Are there specific scholarships for finance majors?

I'm planning to major in finance and I was wondering if there are any scholarships specifically for finance majors. How do I find these opportunities, and do you have any recommendations for where to start my search?

Yes, there are indeed scholarships that are specifically targeted towards students who are planning to major in finance. These scholarships can be offered by various organizations like financial institutions, corporations, and professional bodies. They may be based on factors such as academic merit, financial need, leadership and community involvement, and diversity. Each of these scholarships will have its own specific requirements and application procedures.

One example is the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, which is intended for students interested in a career in fraud examination. Another example is the Government Finance Officers Association's Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students planning to work in state or local government finance.

For finding these opportunities, I suggest starting at your current or prospective college's financial aid office or website. Colleges often have internal scholarships for specific majors, or they might have a list of external scholarships they recommend. You can then expand your search to online scholarship databases, like Fastweb or Scholarships.com.

Remember to also check out professional finance organizations. For example, the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Black Accountants offer scholarships for finance students. Additionally, some corporations or financial institutions may also have scholarships, especially if they are looking to recruit finance students into their companies.

Avoid paying money upfront for scholarship searches—there are plenty of free resources available. Be diligent and take your time when applying; it can be competitive, but with a well-prepared application, you can increase your chances of getting the scholarship.

Finally, remember that every bit helps when it comes to financing your education. Even smaller scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden and allow you to focus on your studies. So don't overlook those with smaller award amounts. Good luck!