Scholarships are an important resource for accounting students, particularly those preparing for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. With the increasing costs of higher education and the additional credit hours required for CPA licensure, financial support can help students focus on their studies and professional development rather than working part-time jobs.
There are several types of scholarships available to accounting majors. National professional organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) offer scholarships that often require strong academic performance and membership. Firm-sponsored awards from companies like Deloitte, KPMG, and Ernst & Young provide not only financial support but also opportunities for internships or recruitment with these firms.
Professional associations, including the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), focus on supporting underrepresented groups in accounting through scholarships that emphasize diversity, networking, and career growth. Many universities also have their own scholarships specifically for accounting students pursuing the 150 credit hours needed for CPA licensure.
Among notable awards is the AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs, which grants $5,000 to $10,000 per recipient to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who meet academic requirements. The PCAOB Scholars Program offers $15,000 to students nominated by their institutions who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Firm-sponsored programs include the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars award, covering full tuition and fees for eligible students maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher at participating schools. The KPMG Fund for Excellence in Accounting provides $5,000 to outstanding students enrolled in Pace University’s Lubin School of Business who maintain a 3.30 GPA overall and in accounting; recipients must also show leadership through involvement in co-curricular activities or community service. The EY Accounting Scholarships at Pace award $5,000 annually to Lubin School of Business accounting students with a minimum 3.30 GPA who demonstrate leadership and campus involvement.
For those seeking support from professional associations, NABA offers national scholarships up to $10,000 to active members pursuing degrees in accounting or related fields. ALPFA’s scholarship program provides up to $10,000 for applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA who hold active memberships.
Universities often offer additional targeted scholarships aimed at helping students meet CPA requirements while providing access to exclusive internship pipelines with firms.
At Pace University’s Lubin School of Business, several scholarship opportunities exist beyond national programs. The Janetschek Professional Growth Fund supports undergraduate and graduate business students seeking skills training or certifications beyond standard coursework. Graduation Awards are available for Lubin undergraduates with at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA who have filed for graduation; these include both Professional Management Award and Alumni Association Award options.
Graduate students may apply for the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program at Pace University—up to ten full-tuition scholarships are awarded annually to qualified candidates pursuing a fifth-year master’s degree in accounting focused on audit, advisory, or tax.
Combined degree programs such as BBA/MS or BBA/MBA at Pace make it easier for students to fulfill CPA requirements while gaining advanced credentials; New York City location further connects them directly with major firms through internships and networking opportunities.
When applying for scholarships, experts recommend starting early—ideally in fall or winter—and researching both general databases as well as specific organizational websites. Competitive GPAs, strong recommendations, personal statements tailored to each opportunity, and careful attention to eligibility criteria all increase chances of success.
“Remember, accounting scholarships can be a game-changer. Pace is ready to help you find and win the right ones so you can focus on your career.”
