Available Scholarships for Women in Accounting

Women face several barriers to entering the field of accounting. Among the most serious is how hiring practices have been traditionally prejudiced against women. Although women make up a majority of accounting students, according to Becker, they represent only half of new hires in accounting. Further, just 39% of partners in certified public accountant (CPA) firms are women, and that number drops at large firms, where women account for just 21% of partners.

Affordability is another barrier that impacts people and keeps them from earning accounting degrees. Accountants understand the value of a dollar. And every dollar from scholarships means one less dollar out of your pocket when it comes to paying for an accounting degree.

Whether you're earning an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting, you can profit in many ways from scholarships specifically for women in accounting.

How Women Can Apply for Accounting Scholarships

It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to looking for accounting scholarships for women. The application process starts with identifying these opportunities. This section details where to look for scholarships, common scholarship requirements, and strategies for your scholarship applications.

Where Women Can Look for Scholarships

Where's the best place to start when looking for accounting scholarships? Several scholarship websites list opportunities for accounting majors of all genders, including Scholarships.com. And other sites market general scholarships for women, including Bold.org.

However, it's harder to find lists of scholarships for women in accounting specifically. The site Scholarships for Women lists accounting scholarships, but it's even more helpful to know which organizations offer these scholarships so that you can go directly to the source. For example, most scholarship databases list fewer local scholarship opportunities, and as a result, these often receive significantly fewer applications than national scholarships.

Types of Scholarship Sponsors

Scholarship sponsors share a goal: supporting women in accounting. Various sponsors offer scholarships. For example, many professional associations, including the Accounting and Financial Women's Association and the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting, offer scholarships for women. Some of these also offer other resources, like internships and mentorships.

Nonprofit foundations, accounting firms, and local groups may also offer scholarships. If you plan to become a CPA, check whether your state's CPA society awards scholarships.

If you are already an accounting major, your department is a great resource for learning more about local scholarship opportunities. You can also reach out to your school's financial aid office to learn about scholarship opportunities for women.

Possible Requirements

The requirements for accounting scholarships for women vary depending on the award. Before beginning an application, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the materials necessary. Some requirements you may come across include:

Application Strategy

Filling out scholarship applications can be time-consuming, especially if you have to write multiple essays. Start by casting a wide net. In addition to scholarships for women in accounting, look for opportunities based on your accounting concentration, location, and career goals.

Once you've got a list of scholarships, create a scholarship calendar that includes deadlines and application materials. Next, prioritize the scholarships where you' would be most competitive. For example, local scholarships or those aimed at particular accounting concentrations may receive fewer applicants, which can increase your chances of receiving an award.

Scholarships Available for Women

Many organizations offer scholarships for women to increase diversity in accounting. This list introduces scholarships available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You may also qualify for additional scholarships based on your background and career goals.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Graduate Scholarships

Scholarships for Any Degree Level

The Future of Women Accountants

Women have made major strides in the accounting profession. As recently as the 1970s, women earned just 10% of accounting bachelor's degrees; by 2021, that number jumped to 60%, according to Bloomberg Tax. Yet women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, which can impact mentorship opportunities and corporate policies for women entering the profession.

A lack of women in leadership is also bad for business. Research by the American Psychological Association shows that women leaders boost productivity and increase fairness. Likewise, by law, women should have the same access to success and promotion as men.

Mentorship, professional development, and scholarship opportunities can all help women break into the accounting field and advance their careers. Accounting scholarships can at least partially address affordability barriers, making it easier for women to pursue an accounting career, become CPAs, and gain specialized accounting skills. By lowering the cost of earning a graduate degree, for example, accounting scholarships can help women move into leadership roles.

Questions About Scholarships or Women