See also John L. Carey Scholarship Program and AICPA/Accountemps Student Scholarship Program

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Scholarship Overview

This scholarship program provides awards to outstanding minority students to encourage their selection of accounting as a major and their ultimate entry into the profession. Funding is provided by the AICPA Foundation, with contributions from the New Jersey Society of CPAs and Robert Half International. For two decades, this program has provided over $8 million in scholarships to approximately 1,600 accounting scholars.

The AICPA and its Minority Initiatives Committee awarded 137 accounting students with scholarships ranging in amounts from $1,500–$5,000 each for the 2007-2008 academic year. Demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership and commitment to pursuing the CPA designation, these students represent 103 schools in 37 states across the country. View a complete list of recipients.

The Institute is also pleased to express sincere congratulations to the following individuals who have been selected to receive exclusive honors from the organizations noted below:

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements differ based on undergraduate/graduate status.

Undergraduate Students must be/have:

• A declared accounting major with the intention of pursuing the CPA credential
• Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student (12 semester hours or equivalent) at a four-year or upper division institution, unless completing his/her final semester of study
• Successfully completed at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) of college coursework, including at least 6 semester hours in accounting
• Maintained at least a 3.3 GPA (major and cumulative)
• A student of Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Asian; American Indian or Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; or of two or more races
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
• An AICPA Student Affiliate member: Click here for an application

Graduate Students must be/have:

• Been accepted to a masters-level accounting, finance, taxation or other related master-level program for the 2008-2009 academic year
• Enrolled as a full-time graduate student (9 semester hours or equivalent) at a four-year or upper division institution, unless completing his/her final semester of study
• Maintained at least a 3.3 GPA (major and cumulative)
• A student of Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Asian; American Indian or Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; or of two or more races
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
• An AICPA Student Affiliate member: Click here for an application

Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop

Scholarship recipients will be invited to attend a 2½ day student conference, which will take place in late May/early June. AICPA will cover all expenses. Click here to learn more about this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What materials are required to apply?
A: Applicants must include the following materials in one envelope:

• Completed application
• Official academic transcript(s) from post-secondary school(s) attended (through the fall term 2007)
• Letter of acceptance if you will be transferring/enrolling in a new school in Fall 2008 (copy is acceptable)
• Financial Aid Worksheet (included in the application)
• One-page, typed essay
• One letter of recommendation from either a CPA or a faculty member

Q: What schools are eligible?
A: Regionally-accredited four-year institutions

Q: What if I am transferring from a 2-year school to a 4-year school?
A: Include a copy of your acceptance letter from the four-year school and have a financial aid officer at the school you will be attending complete the Financial Aid Worksheet.

Q: Are these awards renewable?
A: Yes: students must demonstrate continued satisfactory progress by completing a renewal form (available by request at MIC_Programs@aicpa.org).

Q: Are part-time students eligible?
A: Part-time students may apply only if they will be completing their final semester of study.

Q: What expenses does this scholarship cover?
A: Scholarships are to be used for expenses directly related to school expenditures: tuition and fees, housing, meal plan, books, and required classroom materials.

Q: Am I eligible if I receive a full-tuition waiver or tuition reimbursement?
A: Students receiving full scholarships are not eligible for this scholarship. However, AICPA strongly encourages students to apply if unsure of other forms of support at the time of their application.

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: June 2, 2008 for the 2008-2009 academic year

Q: How will I know if I am selected?
A: AICPA will notify applicants by mail of their selection in early August 2008.

Q: Where do I go for more information?
A: E-mail MIC_Programs@aicpa.org for additional inquiries.