College has become increasingly difficult to pay for within recent decades, from tuition and boarding costs, to books and everyday expenses. With so many students struggling to pay their school bills, finding a solution can seem defeating. Many students don’t know there is other help available to them. Even though paying for college can seem daunting, there are many organizations out there that can help.
Finance is one of the leading careers in the world and the need for finance majors will only grow in the next couple decades. With so many finance majors wondering how they will pay for school, many organizations have reserved money through scholarships to help them. If you’re one of those finance majors wondering how to pay for school, this list of 10 great scholarships for finance majors should lead you in the right direction.
1. AFWA Foundation Master’s Scholarship
The AFWA Foundation doles out scholarships every year to undergraduate, masters, and PhD women students majoring in finance and accounting. Any undergraduate or masters students are welcome to apply, but PhD students looking to apply must first be AFWA members. Their scholarships are not awarded to first-year freshmen. This AFWA scholarship aims at assisting women within the financial profession by giving them tools and resources they need to thrive.
2. Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals Scholarships
Up to three $1,500 scholarships are given out yearly by the AICP to undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in finance, economics, or insurance. This scholarship is paid directly to the accredited school the student is attending and is used for tuition and fees. Applicants cannot be in their first year of college, must maintain an average GPA of 3.00, and are required to submit an application for the scholarship, along with a resume, transcript, and letter of recommendation.
3. Brandes Investment Partners Scholarships
Designed to help educate those between the ages of 18 and 22 about the world of investing, this scholarship program offers five $4,000 scholarships each year. Brandes Investment Partners’ scholarship aims at helping future investors pay for their education in finance. Students must be within the stated age group, take the program’s online quiz, and answer the online essay prompts in order to be considered. The winner is selected in contest form, judged by a panel of judges.
4. Griffith Insurance Education Foundation Scholarships
The goal of this scholarship is to inspire finance students to pursue careers in insurance and risk management. The foundation gives out numerous scholarships throughout the year, given to both undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must be in good academic standing, complete the application process and submit a letter of recommendation. Depending on the specific scholarship, awards range from $1,000 to $6,000.
5. Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship Program
Applicants for this scholarship program must have an outstanding academic record and plan to pursue a career in finance within the local or state government. The Daniel B. Goldberg scholarship is given to graduate students majoring in finance and totals $14,000. This isn’t the only one available however, as the Government Finance Officers Association hands out three other $9,000 scholarships for finance majors.
6. Native American Finance Officers Association Scholarships
The NAFOA helps give out several different scholarships through the help of organizations like the American Indian College Fund and Wells Fargo. Undergraduate and graduate finance majors can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. Applicants must fill different requirements for each scholarship, like being of Native American descent or maintaining a certain GPA. Some scholarships also require students are in a particular year of college.
7. PM Business Advisors’ Striving for Greatness Scholarship
Students looking to apply for this scholarship must display amazing academics in finance and be involved in their community. The winner of this scholarship receives $2,500, given out once a year. In order to be eligible to apply, students must maintain between a 3.0 and 4.0 GPA, demonstrate tremendous ability in finance, plan to take the CPA exam, and be a undergraduate/graduate student at an accredited university or college.
8. Rolf S. Jaehnigen Family Scholarship
This scholarship is given by the Institute of Management Accountants’ Memorial Education Fund. Applicants must be IMA student members, maintain an average GPA of 3.0, and have plans to take the Certified Management Accountant exam. This award of $1,000 is handed out only to college juniors and seniors who are majoring in information systems, accounting, or finance. Students must also be carrying at least six credits per term at an accredited school.
9. TD Ameritrade NextGen Scholarships
TD Ameritrade gives 12 students $5,000 scholarships each year. Applicants must be in their 1st-3rd years of college, majoring in Financial Planning and be in good academic standing. Those applying for the diversity scholarship must also be a member of an under-represented diversity group, in addition to the other criteria. Students must submit an application, an essay, and a letter of recommendation in order to be considered for one of twelve scholarships.
10. UNCF/Carnival Corporate Scholars Program
This program offers a program opportunity to students majoring in finance, communications, and business, just to name a few. Applicants must be a minority sophomore undergraduate at an accredited school. Winners will receive two paid summer internships and a $5,000 scholarship that is renewed for a second year. Those chosen to participate in the program will also participate in the UNCF Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Related Resource: 10 Great Scholarships for Accounting Majors
This list of 10 great scholarships for finance majors can set you on the path to reducing your student loan debt and help you pay for the ever-growing expenses associated with college. Each scholarship requires different criteria and also offers different perks. It is important to always do your research and find the scholarship that best suits your needs and eligibility.
As a finance major, you’ll be entering a much-sought after industry that is full of promise. With a little hard work and a few applications, these organizations can help take the burden from you and help you prosper in the industry of your dreams by making the path a little easier.