Top 20 Business & Management Scholarships

With the number of employers looking for higher qualified business professionals and managers, the demand for higher education is ever increasing. Students are looking for the best undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of business and management, as well as looking for creative ways to fund their education. This list of the Top 25 Scholarships in Business and Management will help prospective students as they are deciding where to study and how they will afford their degrees. Please note that this list is not ranked.

For rankings on the top business and management degrees, check out our Rankings page. 

For information and resources on different management sectors, check out our Resource Guides

The National Center for Education Statistics speculates that the number of students attending American colleges and universities will reach almost 21 million. This number is up from 15.3 million students in 2000. Also increasing by the year is the average cost of tuition. In 2000, the average cost of tuition was $7,586 for the year in public schools, and $21,934 for private, nonprofit institutions. In just 14 years, the number multiplied by two with the average tuition reaching $16,188 for the year in public schools, and $41,970 for private, nonprofit institutions. Thus, not only are the average number of students increasing every year, but the average cost of tuition as well. This means that there is more and more financial need for this incoming college cohorts and a demand for loans and scholarships. Let this list help you find more resources to fund future business and management degrees and develop a greater understanding of the diversity in the business and management field.

#1 IMA Memorial Education Fund Scholarship and Stuart Cameron & Margaret McLeod Memorial Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$5,000
  • Deadline: February 15

 

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is offering students the IMA Memorial Education Fund (MEF) Scholarship and the Stuart Cameron & Margaret McLeod Memorial Scholarship (SCMS). The IMA is the association of accountants and financial professionals in business. This association was founded in 1919 and has grown over the years to a thriving 80,000 members. The IMA is dedicated to advancing the management accounting profession, as well as supporting and training management accountants. The IMA Memorial Education Fund (MEF) Scholarship and the Stuart Cameron & Margaret McLeod Memorial Scholarship (SCMS) are extensions of that mission. The MEF scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500, and are available to IMA student members at the graduate and undergraduate and undergraduate levels. Students applying for the MEF scholarships are automatically considered for the single $5,000 SCMS scholarship.

Qualified applicants to the MEF and SCMS scholarships must be enrolled in at least six undergraduate or graduate credits per semester with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must be an IMA student member with the intent of pursuing a career in management accounting, financial management, or information technology. Applicants must submit an application form, resume, official transcripts, two recommendations, and a two-page maximum written statement. The application deadline for the IMA scholarships is February 15th.

#2 AACE International Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$5,000
  • Deadline: February 15

AACE International is granting a scholarship worth up to $2,500. The AACE is the leading authority in the field of cost and schedule management. This organization was founded in 1956 and has been serving the cost management community with support, education, and the dedication to the advancing of the sector. The AACE offers three separate scholarships; for US, Canadian, and International students. These scholarships are open to business majors who are current, full-time students that are dedicated to pursuing a career in cost engineering or cost management. Scholarships are available in various amounts and can be awarded up to a lifetime limit of $2,500.

Qualified applicants to the AACE International Scholarship must be currently enrolled on a full-time basis at an ABET accredited institution or in an ABET accredited program in one of the following areas: engineering, construction management, building construction, computer sciences, business, quantity surveying, or information technology. Students must have a GPA of 3.0, not be employed full time as a cost professional, and willing to adhere to the AACE International Code of Ethics. The application deadline for the AACE International scholarships is February 28th.

#3 AfterCollege Business Student Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $500
  • Deadline: March 31

AfterCollege is awarding one exemplary student a $500 scholarship through their Business Student Scholarship program. AfterCollege is an online professional network for college students and recent graduates. This network was founded in 1999, and now consists of over 25,000 employers featuring 400,000 jobs and internships. AfterCollege is committed to connecting students and alumni to career opportunities through their network and job distribution technology. This Student Scholarship is an extension of their desire to support students. Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on their professionalism and communication skills. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $500.

Qualified applicants must have an AfterCollege profile and must be a current student with a 3.0 GPA and pursuing a degree at the AA, AS, BA, BS, MS, or PhD level in an area of business. Business majors accepted include: Accounting, Advertising, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Human Resources, International Relations, Management, Political Science, and Public Relations. Applicants must create or update their profile, which will be used as their application. The main criteria consists of the personal statement with the profile, although students may upload videos and pictures to add more depth. Students must apply by March 31.

#4 AgoraPulse Social Media Management Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: December 15th

Agorapulse is offering a $1,000 Social Media Management Scholarship to a student showing a strong interest in social media management. Agorapulse a highly esteemed social media tool that helps professionals and organizations manage and leverage their social media sites in one efficient platform. They are searching for students with interest and creative ideas in the area of social media management. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded for high schools and college students pursuing the fields of business, marketing, computer science, communications, or IT.

Qualified students can start applying in January and must submit a complete online scholarship application. The core of this application is an essay where students are able to explain their views about social management. Students must be able to explain in five paragraphs or less, their observations of and/or experiences with best practices for engagement and increased brand visibility on social media platforms for the purpose of reaching business goals. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded every year in December.

#5 AICP Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,500
  • Deadline: June 3rd

The Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP) has a scholarship program awarding three different winners a scholarship of $1,500. The AICP is an organization dedicated to supporting the insurance compliance community. The aim of this organization is to promote competence and awareness within the insurance industry by providing learning opportunities, promoting relationships, and allowing for the exchange of information within this dynamic sector. This scholarship program is open to full-time students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the following areas: Insurance, Actuarial Science, Economics, Finance, Management, Mathematics, Risk Management, Statistics, or a Business related field.

Qualified applicants must at least be a second semester sophomore in an accredited institution, enrolled full-time, and have a GPA of at least 3.0. While this application is not renewable, past awarded applicants are allowed to reapply every year. Applicants must submit a completed application, official transcript, resume, a letter of recommendation, and an essay explaining interest in pursuing an education/career in the field of insurance. The letter of recommendation must come from a teacher, employer, business or civic leader, or a member of the clergy. Applicants will be selected based on their GPA, extracurricular involvement, and level of interest in the insurance field. The application deadline for the AICP Scholarship Program is June 3rd.

#6 Asian Women In Business Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: TBA

The Asian Women in Business Scholarship is awarded annually by the AWIB to identify and assist future asian female business leaders. The Asian Women in Business (AWIB) is an organization that was founded in 1995 as a nonprofit focused on assisting and supporting Asian women entrepreneurs and professionals. The scholarship program was established to reward Asian female undergraduate students with demonstrated strong scholarship, leadership, community service, and/or entrepreneurship. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $2,500.

Qualified applicants must be a current full-time undergraduate student and enrolled in an accredited four-year institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. The student must be a female US citizen or permanent resident with 50% Asian or Pacific Islander heritage (with ancestry from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam). This scholarship is meant to award the next generation of leaders, thus applicants must have either a leadership role in a community endeavor and/or hold a record of entrepreneurial achievement. Applicants must submit a college transcript, one to six letters of recommendation, two essays, and complete and sign an AWIB Scholarship Application. The application will be released in March with a deadline date TBD.

#7 Brightest Minds MBA Scholarship Contest

  • Scholarship Amount: $25-$25,000
  • Deadline: April 30th

The Brightest Minds MBA Scholarship Contest is a GMAT-focused contest sponsored by The Economist for aspiring MBA and EMBA students. The Economist is a newspaper and online news publication that was established in 1843 and is based out of New York, London, and San Francisco. They publish news in the areas of news, politics, business, finance, science and technology, as well as publish MBA and business school rankings. This scholarship contest will award six different winners that complete a full-length GMAT practice test. Five randomly selected entrants will be chosen to receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and the highest-scoring participant will receive a $25,000 scholarship to one of the nine participating business schools.

Qualified applicants must considering pursuing a Master's of Business Administration or an Executive Master's of Business Administration degree. The scholarship winner must apply their $25,000 to one of the sponsored business schools from one of the following colleges: MIT; University of California San Diego; Queen's University; University of Virginia; Stevens Institute of Technology; Pepperdine University; York University; University of Edinburgh; Baruch College, CUNY; Lancaster University, or EMLYON Business School. Applicants must finish a GMAT practice test, consisting of a 75-minute verbal section and a 75-minute quantitative section. The application deadline is in April for students to submit their application and practice test.

#8 Cognizant Accelerate Diversity Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Amount: $5,000
  • Deadline: March 31st

Cognizant, the New Jersey-based IT company, is offering an Accelerate Diversity Scholarship Program to STEM and Business students. This Fortune 500 company provides IT, consulting, and business process services through their 100 development and delivery centers around the world. They currently employ over 244,000 employees and are interested in developing diverse talent for the future. Cognizant is actively pursuing diverse talent pools in order to maintain a competitive advantage in our global economy. Selected applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Qualified applicants must currently be a US citizen and enrolled in a four-year college as a sophomore or junior. Students must have a STEM or Business major and focused on pursuing a career in IT or related business services. Applicants must complete an application form and submit a resume, college transcript. This core of the application is each applicant's response to two of four prompts about diversity. One prompt must be a written essay, while the second must be a three minute video response. The application period is from August 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

#9 CVS Pharmacy, Inc: Business Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $5,000
  • Deadline: March 31st

CVS Pharmacy, in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, is offering a $5,000 Business Scholarship. CVS Pharmacy is a 68,000+ retail network of pharmacies, and currently the largest pharmacy network in the US. This scholarship is offered via the UNCF website. UNCF is the national nonprofit organization awarding scholarships for black students, providing financial support to HBCUs, and advocating for minority education and community engagement. This scholarship is awarded out the commitment of CVS to develop business minded student scholars.

Applicants for the CVS Pharmacy Business Scholarship must be a US citizen, or permanent legal resident, pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree from an accredited four-year institution on a full-time basis. Students must be studying business, finance, accounting, or human resources, currently maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate an unmet financial need. Applicants must submit a resume, essay, transcript, and letter of recommendation. The application deadline is March 31st.

#10 GreenPal Business Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,000
  • Deadline: April 30th

GreenPal is a lawn mowing service company that is providing an annually renewable $2,000 scholarship. The CEO of GreenPal founded the company after losing his former job and wants to invest in the motivated students and future business leaders. This entrepreneur venture grew into an online lawn service platform that allows customers to find, schedule, and pay for their lawn maintenance in the areas of St. Louis, Atlanta, and Charlotte. This scholarship program grew out of the CEO's desire to support aspiring entrepreneurs who are pursuing their education while running a small business.

Applicants for the GreenPal Business Scholarship must be a graduating high school senior, or in the first two years of school in an accredited two or four-year college or vocational/technical institute in the US, as well as pursuing or operating a small business. Qualified applicants must be a full-time student and currently hold a 3.5 GPA with a declared major or minor in business, economics, or finance, and demonstrate a desire to be an entrepreneur or business owner. Students must email a 500-1,000 word essay and a photo to apply for this scholarship. The application deadline is June 1st.

#11 Oracle Corporate Scholars Program 2017

  • Scholarship Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: March 10th

Oracle sponsors an annual corporate scholars program in partnership with the United Negro College Fund. Oracle is a California-based, computer technology company that provides cloud applications, platform services, and engineered systems to more than 420,000 customers around the world. This scholarship is offered via the UNCF website. UNCF is the national nonprofit organization awarding scholarships for black students, providing financial support to HBCUs, and advocating for minority education and community engagement. This scholarship is awarded annually and includes a summer internship at the Oracle headquarters.

This program extends to African American students in their junior or senior year of an accredited four-year college. Applicants must have attended high school in the US, currently hold at least a 3.0 GPA, and actively pursuing a major in one of the following areas: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Business, Marketing, or Human Resources. Qualified applicants must complete an online application and submit a letter of recommendation, a one-page essay on personal career interests, a resume, and a current transcript by March 10th.

#12 Nicky Randazzo Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: April 15th

The Diabetes Scholars Foundation non-profit organization purposed to empower people living with Type 1 diabetes with educational opportunities. A critical component of helping support educational advancement for students with diabetes is access to scholarships for higher education. The Diabetes Scholars Foundation awards over a dozen scholarships which each have their own target audience. The Nicky Randazzo Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship offered by the foundation which targets incoming freshmen with type 1 diabetes who plan to pursue a major in a business related field such as management.

The scholarship is not awarded based on financial need. Applicants must be high school seniors with Type 1 diabetes seeking a degree at an accredited four year college, university, technical or trade school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The committee takes into account academic performance, participation in the community, and extracurricular activities. The application deadline is April 15, 2017.

#13 PNC Bank's "Serving With Integrity" Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $10,000
  • Deadline: November

Founded in 2008, the Student Veterans of America proudly provides military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. Ultimately, this non-profit organization hopes to empower veterans with a quality education so that they can have a successful career after their service to United States of America is complete. There are student chapters all over the country providing support and training. At this point over 500,000 veterans have been assisted. In a partnership with PNC Bank, the Student Veterans of America provides two $10,000 scholarships each year.

Eligible veterans must have been honorably discharged from Active Duty or currently serving n the Guard or Reserve. Furthermore, the students must pursue a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in finance, business administration, or related fields. To apply students must submit a current résumé, proof of military service (DD214), a transcript from proving enrollment in an accredited U.S. institution of higher education, one letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty detailing your talents, interests, and aspirations and two written assignments based on prompts provided by the SVA. The application deadline is in early November.

#14 Surety and Fidelity Industry Intern and Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000
  • Deadline: November

The Surety Foundation is an educational arm of The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA). This charitable organization was specifically created to increase diversity within the surety and fidelity industry. The foundation provides resources to help meet the educational and developmental needs for those seriously considering surety and fidelity bonding as professional career. The organization hopes to eliminate some of the barriers that keep students in the minority population from entering the field. In 2003 the foundation began the the Surety and Fidelity Industry Intern and Scholarship Program for Minority Students to provide awards of up to $5,000 to qualifying minority students who are studying insurance/risk management, accounting, economics, or business/finance.

Only full-time undergraduate students at accredited four-year educational institutions qualify for the Surety and Fidelity Industry Intern and Scholarship Program. Furthermore, students should have a minimum of a 3.0 and must be U.S. citizens and Black/African-American, Native American/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic ethnic origin. Scholarships are awarded based both on academic and personal achievement. Prior to the disbursement of funds, award recipients must participate in a paid professional internship at a company in the surety/fidelity industry during the summer after they are notified about receiving the scholarship. The application deadline is late November.

#15 The SILA Foundation College Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: May 31st

Located in Brownsburg, IN, the The Securities and Insurance Licensing Association Foundation, Inc. is an organization which provides financial educational services to the public related to Securities and/or Insurance. Not only does the organization facilitate educational activities in person, they also have many web-based environments. The Foundation's Board of Trustees determines the trajectory and scope of the educational services provided for the public's benefit. Each year the SILA Foundation offers ten (10) $2500.00 scholarships that can be used at any accredited post-secondary college or university. Students must be in a program that emphasizes business administration, finance, accounting, marketing, education, insurance studies, or mathematics in order to be eligible for the scholarship.

In addition to the academic program requirements, students must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Further, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit-hours at a qualifying post-secondary college or university. The credit-hour minimum drops to six for students who work full-time jobs. In order to qualify, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Applications for the SILA Foundation College Scholarship are accepted from April 1 through May 31.

#16 Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $5,000
  • Deadline: March 31st

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is an organization for healthcare executives who are dedicated to improving health and advancing excellence for members and for healthcare management in general. As of January 2016 there were 79 chapters and 254 Higher Education Network Participants. The ACHE established the Albert W. Dent in honor of the first African-American Fellow of ACHE. Offered annually, this scholarship is intended to award minority students who are studying healthcare management on a graduate level. Students must be enrolled in their final year of an MHA, MPH, MBA in Healthcare Administration or similar. Each scholarship is worth $5,000.

Qualifying students must be scheduled to graduate between Sept. 1, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2018. While applicants are not required to be a Student Associate of the American College of Healthcare Executives, preference is given to applicants who are Student Associates of ACHE. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens and cannot have been a previous recipient of this scholarship or the Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship. Students must demonstrate financial need to be considered. Applications are due March 31.

#17 ACMPE Scholarship Fund

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$5,000
  • Deadline: May

For 90 year the Medical Group Management Association has been a leading association for healthcare executives and medical practice administrators. Because of MGMA's commitment to advancing medical leaders and their practices, the organization provides legislative information, essential data and career resources. A significant resource facilitated by MGMA through The ACMPE Scholarship Fund Inc. (SFI) is the availability of 9 unique scholarships. The scholarships are specifically crafted for promoting and supporting healthcare leaders as they advance in their profession. Scholarships range from $1,000-$5,000 but typically amount to $2,500.

To qualify, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program relevant to medical practice management, including business administration, healthcare administration , public health and other related areas. Since each of the 9 scholarships have unique criteria it's important for interested applicants to read through the website. Applications for 2017 scholarships will be available in February 2017. The application deadline will be in May 2017.

#18 Dupree Construction Education Fund Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $5,000
  • Deadline: May 3rd

With a main office in San Antonio, TX, the American Council for Construction Education prides itself on being an advocate of quality construction education around the globe. The organization strives to support, promote, and accredit quality construction programs. The ACCE established the Dupree Construction Education Fund Scholarship to help provide educational funds for Masters or PhD students enrolled in ACCE accredited construction management programs. This particular scholarship is only available for those who want to go into the field of teaching Construction Management at an ACCE accredited institution. The scholarship totals $5,000.

Qualified applicants must be able to verify that they have experience working in the U.S. domestic construction industry. Furthermore, applicants must send in transcripts and three letters of recommendation with the signed and completed application. The selection committee take into account the applicant's interest in the construction industry, employment experience, grades, references, extracurricular activities, and financial need. The application deadline is May 3, 2017.

#19 Dairy Management Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: April 21st

Funded by America's 45,000-plus dairy farmers and dairy importers, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) exists to increase sales and demand for dairy products. In addition the organization pours energy and resources into research, education and innovation. Each year the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDPRB) award 11 $2,500 scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through DMI. Students must participate in programs that emphasize dairy. Majors can include business, ag business, ag management, and more! The NDPRB also provides a $3,500 scholarship called the James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

The criteria for scholarship recipients includes a variety of factors. Quality academic performance is critical. Students must demonstrate a genuine interest in the dairy industry. Extra-curricular activities are weighed, especially those relating to dairy. Applicants must be people of outstanding character and integrity who show initiative and demonstrate leadership skills. Unlike many scholarships, students can win the Dairy Management Scholarship multiple years in a row. The application deadline for 2017 is April 21.

#20 NARA Business Aviation Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$5,000
  • Deadline: September 30th

The National Aircraft Resale Association has a proven history of providing trustworthy certified aircraft broker/dealers, valuable aviation products and quality services members. NARA operates under a strict code of ethics that guarantees honesty, integrity and transparency. In an effort to help encourage and prepare the next generation of aviation business people, NARA established the NARA Business Aviation Scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university in the areas of Corporate Aviation Management, Finance, Business Marketing, Economics, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Aviation Safety, and/or studies that relate to Aviation Business/Management. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 in value.

In order to qualify, applicants must be full-time, undergraduate (freshman through senior) students (a minimum of 12 hours/semester) or graduate students. While the scholarship is open to international students, U.S. citizens or permanent residents are preferred. The minimum G.P.A. is 3.0. Note that all completed applications must be submitted by the university's Financial Aid office no later than September 30th.