If numbers are your thing, you’ve probably done the math to figure out just how much it’s going to cost you to get that accounting degree and often the results aren’t too pretty. There are ways to help reduce these costs, however, through college grants designed just to help accounting students. These grants can help you meet your career goals without creating a mountain of debt along the way.

Most students will qualify for at least a few accounting grants, though a greater number are available to those of minority groups. Most grant programs will take into account both financial need for funding as well as the academic performance of students. Many will require students to submit their GPAs and transcripts as well as providing the granting institution or organization with a short statement or essay. These grants can be a great way to fund an education and to emerge into the accounting field with fewer bills to pay.

Many accounting grants will come from private accounting organizations. These groups are usually nationwide, but students will often need to look to local chapters for funding. These kinds of awards are generally merit based and will require a minimum GPA to be considered.

Women and those of racial minority groups may qualify for additional grant programs through specialty organizations. To entice women and those of minorities to continue their studies in accounting, many of these groups provide funding to students of these underrepresented groups. This can be a valuable opportunity for students of these groups to obtain the funds they need.

Accounting College Grants

• Student Essay Competition: $500 to $1,500 awarded each year to undergraduate students attending Massachusetts college and majoring in accounting.
• National Society of Accountants Educational Grant Program: Varied amounts to students pursuing an accounting degree.