Management Scholarships and Grants
Going to college for a management degree is a smart move, since it could lead to a career in a variety of industries. Every field needs managers to help operations run smoothly. However, management degree programs can be extremely expensive, especially if you’re a non-traditional student. Scholarships and grants can help put a dent in tuition bills, making it possible for you to go to school for little to no money out of pocket.
Scholarships and grants are both available for management students at all degree levels. Unlike students loans, you don’t have to repay scholarships or grants, so they’re essentially free money for college. Scholarships are given to students based on merit of some kind, such as a high GPA or a well-written scholarship essay. On the other hand, grants are available for students who most need the money. There is an overlap—many scholarships require students to show a need for the money and many grants require students to show talent in their field. Most students qualify for both scholarships and grants.
You should start your search for management scholarships and grants by filling out the FAFSA form, which allows you to determine if you’re eligible for government aid. The Federal Pell Grant is available for students across the nation based on family assets, and many government departments also have scholarship or grant programs.
Management scholarships and grants are also available from public and private organizations, houses of worship, companies, and other groups. Some of the financial aid programs available for management students include those from the following groups:
- Arizona Business & Professional Women’s Foundation
- Associated General Contractors of America
- CMAA Foundation
- Connecticut Women in Healthcare Management
- GE Healthcare Management Scholarship Program
- Jackie Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Fund
- National Business Association Scholarship Program
- National Society of Hispanic MBAs
As you can see, some of the above funds are available for management students in a specific field, like construction or healthcare. Others are available for any kind of management program, or, even broader, for students studying in any kind of business-related field.
You can also look for general scholarships available to students regardless of major. These scholarships are typically given based on a scholarship essay that applicants write and are, in many cases, extremely competitive. With general scholarships (and grants, though these are rarer), look for local opportunities. Even though the dollar amounts may be lower, you’ll have less competition, so there’s a better chance of being awarded the money.
Lastly, don’t forget to look for management scholarships and grants from your college. Most management programs have funds specifically for their students, and you could be eligible for large discounts on tuition just by filling out the paperwork. At many schools, these scholarships and grants are not awarded to just one student who applies, but to every student who meets minimum qualifications. Talk to someone in your financial aid office to learn more about management scholarships and grants available at your school.
