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The AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award is designed for students from non-business backgrounds who want to pursue a career in accounting. This program is supported by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and offers financial assistance to graduates who plan to enter the accounting profession through advanced study.
The AICPA John L. Carey scholarship helps ease the transition for students from liberal arts and other majors by encouraging them to take up accounting as a rewarding career. This guide provides detailed insights into the scholarship’s structure, eligibility, and benefits based on its final offering, helping aspiring accountants understand historical options and identify alternatives.
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AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award: An Overview
The AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award was established in memory of John L. Carey, a former vice president of the AICPA, to honour his efforts in promoting accounting as a career for students from diverse educational backgrounds.
The scholarship highlights the importance of bridging the gap for students without prior accounting experience and supporting their journey toward graduate studies and CPA licensure. Here is an overview of the AICPA John L. Carey scholarship:
| Amount of Scholarship | The AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award provides USD 5,000 each year to eight recipients pursuing graduate studies in accounting. |
| Requirement of Membership | Applicants must be AICPA Student Affiliate members (free to join), gaining access to student resources and CPA networks. |
| Career Requirement | Candidates must show a clear plan to pursue CPA licensure, highlighting their commitment to becoming Certified Public Accountants. |
| Support to Students | The scholarship helps cover education costs and offers recognition from the AICPA, the leading professional body for CPAs in the U.S. |
| Value for Non-Business Graduates | It serves as financial help, motivation, and a strong pathway to a career in accounting, especially for students from non-business backgrounds. |
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Eligibility Criteria of AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award
Understanding eligibility is crucial for any scholarship. The key criteria for the AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship are designed to align with the program’s goals of promoting diversity and professional commitment. Let’s explore the eligibility requirements based on educational background, program of study, and other important parameters.
1. Educational Background
- Applicants must hold a liberal arts or other non-business undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- Students should not have completed more than 12 credits in accounting during their undergraduate studies.
2. Graduate Program Enrollment
- Applicants must be accepted into or applying for a graduate-level accounting or accounting-related program at a four-year U.S. college or university.
- The program must be accredited by AACSB or ACBSP.
- The graduate program must satisfy the educational requirements for CPA licensure in the state where the student intends to become licensed.
3. Professional Intent
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan and commitment to pursue CPA licensure.
- Students who are already licensed CPAs are not eligible for the AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award.
4. Membership and Citizenship
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Applicants must hold an AICPA Student Affiliate membership, which is available for free through ThisWayToCPA.
5. Financial and Enrollment Status
- Financial need is considered, but it is not the primary factor; applicants should demonstrate that assistance is necessary.
- Students must enrol as full-time graduate students during the academic year.
- Applicants should not be receiving other scholarships that exceed their educational expenses.
6. Engagement with AICPA
- Applicants should show interest in AICPA initiatives and contribute to the accounting profession.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to complete at least eight hours of community service per semester to promote the CPA profession.
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Application Process for the AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award
The AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award requires applicants to complete specific steps and submit supporting documents through the official scholarship portal. Following the process carefully ensures that applications are reviewed without delay.
- Students must first register on the AICPA scholarship portal, accessible through ThisWayToCPA.
- After registration, applicants must fill out and complete the scholarship application form.
- All required supporting documents must be uploaded to the portal in the specified format.
- Once completed, students should carefully review the application and submit it before the deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents to support their eligibility:
- Academic transcripts from their undergraduate institution.
- A personal statement or essay explaining their motivations and career goals in accounting.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Proof of enrollment or admission into an eligible graduate-level accounting or accounting-related program.
Application Deadlines and Platforms
To apply for the AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award, students need to complete the application via the official ThisWayToCPA portal. All supporting documents should be uploaded before the deadline indicated on the platform. Further, a careful review of the application is recommended to ensure accuracy and completeness from the student’s end.
Tips for a Strong AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award
A well-prepared application can make a significant difference in the selection process. Students should keep the following points in mind while applying for the AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award:
- Write a personal statement that clearly reflects your passion for accounting and your commitment to earning CPA licensure.
- Highlight examples of leadership, academic potential, and long-term career goals to demonstrate your readiness for the profession.
- Select recommenders who can provide specific and supportive endorsements of your academic and professional abilities.
- Review and proofread your application carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and contains all the required information.
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Why Apply for the AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award?
The AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award offers more than just financial support. The scholarship amount of USD 5,000 helps in reducing the cost of graduate education. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship provides recognition from the AICPA, strengthening professional credibility in the accounting field. It also connects students with the wider CPA community, creating opportunities for networking and career growth.
For non-business graduates transitioning into accounting, this award serves as both motivation and a pathway to success in achieving CPA licensure.
| Points of Benefits of the AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award | Description |
| Encourages Career Transition | Supports students from non-business backgrounds in making a smooth shift into accounting. |
| Builds Early Professional Identity | Helps students establish themselves in the CPA track early in their graduate studies. |
| Increases Confidence | Recognition from a national body reassures students about their career choice and future potential. |
| Access to Exclusive Resources | Opens doors to AICPA learning materials, events, and career tools designed for accounting students. |
| Strengthens Graduate Applications | Having the scholarship enhances a student’s academic profile and resume when applying for internships or jobs. |
| Inspires Long-Term Commitment | Motivates students to stay dedicated to CPA licensure by showing their efforts are valued. |
The AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award presents an excellent opportunity for non-business undergraduates who are committed to pursuing graduate accounting studies and CPA licensure. It offers financial backing, professional recognition, and networking pathways to support future credentialed accountants. Eligible students are encouraged to apply and seize this chance to strengthen their career journey.
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FAQs
Ans. The AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award is open to students with non-business undergraduate degrees, such as liberal arts majors, who plan to pursue graduate-level accounting studies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, AICPA Student Affiliate members, and committed to pursuing CPA licensure.
Ans. Each recipient of the AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award receives $5,000 for one academic year. This funding helps cover tuition and other educational expenses during graduate studies in accounting.
Ans. No, students already enrolled in a graduate accounting program are not eligible. The AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award is designed for individuals who will begin their graduate accounting or accounting-related program in the upcoming academic year.
Ans. Applicants must submit official transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement that outlines their motivation and career goals. Proof of enrollment or admission into a graduate program is also required to complete the AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award application.
Ans. For students transitioning into accounting, the AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award offers financial relief, recognition from a national professional body, and encouragement to pursue CPA licensure. It helps bridge the gap between a non-business academic background and a professional career in accounting.
We hope this blog on ‘AICPA John L Carey Scholarship Award’ has given you clear insights into eligibility, benefits, and application details. If you are planning to study abroad, exploring scholarships is a crucial step to reduce financial stress and achieve your academic goals. For expert guidance, call us at 1800 572 000.
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