Top Finance Scholarships to Apply for in May 2025

Paying for a finance degree can feel a lot like navigating a volatile market, but the right scholarships can help you stabilize. We've got your back if you're a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student looking for legitimate finance scholarships.

At Bold.org, a leading scholarship organization, we know that the right scholarship can open up doors for ambitious young students like you. This guide draws from direct research into reputable organizations like the Government Finance Officers Association and lesser-known funding opportunities tailored to finance or business majors at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Some funding and scholarship options we'll go over include:

1. Clark Burrus Public Service Academic Scholarship
2. Women in Finance Scholarship
3. BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship

Here, we'll break down available scholarships by type, eligibility, and application tips. Whether you’re just starting your bachelor’s degree or already deep into your coursework as a full-time graduate student, there are real, tested options here to help you invest in your future the smart way.

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Best Finance Scholarships

1. Business Scholarships

Finance and business often go hand in hand, and if you’re studying finance, chances are you’ll take a few business courses too. These business scholarships are perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of markets, management, and entrepreneurship, all while getting critical financial support to launch their future careers.

2. Easy Scholarships

Between grueling coursework and networking events, finance students barely have time to breathe. Now, throw in applying for endless scholarships into the mix. That’s where easy scholarships come in. These applications are quick, simple, and perfect for current students who want a shot at free money without adding even more stress to their plates.

3. Entrepreneur Scholarships

If you dream of running your own hedge fund, starting a fintech company, or managing your own portfolio, entrepreneur scholarships can help you get there. These awards support bold, visionary students who aren't afraid to take risks—exactly the kind of spirit the finance world needs more of!

Finance Scholarships for Minorities

1. Minority Scholarships

The finance industry is notoriously cutthroat, especially for someone who comes from a minority racial/ethnic background. By applying for these minority scholarships, you can guarantee some financial assistance and even find a network of ambitious, like-minded individuals to support you.

2. International Student Scholarships

Many international students are drawn to the US by the promise of the American dream, and finance plays a crucial part in that. If you come from outside the US and are studying finance, these international student scholarships will help you cover your college costs so you can focus on pursuing your dreams!

3. Scholarships for Women

Like many other disciplines, women are often underrepresented, especially at executive levels. These scholarships for women aim to even the playing field for the financially savvy women out there. With your educational expenses covered, you can focus on showing everyone you deserve a seat at the table.

Finance Scholarships by Academic Year

1. Scholarships for High School Seniors

If you’re a high school senior with your sights set on a finance degree, it’s never too early to start securing your future. These scholarships for high school seniors can ease the financial burden of college before you even step onto campus, allowing you to focus on classes, internships, and building the lasting impact you want.

2. Scholarships for College Freshmen

Freshman year can feel like a whirlwind between all the new classes, new friends, and a whole new level of academic expectations. These scholarships for college freshmen are designed to give finance students a strong start by helping cover tuition, books, and other expenses, so you can settle in and excel from day one.

3. Scholarships for College Sophomores

By sophomore year, you’ve likely started digging deeper into your finance major, and that’s when costs can really start to add up. These scholarships for college sophomores recognize outstanding performance and reward students who are already proving their dedication to the field.

How to Apply for Finance Scholarships

Step 1: Get Your (Financial) House in Order

Before you even start applying, you need to know your numbers, and not just for class. Gather everything you might need:

1. GPA
2. Transcript
3. SAT/ACT scores (if relevant)
4. Resume of any internships, jobs, or leadership roles
5. List of your extracurriculars

Finance scholarship committees love candidates who show they’re responsible, detail-oriented, and proactive—just like any good financial analyst working toward the CPA exam or a career in state or local finance.

Tip: Create a "Scholarship Folder" on your computer with all your documents ready to go. Bonus points if you organize it into subfolders.

Step 2: Search for Finance-Specific Scholarships

You’re not just any student—you’re a future finance guru. Focus your search on scholarships geared toward finance majors, business students, or budding entrepreneurs. Look at organizations like the CFA Institute, local banks, credit unions, accounting associations, and finance departments at your university.

Tip: Bookmark or save the scholarship pages you’re interested in, and check deadlines twice. Finance is all about timing — don't miss out!

Step 3: Polish Your Personal Statement (a.k.a. Your Pitch Deck)

Think of your personal statement as a mini investment pitch, but instead of a company, you’re selling yourself. Scholarship committees want to see why you’re passionate about finance, where you’ve come from, and where you plan to go. Show them you’re serious about your education and that investing in you will pay off.

Make sure to:

1. Tell a story (Why finance? Why you?)
2. Highlight leadership, problem-solving, and resilience
3. Tie it back to your career goals

Tip: Quantify your achievements whenever you can. ("Managed a $5,000 mock investment portfolio for a finance club project," sounds a lot stronger than, "Participated in finance club.")

Step 4: Gather Killer Letters of Recommendation

In finance, reputation is everything. A strong recommendation letter can be your golden ticket.

Ask teachers, mentors, supervisors, or coaches who know you well. Ideally, you'll find someone who can vouch for your analytical skills, leadership, and work ethic. Give them plenty of time (at least 2-3 weeks) and provide them with a brag sheet or résumé to make their job easier.

Tip: Always send a thank-you note afterward. Building strong relationships can pay off later, especially when you need future references!

Step 5: Fill Out Applications Thoughtfully

This is not the time for copy-paste shortcuts. Each application might ask slightly different questions. Tailor your answers to reflect what the scholarship is looking for—just like you'd tailor a cover letter for a specific job. Double-check every detail before submitting. A missed question or typo can be the difference between a scholarship and a rejection.

If you stay organized about application deadlines and gain experience for at least two years, you’ll be well-positioned to become employed in specialized fields like certified fraud examiners or financial analysts.

Tip: Think of your application as a final exam and aim for an A+.

Insider Tips for Applying to Finance Scholarships

Tip #1 Apply for Niche Scholarships

Niche scholarships are often less competitive than general ones. While looking for finance-specific scholarships is a great way of narrowing your scholarship search, there are lots of other scholarships that have even smaller applicant pools. Consider demographic-specific scholarships based on ethnicity, socio-economic level, or even unique traits like red hair. The more eligibility requirements there are, the less competition you'll have.

Tip #2 Showcase "Real-World" Financial Skills, Not Just Classroom Success

Scholarship committees see hundreds of GPAs and club memberships. Want to stand out? Highlight experiences that show you can apply your financial knowledge outside the classroom.

Maybe you helped your family manage a budget, started a small reselling business, tracked investments in a simulated trading app, or organized a fundraising drive. Real-world experience, even small-scale, shows hustle, practicality, and entrepreneurial spirit, which are gold in the finance world.

Tip #3 Diversify Your Scholarship Portfolio

In finance, you wouldn’t throw all your money into a single stock, and you shouldn’t put all your hopes into one scholarship either. Apply to a range of opportunities: big national scholarships, small local awards, essay contests, and industry-specific grants. Spreading out your applications increases your odds of "winning returns" and builds a safer, smarter financial foundation for your education, just like any good investment strategy!

Additional Resources for Finance Students

1. BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship

This scholarship is for students with disabilities pursuing a career in financial services, especially in the capital markets. The lucky winners will receive $10,000 (USA) or $5,000 (Canada) to fund their college costs. Apart from the traditional CV, transcripts, and letters of reference, you'll also need to answer an essay question on your career goals as they relate to the financial sector.

2. Government Finance Officer's Association (GFOA) Scholarships

GFOA provides 11 scholarships annually, between $5,000 and $30,000, to students in state/provincial or local government finance. These scholarships all emphasize community service and a commitment to supporting the public sector through finance, so make sure you've got the experience to back you up before applying!

3. Women in Finance Scholarship

Numerix, a financial technology company, awards one lucky woman $20,000 every year to pursue her financial dreams in college. This scholarship is only open to graduate students, so you must be enrolled in either a master's or PhD finance program. However, students from any country are eligible to apply, so international students, this is your chance at some major financial aid!

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