Scholarships for Business Students

Savvy students in any discipline know that finding scholarships is a step that is not to be skipped. Students seeking business scholarships or marketing scholarships are no different. The benefits of scholarships extend beyond simply financial savings. Having fewer student loans to repay means greater career flexibility, as graduating students are able to consider factors beyond salary when it comes to choosing a job.

First Steps

There are many business and marketing scholarships available. The first step for any student is to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by the appropriate deadline. The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for grants and low-interest loans from the federal government. Your school's financial aid office can also let you know about specific scholarship that the school offers. However, there are many sources of scholarships beyond these.

Professional Associations

Professional associations are an excellent source of potential scholarships. Students can find scholarships through organizations such as the American Marketing Association, the Business and Professional Women's Foundation, and the National Society of Accountants. Regional associations (such as the local branch of the AMA, for example) are also a good source of scholarships. Community groups such as the Rotary Club often offer scholarships to graduating high school students who attend college either for business or for another degree. Students can find out more about regional scholarship opportunities through word of mouth and by contacting their local Chamber of Commerce, as well as by searching online.

Ask Your Boss

Another source of potential business school scholarships is an employer. Many employers offer scholarship opportunities for employees or their children. Similarly, an employer may offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education; this can often be applied towards a business or marketing degree, depending on the employer requirements.

Prestigious Business Scholarships

• The National Business Association offers scholarships of $1500 to high school seniors entering college, or to college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.
• African-American students in South Florida can apply for a Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship , available through the Dade Community Foundation. Students must plan to pursue their professional careers in South Florida.
• Native American students should look into the American Indian Fellowship in Business Scholarship Program , offered by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. This scholarship is available to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students.
• The Golden Key International Honour Society offers the Boeing Business Scholarship to undergraduates enrolled in a degree-granting program who excel in the study of business, as well as three Business Achievement Awards of varying amounts.

As is evident just by this small selection of available scholarships, students who make the scholarship hunt part of their plan have ample opportunity to reap rewards.