Looking for a way to cut down the cost of your DBA pursuit? Of course, there are American universities that offer fully funded need-based and merit-based DBA scholarships. So, yes, in pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree to advance your career in business, leadership, or academia, these scholarships can help you in a great way! This article will provide a proven guide to the best DBA scholarships in the USA for the 2025 intake.
What Are DBA Scholarships?
A DBA scholarship is a financial support provided to students pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration degree. These scholarships can cover part or all of the tuition fees, and in some cases, additional costs like living expenses, books, and research funding. DBA scholarships are mainly based on merit, need, or a specific set of criteria, like leadership skills, academic achievements, or professional background.
The 7 Best DBA Scholarships in the USA for 2025 Intakes
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarship grants to 4,000 eligible applicants annually. It is a scholarship targeted at international graduate students, professionals, and young artists. Actually, this program offers scholarships for various degrees, which the DBA is inclusive.
Regardless of your country, you could qualify for this scholarship because it is present in more than 160 countries worldwide. Among the reasons to apply to this scholarship is the fact that it is backed by binational Fulbright Commissions and Foundations, and the U.S. Embassies. Application deadline varies by country, but typically between February and October.
2. AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students
Although the eligibility criteria are a bit tough, the AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students scholarships are among the best for post-graduates. Of course, it is designed to support minority students who are pursuing doctoral degrees in specific fields, including the DBA.
The fellowship aims to increase the representation of minority groups in academia and the accounting profession. To be eligible, you must be a minority student of Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; or Native American ethnicity. Also, you must have earned a Master’s Degree or have full-time experience in the accounting practice for 3 years. There are other criteria too, application deadline is May 1, 2025.
3. Horace H. Rackham Merit Fellowship
Offered by the University of Michigan, the Horace H. Rackham Merit Fellowship is a scholarship program for graduate students seeking support to further their learning. The program also offers DBA scholarships to graduates who demonstrate impressive academic excellence and potential for success in their chosen field.
The application deadline for the current batch ends on January 15, 2025. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who belongs to underrepresented groups. This fellowship is especially beneficial for students from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who have made significant contributions to promoting diversity in education.
4. National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Scholarship Program
The National Black MBA Association offers several scholarships to African American students pursuing graduate-level business degrees, including the DBA. These scholarships are to empower minority students by providing financial support and networking opportunities – they offer up to $10,000 annually to African American students enrolled in an accredited MBA or DBA program. The application deadline is April 15, 2025.
5. Executive DBA Council (EDBAC) Scholarship
The Executive DBA Council offers scholarships to graduate students pursuing Executive DBA (EDBA) programs. These scholarships are aimed at professionals who are advancing their careers while pursuing a DBA on a part-time basis. But to qualify for this scholarship, you have to be enrolled in an EDBA program at a member institution of the EDBAC. The actual scholarship coverage varies based on different factors, but it mostly covers part of the awardees’ tuition fees.
6. The International School of Management
The International School of Management (ISM) offers flexible DBA programs, and you can win its scholarship offers too. The institution offers scholarship opportunities to the brightest business minds, so they can enroll and participate in their degree programs, regardless of their educational background – they just need to be exceptionally brilliant.
ISM DBA scholarships are need-based and merit-based; the scholarships come in varying types and amounts but are limited and competitive, so you have to apply early to stand a better chance. You must apply via the online portal on the institution’s official website.
7. P.E.O. Scholar Awards
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards offer financial assistance to women pursuing doctoral-level studies like the MBA and DBA. This scholarship program is highly competitive and is designed to support women who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential. Eligibility is streamlined to women enrolled in doctoral programs in the USA or Canada, and the value is around $20,000 annually. The application deadline is November 1, 2024 (for the 2025 intake).
Conclusion
Earning a Doctor of Business Administration degree is a huge addition to your academic achievements, but it can be quite costly. Hence, these DBA scholarships can help to reduce the total cost you will spend. The 7 DBA scholarships listed above offer excellent opportunities for both U.S. and international students to fund their DBA studies.