Washington CPA Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants

Introduction
The Washington CPA Foundation distributed more than $650,000 in scholarships to students enrolled at accredited Washington state colleges and universities for the 2025–2026 academic year. Details about the Foundation’s scholarship opportunities for the 2025–2026 cycle are below.

$500 – $10,000 Scholarships for Accounting Students (Juniors, Seniors, Fifth‑Year, Master’s)
Eligibility
- Must be entering junior year or higher in the fall of 2026. Fifth‑year students, master’s candidates, and community college transfers are encouraged to apply.
- If you are a current high school senior or a first‑year college student, please apply for the $2,000 Associate Scholarship (deadline: April 14, 2026).
- Must attend, or plan to attend, an accredited college or university in Washington state.
- Must intend to pursue CPA licensure. (Applicants who are already licensed CPAs are not eligible.)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) in your accounting major and overall.
- Demonstrated involvement in campus, community, or work activities.
- Key dates: Application opens October 6, 2025; application deadline is February 10, 2026.

Required Materials
- Current resume listing jobs, internships (paid or unpaid), volunteer positions, and leadership roles.
- Transcripts (official or unofficial) from your current institution and any previously attended colleges/universities.
- One letter of recommendation on employer or university letterhead from a faculty member, employer, mentor, or a licensed CPA. Letters must be uploaded through the online application portal.
- GPA Calculator Worksheet (downloadable). Tip guidance is available in the Foundation’s blog post.
- Three essays, each 500 words or less:
1) Describe how a scholarship investment in your education would ease financial pressure, allow greater focus on academics and professional development, and advance your long‑term career goals (think in terms of return on investment).
2) Explain your path to studying accounting and your decision to pursue CPA licensure: what influenced you, who inspired you, and what opportunities you see in the field.
3) The CPA exam is challenging (around a 50% pass rate) and many candidates prepare while working and managing other obligations. Describe, in 500 words or less, experiences that demonstrate your resilience and ability to persevere through demanding challenges.

Additional Details
- Award amounts: $5,000 scholarships will be granted to juniors, seniors, and fifth‑year students; master’s students may receive scholarships up to $10,000.
- Funds are for tuition only and will be paid directly to the named college or university at the end of July 2026. The Washington CPA Foundation does not disburse scholarship funds directly to recipients.
- Recipients are responsible for confirming with their institution that the scholarship funds can be applied to the intended quarter/semester and that they meet the school’s requirements for scholarship payments.
- Awards are made by the Washington CPA Foundation Scholarship Committee based on merit and demonstrated commitment to the accounting profession. Selection is non‑discriminatory with respect to age, gender, race, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, or sexual orientation. Applicants will be informed of decisions beginning in April 2026.
- Previous applicants and past scholarship recipients are welcome to reapply.

$2,000 Associate Accounting Scholarships (High School Seniors & Community College Students)
Eligibility
- Current high school seniors planning to begin college in Washington state in fall 2026, OR
- Students enrolled in a Washington state two‑year (community) college in fall 2026.
- Planning to major in accounting or interested in pursuing CPA licensure.
- Minimum GPA: 2.5 (for incoming first‑year college students, provide high school GPA).
- Key dates: Application opens October 13, 2025; application deadline is April 14, 2026.

Required Materials
- Evidence of community engagement such as jobs, internships (paid or unpaid), volunteer activities, or leadership roles.
- Transcripts (official or unofficial) from all colleges attended, or high school transcript for first‑year college applicants.
- Three essays, each 500 words or less:
1) How does studying accounting align with your academic and career goals? Explain what about accounting motivates you and how it supports your development.
2) How would this scholarship directly support your academic and professional objectives? Describe any specific barriers the award would help you overcome and how it would aid your long‑term success.
3) Share up to three additional items you want the review committee to know that are not covered elsewhere in your application (examples: career aspirations, extracurricular involvement, challenges you’ve faced and how you addressed them).
- Contact information (email or phone) for one reference. The reference can be an educator, supervisor, CPA, mentor, or community leader (such as a volunteer coordinator or faith leader).

If you have questions about either scholarship program or the online application process, check the Washington CPA Foundation’s website or contact the Foundation’s scholarship support team for assistance.