Top 10 Scholarships Every Finance Major Should Know

Majoring in finance can be your gateway to an exciting future—whether you dream of crafting corporate strategies, becoming a financial analyst, or guiding individuals toward financial independence. But let’s face it: the cost of education can be daunting. Tuition, books, housing, and other expenses can quickly pile up, leaving many students wondering how to afford the education needed to reach their goals.

That’s where scholarships come into play. 

More than just financial aid, scholarships can be your key to achieving academic success and professional growth. They ease the burden of student loans, giving you the freedom to focus on excelling in your studies without the constant worry of mounting debt. Even better, many scholarships offer added perks such as mentorship, internships, and access to exclusive professional networks that can help shape your future career.

For finance majors, scholarships take on even greater significance. These awards celebrate not only academic excellence but also leadership, determination, and creativity—qualities essential for success in the world of business and finance. Securing a scholarship isn’t just about financial support; it’s a testament to your potential to stand out in a competitive and fast-paced industry.

Let’s start learning—and earning.

Whether you’re just starting your college journey or deep into your studies, scholarships provide opportunities that go beyond funding. They recognize and reward the traits that make you a future leader in finance, helping you build the confidence and skills to achieve your dreams. It hardly needs to be said that financial achievements for a finance major are the acme of success. 

Ready to achieve these dreams? Here are a few tips to get you off on the right foot:

• Start early. Many scholarships have deadlines that are months in advance of announcements. Plan accordingly—and avoid a last-minute rush.
• Tailor your applications. Write a personalized essay that aligns with the scholarship’s mission. Don’t just copy and paste.
• Gather strong recommendation letters. Ask for these letters from professors or mentors who know your abilities well; these recommendations often make a significant impact on the committee’s decision process.
• And a bonus, which you may have heard before: stay organized! Keep a calendar or spreadsheet to track application deadlines and your submission materials. There’s nothing worse in the scholarship search than missing out on opportunities due to simple clerical errors.

To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 scholarships designed specifically for finance majors. These opportunities can help you reduce financial stress, focus on your goals, and position yourself for a successful career in the industry!

Keep in mind that smaller, local scholarships often have less competition and are worth pursuing. Look for scholarships specific to your university or community organizations. After reviewing this list, don’t be afraid to customize your search and look closer to home.

Let’s dive in and take the first step toward a brighter, debt-free future in finance!

• Award: $5,000
• Eligibility: Available to students from underrepresented minority groups pursuing a degree in accounting.

The scholarship will support minority students dedicated to becoming leaders in the accounting profession. Selection shall be based on academic performance, leadership potential, and volunteer activities. This award goes beyond just financial assistance but recognizes students with clear aspirations about their future endeavors as accounting professionals.

• Award: $10,000
• Eligibility: Open to Hispanic or Hispanic-descent students pursuing finance or a related degree at the undergraduate or graduate level.

This prestigious scholarship empowers Latino students by providing financial support and recognition for academic excellence. It celebrates the diversity of thought and culture within the finance and business sectors while helping students realize their career aspirations.

• Award: $10,000 (U.S.) or $5,000 (Canada)
• Eligibility: Available to undergraduate or graduate students with visible or non-visible disabilities and majoring in finance or a related degree.

This scholarship targets the development of inclusivity and equity in finance and education. The application requires an essay, resume, university transcripts, and a reference letter. This award recognizes that students with disabilities have much potential to excel and bring innovation into finance-related fields.

• Award: Up to $25,000
• Eligibility: Available to high school seniors who can demonstrate drive, determination, and solid character and who plan to attend a U.S. college or university.

This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students with demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to making an impact in their community. Individual awards range from $2,500 to $25,000 and include a required letter of recommendation as part of the selection process.

• Award: $5,000-$20,000
• Eligibility: Varies by award

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) offers several scholarships aimed at students pursuing careers in public finance. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding performance and support the development of future leaders in the field. In addition to financial support, GFOA scholarship recipients gain access to a network of professionals and resources in government finance, providing valuable opportunities for mentorship and career development. For detailed information on each scholarship, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, visit the GFOA's official website.

• Award: $5,000 (renewable)
• Eligibility: Open to first-generation Asian Americans residing in northern California pursuing a business-related degree.

This scholarship supports students with financial needs who display a strong interest in business and a commitment to community service. It’s renewable for students who continue to meet the criteria, offering long-term financial relief throughout their education.

• Award: $20,000 (disbursed over four years)
• Eligibility: Available to Hawaiian residents pursuing a degree in a business-related field.

This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to aspiring business professionals. Students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and interest in the study of business. The selection process also involves an interview for shortlisted candidates.

• Award: $15,000
• Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate students who want to pursue a career in state or local government finance.

This prestigious scholarship is designed to support future leaders in public finance. To apply, students must complete a questionnaire and provide a letter of recommendation. It's an excellent opportunity for students wanting to make a difference in government finance.

• Amount: $10,000
• Eligibility: Offered to female graduate students studying finance or related majors with a transportation concentration.

This scholarship is dedicated to women who wish to be leaders in finance and transportation. It emphasizes the need for more diversity in these industries, as it helps women achieve their goals with better financial support.

• Award: Up to $8,000
• Eligibility: Open to female undergraduate students studying finance or a related business subject.

This scholarship empowers women in business through awards at both regional and international levels. It recognizes academic excellence and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in finance or business, helping to bridge the gender gap in leadership roles.

Earning a scholarship as a finance major can be transformative, setting you on a path toward achieving your career aspirations with confidence. Each scholarship in this list offers more than just financial support—they recognize your hard work, ambition, and potential to make a lasting impact in the business world. From fostering diversity and inclusivity to nurturing leadership and innovation, these opportunities are designed to help you excel both academically and professionally.

But scholarships are more than a financial resource—they’re an investment in your future. Graduating with reduced debt allows you to start your career on a stronger footing. Many scholarships also provide mentorship, access to professional networks, and résumé-building accolades, giving you a competitive edge in a highly demanding field.

That said, scholarship applications require time and effort. The competition can be fierce, so standing out with a well-crafted application that highlights your achievements and aspirations is key. Don’t be discouraged—this is an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and determination.

Here are some of the key tenets of wisdom our counseling team uses to help students win more contests, prizes, and scholarships.

• Clearly articulate your goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. 
• Share a unique story or accomplishment that makes you stand out from the crowd. 
• Avoid generic statements; instead, be specific about your life and use an authentic tone in your essays.

If navigating the scholarship process feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone. Empowerly is here to provide expert guidance at every stage of your journey. From identifying the right scholarships to perfecting your essays and meeting eligibility requirements, our team of experienced counselors is ready to help you maximize your chances of success. We’re here to ensure that no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Financial limitations should never stand in the way of your dreams. Start exploring these scholarships today, and consider partnering with Empowerly to turn your aspirations into achievements. Your future in finance is waiting—let us help you make it a reality!