Balancing books is a stable job in every industry; businesses need accountants to take care of finances and tax forms and handle business audits. However lucrative the career, most students will agree that getting the degree is costly. Thankfully, there are scholarship out there to lower that number. For minorities studying to become an accountant, here are some scholarships you can apply for.
Resource: Top 10 Online Accounting Degree Programs
1. Moss Adams Foundation
The Moss Adams Foundation is a popular one for female undergraduate and graduate students. Available to minorities, the grant gives $1000 to students who are obviously committed to becoming a successful accountant; those who previously excelled in their finance courses; accountants with extensive work experience. The applicant must be a US citizen and be attending an accredited school.
2. KPMG Foundation Minority Accounting Doctoral Award
Another grant created for African-American, Native-American, and Hispanic-American students is KPMG’s foundation award. Its aim, as stated by the organization, is for students “to see their dreams come to fruition.” Qualified individuals will receive $10,000, which can be renewed annually. To date, KPMG has awarded over $15 million, proving its commitment to potential applicants.
3. GFOA Minorities in Government Finance Award
Want to become an accountant for city officials? Check out GFOA’s Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship. Each year, the Government Finance Officers Association holds an essay competition for minorities studying government finance. The applicant, in addition to being enrolled in upper-division courses related to public administration and finance, must outline their career plans — how they will eventually contribute as a government accountant. If selected, the student will receive $9,000, funded by Tyler Technologies, to support his or her academic studies.
4. NABA National Scholarship Program
The National Association of Black Accountants awards active NABA Student Members (those that have paid their current dues) grants of $1,500 if they can maintain 3.5 average grade point in their major and an overall GPA of 3.3.
Finance students interested in this award are asked to submit their resume and a compelling essay on what they like about studying accounting and how they honor the association motto, “Lifting As We Climb.”
5. AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
The American Institute of CPAs is another funding source available specifically to future CPAs. Its fellowship award is given to African-American, Native-American, or Hispanic-American students who are, or will soon be, a licensed CPA. The full-time student must have finished 6 semesters of major-related coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Aside from academic excellence, the student must also demonstrate leadership and commitment to becoming an accredited CPA professional.
Selected individuals that fit these requirements are awarded $5,000 for the school year.
As the cost of higher education rise, many organizations are providing funds to encourage accountants-to-be to further their education. Thanks to these benefactors, minorities who are willing to take the time to apply for scholarships can pursue their dream degree and career as an accountant in a low-cost manner.
