North Carolina CPA Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by North Carolina CPA Foundation

Overview

Applications for the 2026 scholarship cycle are now open and will be accepted from August 10 through the October deadline. The selection process concludes in early December, with winners announced by December 10 and awarded funds disbursed by December 16. Awards range from $1,500 to $2,500 and are intended to support students pursuing credentials that lead to the CPA. Prospective applicants should review eligibility and application requirements before submitting.

Application Timeline: Applications open August 10; submission window closes in October; winners announced by December 10; funds disbursed by December 16.

• Application period: August 10 through October.
• Winners announced by December 10; funds disbursed by December 16.
• Award amounts range from $1,500 to $2,500.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship targets students committed to a career in accounting who demonstrate analytical ability, strong communication, and professional discipline. Ideal candidates enjoy making sense of complex information, are comfortable with technology, and perform well both independently and in team environments. Applicants who plan to pursue the CPA credential or who intend to progress from an associate to a four-year program are especially encouraged to apply.

Desired qualities:

• Ability to analyze and clarify complex information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Technological proficiency and self-motivation.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.

• Targeted at students pursuing accounting careers.
• Emphasis on analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Suitable for students planning to sit for the CPA exam.

Eligibility

Applicants must be student members of the NCACPA and be enrolled at an eligible North Carolina institution. Eligible institutions include North Carolina community colleges and four-year colleges or universities, whether on campus or online. Previous scholarship recipients are permitted to reapply in subsequent years. Applicants should confirm membership status and enrollment before applying.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be an NCACPA student member (membership is free).
• Be enrolled in a North Carolina community college or a four-year North Carolina college/university (on campus or online).
• Previous recipients may reapply annually.

• NCACPA student membership required.
• Enrollment at an eligible North Carolina institution required.
• Renewal applications accepted from prior recipients.

Scholarship Levels

The Foundation awards three scholarship levels based on the applicant's program: Community College, Undergraduate, and Graduate. Community college awards support students pursuing two-year associate degrees who plan to transfer to a four-year program. Undergraduate awards assist four-year students working toward the accounting concentration or the hours needed for graduate study. Graduate awards support students enrolled in graduate accounting programs that qualify them to sit for the CPA exam.

Community College — Award Value: $1,500

For students enrolled in North Carolina community colleges pursuing a two-year associate degree with intent to transfer to a four-year program and ultimately pursue the CPA credential.

Undergraduate Program — Award Value: $2,000

For students at four-year colleges or universities enrolled in programs that provide the accounting concentration or the undergraduate hours needed to progress to graduate study for CPA qualification.

Graduate Program — Award Value: $2,500

For students enrolled in graduate accounting programs that will enable them to meet the accounting concentration required to sit for the CPA exam.

• Three award levels: $1,500, $2,000, and $2,500.
• Awards align with community college, undergraduate, and graduate program objectives.
• Focus on progress toward CPA qualification.