrolled in an accounting, business-related, or finance program. Also, they must provide leadership capabilities in the classroom and extracurricular initiatives

Stephen L. Keller Scholarship

The Stephen L. Keller Scholarship program was founded to provide three non-renewable scholarship grants worth $2,000 every year to outstanding students who are pursuing a major in business-related study. It is currently offered through the Blue Grass Community Foundation.

Students must be residing in Eastern Kentucky and are enrolled in an accredited four-year academic institution in Kentucky to qualify. Students who are already in the senior high school and undergraduate level are eligible to submit their applications.

Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship

The Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship Program sponsored by Golden Key is available to students from different areas of discipline, but it’s primarily aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership skills in a business-related study at an accredited college or university.

Interested Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship applicants must submit a personal statement, an official transcript of records, and one professional recommendation to qualify for the scholarship program. The scholarship fund is worth $5,000.

Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship

Government Finance Officers Association scholarship

The Government Finance Officers Association provides numerous scholarship opportunities to part-time and full-time students interested in pursuing a profession in local or state/regional government finance.

The GFOA’s Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship is open to part-time graduate-level students who are enrolled in business administration with a concentration on government aspects, accounting, public administration, economics, or finance.

To be eligible for the Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship program, students must submit a letter of recommendation from their employer who can attest to their commitment to the public sector. Also, they must be employed for at least two years by one state or local government office. A scholarship grant worth $10,000 is awarded to the winner.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship program, operating under Zonta International, is primarily focused on assisting female applicants who are interested in pursuing a study in a business-related program or discipline. It is granted to female students who have outstanding academic achievement and overall performance in their business-related studies. The scholarship fund ranges from $1,000 to $7,000.

Prospective applicants who can show commitment and dedication to a career in business have higher chances of earning a higher scholarship fund to help their college educational expenses.

Marc Beaumont Scholarship Fund

The Marc Beaumont Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Europe and Capcom North America COO, Marc Beaumont. It is sponsored by the Academy of Arts and Sciences and is typically provided to students who are interested in pursuing a business management program integrated with the arts and entertainment industries after graduation.

The degree programs include business management, finance, law, and executive leadership. The Academy of Arts and Sciences considers some other major programs, if the student pursues a career in the entertainment industry after graduating from the specific program.

Students must earn a minimum of 3.3. GPA and must be enrolled in a full-time college program. The scholarship program is not renewable, and winners are not allowed to reapply for scholarship funds in the future. The scholarship fund is worth $2,500.

Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship

The Roofing Alliance Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program has two scholarship opportunities, namely: the Reid and DeaNa Ribble/Career Technical Education Scholarship, and the Accredited Post-Secondary Institution Scholarship.

The Reid and DeaNa Ribble/Career Technical Education Scholarship is open to assist employees of the Roofing Alliance, their dependents, and their spouses who want to pursue an education at a technical trade or vocational school.

It is designed to assist students who are seeking a professional career in the roofing industry, such as warehouse and inventory specialists, crane and equipment operators, and other roofing business specialties. The scholarship program is not eligible for those professions that require a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

On the other hand, the Accredited Post-Secondary Institution Scholarship program aims to help students who are seeking advanced studies to pursue professions in the building construction or roofing industries. Eventually, these students can apply what they have learned during their program to establish a business related to the roofing industry.

Winners are qualified to receive educational funding for up to four years of full-time education at any accredited college or university.

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards

The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards is granted to students who are small business owners. These individuals already have the financial requirements needed to thrive in an undergraduate business-related study. Since the program started in 2003, the NFIB has already granted scholarship funds amounting to more than $2.55M.

To become a successful applicant and awardee, students must have a successful small business and demonstrate outstanding leadership in and out of the classroom.

Prospanica Scholarship Program

Formerly known as the National Society of Hispanic MBA, Prospanica has launched a scholarship program that is accessible to students who have Hispanic descent to earn their graduate-level programs in the business administration or business management industry.

With a scholarship amount ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Prospanica Scholarship Program factors in the student’s needs. The funds are sponsored by the organization and will be given out before the academic year starts.

While it is primarily focused on undergraduate students, graduate-level students with a concentration in an MBA-accredited program are also qualified to apply. The program cannot be renewed, but recipients who wish to reapply can do so within each year of their graduate-level education.

RentDeals.com Scholarship

The RentDeals.com Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to three students annually, welcomes applicants pursuing a business-related or management-related study. The program is non-renewable and requires students at least 3.0 as the minimum GPA for eligibility.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners administers the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program. While the ACFE is solely focused on accounting principles, the scholarship program also qualifies students who are pursuing a degree in finance, executive leadership, and business management.

The amount provided by the association ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 and depends on a specific set of criteria such as the student’s financial needs, application details, and academic and professional achievements.

To apply, submit letters of recommendation, meet the essay requirements, and prove minimum part-time admission at an accredited college or university.

Robert J. Yourzak Scholarship Award

The Robert J. Yourzak Scholarship Award is funded by the Project Management Institute and is focused on the broader aspects of leadership that cover major disciplines such as accounting, finance, business administration, and executive leadership.

The scholarship program provides a one-time $2,000 grant to qualified students who exemplify outstanding leadership abilities and financial needs.

Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship Program

Students in Tennessee who come from low-income households are eligible to apply to the Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship Program. They must be enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s in accounting, business administration, management, finance, or leadership.

The scholarship grant will be based on the student’s financial need and qualifications and can be anywhere between $2,500 and $25,000. Despite the program being non-renewable, winners can reapply every year.

Women in Public Finance Scholarship

The Women in Public Finance Scholarship helps current high school senior students fund their business management studies with an emphasis on accounting, law, or finance. The program is only available to high school top students and not college students.

To be qualified for the scholarship program, students must be at the senior high school level with the intent to pursue a business-related study in their post-secondary education. There are pre-qualifying essays that must be answered so they can be considered for the program.

Why should I apply for a business school scholarship?

Applying for a business school scholarship can help you finance your education and reduce the money you need to borrow. Scholarships can also allow you to focus on your studies instead of worrying about how you will pay for school.

Additionally, scholarships often include additional benefits such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development events. Lastly, scholarships can provide recognition from your peers, faculty, and potential employers. This can help you stand out in the job market and give you a competitive edge when pursuing a career.

Are scholarships for a business degree easy to obtain?

Scholarships for a business degree can be challenging to obtain as they are highly competitive. However, there are many scholarship opportunities available, and researching the various options is the best way to find out what is available.

Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for business degrees, and some universities have specific scholarships that can be applied for. Additionally, it is possible to apply for general scholarships that may be applicable to a business degree.

What is the best way to increase your chances for a business school scholarship?

Research scholarship opportunities that fit your specific goals and interests.
Show a financial need.
Apply for as many scholarships as possible.
Demonstrate substantial academic achievement.
Get involved in extracurricular activities that relate to business and demonstrate leadership potential.
Network with alumni and faculty of the school you’re applying to.
Write a compelling personal statement and/or essay.
Show dedication and commitment to your studies.
Provide references and recommendations from faculty and employers.
Take advantage of any free resources available to you, such as scholarship search engines.