U.S. Scholarships for Women in Business 2025

As we move into 2025, women in business continue to break barriers, achieving remarkable success in various industries. However, one of the main obstacles many women face when pursuing higher education in business is the high cost of tuition. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are specifically designed to support women in business and provide financial assistance for their educational journeys.

This article explores some of the best scholarships available for women in business for the year 2025. Whether you’re looking to pursue an undergraduate business degree, an MBA, or entrepreneurship studies, there are a wide range of opportunities that can help alleviate financial pressure and support your educational and career ambitions.

Why Scholarships for Women in Business are Essential

Women are making a growing impact in business, yet they still encounter unique challenges, such as the gender wage gap, underrepresentation in senior roles, and financial barriers to obtaining higher education. Scholarships for women in business aim to close these gaps by providing financial aid to ease the cost of education and promote gender diversity in the corporate world.

These scholarships empower women to gain the education and leadership skills necessary to thrive in business environments.

Top Scholarships for Women in Business in 2025

Below are some of the top scholarships available to women pursuing careers in business in 2025. These scholarships offer financial support to students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs, assisting them with tuition and other academic-related expenses.

The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship honors the legacy of Anita Borg, a visionary advocate for women in technology. The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship supports women in business and technology, helping them achieve academic and professional success. The scholarship is especially beneficial for those interested in leadership positions within the tech industry.

• Eligibility: Women who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in business, technology, or engineering at accredited U.S. institutions.
• Award Amount: $10,000 for undergraduate students and $12,000 for graduate students.
• Application Deadline: Typically in the spring, but candidates should check the official website for specific dates.
• Why It’s Valuable: The scholarship encourages women to take on leadership roles in male-dominated industries like business and technology, offering financial support to help them succeed in their studies.

Forté Foundation Women in Business Scholarship

The Forté Foundation is a well-known nonprofit organization that works with top business schools to provide scholarships for women pursuing an MBA. Forté’s mission is to increase the representation of women in business leadership roles by providing access to education, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

• Eligibility: Women accepted into or currently enrolled in an MBA program at one of the Forté Foundation’s partner schools.
• Award Amount: $20,000 – $30,000 annually for up to two years.
• Application Deadline: Varies depending on the partner school.
• Why It’s Valuable: The Forté Foundation provides not only financial assistance but also valuable resources like mentorship and career development opportunities for women pursuing business leadership roles.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund supports low-income women who are 35 years or older and are seeking a degree or certification in business or other career-focused fields. This scholarship is designed to help women who are returning to school after a gap, enabling them to pursue their academic and professional goals.

• Eligibility: Women aged 35 and older with financial need who are pursuing a business degree at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Award Amount: Up to $2,000 per year.
• Application Deadline: Annually in the fall.
• Why It’s Valuable: This scholarship helps women who are re-entering education later in life, offering support as they build or advance their careers in business.

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Scholarships

The American Business Women’s Association gives women the opportunity to get undergraduate or graduate degrees in business. With the goal of fostering the professional development of women in business, ABWA provides funding to help women advance their education and career prospects.

• Eligibility: Women enrolled in undergraduate or graduate business programs.
• Award Amount: Typically between $1,000 and $3,000.
• Application Deadline: April 1st of each year.
• Why It’s Valuable: In addition to financial support, ABWA members benefit from networking opportunities, professional development programs, and career-building resources, which can further enhance their business skills.

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Scholarship

The NAWBO scholarship supports women who are pursuing degrees in business with the goal of eventually becoming entrepreneurs or managing small businesses.

• Eligibility: Women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in business, particularly with a focus on entrepreneurship or small business management.
• Award Amount: Typically $2,000 to $5,000.
• Application Deadline: Spring each year.
• Why It’s Valuable: NAWBO provides a supportive network for female entrepreneurs, giving recipients access to mentorship and resources to help them succeed in their business ventures.

Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program offers substantial financial support to high-potential, low-income students pursuing a degree in business or a related field. This program is designed to support students who demonstrate strong academic commitment, leadership potential, and a dedication to overcoming challenges in their education.

• Eligibility: U.S. students who are pursuing a business-related degree at an accredited institution, with a focus on financial need and commitment to education.
• Award Amount: Up to $20,000, plus access to mentorship, internships, and career development programs.
• Application Deadline: January 15th annually.
• Why It’s Valuable: In addition to providing financial aid, the Dell Scholars Program offers valuable professional development, helping students build the skills needed for a successful career in business.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Women in Business

• Start the Process Early

Begin searching for scholarships at least six months before your intended start date. This will give you ample time to prepare your application materials and meet all the deadlines.

• Gather Required Documents

Many scholarship applications require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and proof of financial need. Be sure to organize these documents in advance so that you’re ready to submit them when required.

• Craft a Strong Personal Statement

Use it to explain why you are passionate about business, your career goals, and the challenges you’ve faced. Showcase how the scholarship will help you achieve your aspirations.

• Utilize Scholarship Search Engines

Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and Scholarships.com offer valuable resources to help you find additional scholarship opportunities.

Maximizing Your Scholarship Success

• Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Applying for a wide variety of scholarships increases your chances of receiving financial aid. Each program has different eligibility criteria, so apply to those that align best with your qualifications.

• Focus on Your Business Interests: Many scholarships cater to specific business fields like entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing. Focus on scholarships that match your academic interests to increase your odds of winning.

• Network with Other Women in Business: Joining professional networks and organizations like Forté, ABWA, and NAWBO provides access to scholarships, as well as mentorship and career-building opportunities.

• Stay Academically Strong: Many scholarships take academic performance into consideration. Maintaining a high GPA not only helps you qualify for merit-based scholarships but also demonstrates your commitment to your studies.

The Importance of Scholarships for Women in Business

Scholarships are crucial for helping women break into the business world and rise to leadership positions. By easing the financial burden of education, these scholarships enable women to gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. More importantly, they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business, ensuring that women have an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive in leadership roles.

Take Action Today

For women in business, scholarships are a valuable resource that can help open doors to greater educational opportunities and career success.