Finance Scholarships

Nationwide personal finance competition for high school teams of three or four. Students take an online qualifying exam, state champions create a financial plan for a fictitious family scenario, and the top 16 teams advance to National Finals Quiz Bowl in Atlanta. Cash goes to each student and coach on the top four teams: $2,000 first, $1,000 second, $500 third, and $250 fourth. Teams register through their state finance-challenge portal each spring.

Latino students pursuing higher education and careers in financial services may apply for the Latinos in Finance (LIF) Scholarship. The program aims to reduce the financial burden of college and build a diverse pipeline of Latinx leaders in the industry. The award is $1,500. Check the Latinos in Finance website for current eligibility requirements and application instructions.

The Centennial Bank Endowed Finance Scholarship at the University of Central Arkansas supports full-time rising juniors or seniors majoring in finance with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above and at least twenty-four credit hours remaining before graduation. Preference goes to Arkansas residents, with first preference for Faulkner County residents. Students apply through the UCA Foundation scholarship application, open October 1 through January 26, and must have a FAFSA on file if eligible. The College of Business administers dozens of donor-funded awards through this single application. Selected recipients receive scholarship funds applied to their UCA account after completing the online acceptance and donor thank-you requirements.

Part-time graduate students employed at least two years by one or more state or local governments who are majoring in public administration, governmental accounting, finance, economics, or business administration with a government focus may apply for GFOA's Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents planning careers in state or local government finance. Up to four $10,000 awards are granted. Previous winners are ineligible. Submit the application with a letter of recommendation from your employer and a letter from someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector.

Full-time graduate students preparing for a career in state or local government finance may apply for the Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Study should relate to public administration, finance, accounting, public policy, economics, or a similar field, and applicants should show strong interest in public-sector work. One recipient receives a $30,000 scholarship. Previous winners are ineligible. Submit the GFOA application with a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your commitment to public service, along with transcripts and other required materials.

Women pursuing accounting or finance degrees may apply through The Foundation of AFWA for separate undergraduate and master's scholarship tracks. Undergraduate awards support students in their third, fourth, or fifth year with at least 60 credits and a 3.0 GPA; master's awards target enrolled or accepted graduate accounting or finance students. Selection weighs leadership, character, communication skills, academics, and financial need. Outstanding applicants may receive the Paula Zanni Award. AFWA membership is not required, though a member endorsement can strengthen an application. The 2026-27 national cycle closed in April 2026 and recurs annually.

Female legal residents of Texas pursuing careers related to public finance may apply for Texas Women in Public Finance chapter scholarships. Eligible applicants include college-bound high school seniors, current undergraduate students, and graduate students. The chapter awards scholarships up to $3,500 across high school, undergraduate, and graduate categories. Chapter winners may advance to national Women in Public Finance consideration. Submit your application by the June 5 deadline through the Texas chapter. Texas Women in Public Finance fosters relationships and educational forums for women in state and local government finance, investment banking, law, and related fields.

Asian American full-time undergraduates at four-year colleges in California or New York with at least 50% Asian heritage and a minimum 3.0 GPA may apply for the Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship. Preferred majors include accounting, business administration, social sciences, or related fields. Four awards of $5,000 are offered. Preference goes to students interested in public-sector careers or community advocacy. Submit the online APCF application, transcript, and two recommendations by April 20. Finalists complete an online interview. The scholarship honors former California state treasurer Matt Fong's dedication to public service and public finance.

The Burton G. Malkiel '64 Senior Thesis Prize in Finance is awarded annually by the Department of Economics for the most outstanding senior thesis in the field of finance. Economics concentrators who write policy-relevant or theoretical theses on financial markets, corporate finance, or related topics may be considered. The department may name multiple winners in a given year. Selection occurs from completed senior theses at the end of the academic year.