Key takeaways
- Scholarships for business majors include:
- World Bank Scholarships Program
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
- PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships
- Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award
- ALPFA Scholarships
- Blue Vine Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship
- How to get scholarships for business majors:
- Do your research
- Check eligibility
- Write a kickass essay
- Submit well before deadline
Higher Ed Insights August 2025 report highlights the popularity of a business degree in the US. The program sees the highest number of enrollments per year, and finance and accounting as the most popular business majors. However, according to the 2025 job report by the World Economic Forum, business development is the third most sought-after role for business transformation in the next five years.
So, if you are looking for an unconventional major that will lead to high-paying career opportunities in 2025 to 2030, business development is the right choice for you. However, college education is a significant expense. This guide explores the best scholarships for business majors focused on business development and growth. But before that, we provide an overview of the business development degree.
What is a business development degree?
A business development degree features a blend of business fundamentals and business development courses to equip students with the knowledge needed to pursue business development jobs. Business development is a multi-tier process including everything from research, planning, development, to implementation of strategies, tracking its progress, making amendments, and so on.
Thus, a business development degree will feature courses that enable development of competencies essential to drive business growth. Through the program students learn strategic planning, strategy development, customer relationship management, project management, market research, marketing, sales, financial acumen, and more.
It is important to note that business development is only offered as a concentration within a Bachelor of Business Administration, management, or a relevant business degree. A standalone business development degree is not yet widely available at US colleges and universities as of November 2025.
Bachelor of Business Development Overview |
|
|---|---|
| Level | Bachelor’s: As a concentration in business programs, e.g., BBA, management, and so on.
Master’s degree |
| Focus | Identifying growth opportunities, long-term growth, forming strategic partnerships, and identifying new markets |
| Core courses |
|
| Who is it good for? | Students interested in strategy, entrepreneurship, and company growth. |
| Career opportunities |
|
| Average salary | $150,892 per year
Source: Glassdoor – as of April 2025 |
| Cost | $7,170 – median in-state
$34,800 – median out-of-state/private Source: DATAUSA |
| ROI |
|
Explore scholarships for business majors focused on business development and growth
College education is a significant time and financial commitment. On average, a business development degree from a public college costs $7,170 with in-state students and $34,800 per year, according to DATA USA. The annual cost of the same degree from a private institution is most likely higher than the average out-of-state tuition at public universities. Tuition increases each year by around 8% each year as per a report by Finaid.
Scholarships are one way to make college education more affordable. There are three main types of scholarships:
- Merit-based – Awarded to high-achieving students, those with special talents, such as a sports scholarship. A high-achieving student with special talents can get a higher scholarship.
- Need-based – Students from low-income families can get a need-based scholarship to make education more accessible and affordable.
- Program-specific – These include research scholarships or program-specific scholarships, such as business scholarships. The goal is to encourage students to enroll in certain programs that can help drive economic growth and bridge the skills gap.
5 Business development scholarships for aspiring BD professionals
As an aspiring business development student, or a currently enrolled one, you can apply for a scholarship from multiple sources, including government agencies, NGOs, Professional organizations, and universities. Here are 5 scholarships for business majors focusing on business development and growth.
World Bank Scholarships Program
The World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) offers scholarships for students and young researchers, supporting the Bank’s mission to promote innovative approaches to capacity building and knowledge sharing across developing countries. The scholarship aims to promote economic development and prosperity across the globe, especially in developing countries. Business development is key to such development.
The scholarship includes:
- Complete tuition
- US$600 travel allowance
- Provides a monthly allowance
Blue Vine Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship Program
The Blue Vine Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship Program offers two $5,000 awards to students at least 18 years old and pursuing an entrepreneurship degree. The goal of the scholarship is to ensure aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the entrepreneurial resources and mentorship opportunities needed to succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures.
NFIB Young Entrepreneurs Award
The NFIB Young Entrepreneurs Award is a scholarship offered by the National Federation of Independent Business for high school seniors who run their own small businesses. Students can receive between $1,000 and $10,000 to help with tuition. Applicants must write an essay describing their business and future plans, and they are interviewed by NFIB members. The purpose of the program is to support and inspire young entrepreneurs.
National Business Association
The National Business Association offers multiple business scholarships in collaboration with major corporations and foundations. Top options include:
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship – awards $20,000 in scholarships to 150 high school students annually if they have demonstrated leadership experience.
- PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships – $1,000 to $7,500 for students pursuing degrees in project management or related programs
- Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award – $1,000 to $7,000 to women pursuing master’s degrees in business
- ALPFA Scholarships – provides scholarships to Latin American students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA and pursuing business-related degrees.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
The GM Foundation offers the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program helps students who excel in school and in their communities, especially those who need financial support to attend college. It offers up to $25,000 per year to 50 new or current college students, with awards renewable for up to four years. Those enrolled in a five-year engineering program can renew it for an additional year.
How to apply for scholarships for business majors?
Applying for business scholarships usually follows a clear process. However, since different scholarships generally have different eligibility and application requirements, you cannot use a generalized approach for each. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you secure the business growth scholarships you need to make college education more affordable.
1) Research scholarships
There are several scholarships available for aspiring college students. However, as an aspiring business student, it is best to look for scholarships specifically for business majors or related fields. Doing so cuts out a lot of competition, which in turn increases your chances of success. Thus, you need to start with research. Here’s where you can find scholarships for business majors.
- University financial aid websites
- Business school scholarship pages
- Professional organizations (e.g., business associations, chambers of commerce)
2) Check eligibility requirements
Each scholarship has its own criteria. The best thing you can do is save time and not apply to scholarships you do not qualify for. Thus, it is imperative that you determine your eligibility before applying. Here are some common requirements:
- Declaring a business major
- Minimum GPA
- Leadership or community involvement
- Financial need
- Essays or project submissions
3) Prepare required documents
While the exact requirements vary, most business scholarships ask for the following:
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume – highlighting business experience, clubs, or leadership
- Essay on topics like career goals, leadership, entrepreneurship
- Proof of enrollment or intended major
4) Write strong essays
Your essay is usually the most important part. You have to write a standout business development major essay if you want to secure a scholarship or even entry into a business development program. Your essay should be:
- Clear and personal
- Focused on your career goals in business
- Filled with examples of leadership, initiative, or entrepreneurial experience
5) Fill out the application carefully.
If you rush the application, you may end up messing it up. So, do not leave it until the last minute. Make sure you fill it out carefully and well before the deadline so you have time to review. Fill out every section fully and accurately and double-check deadlines. Many scholarships reject late or incomplete applications. Submitting it a few days before the deadline can help you avoid unseen hiccups such as technical issues.
Top colleges for an on-campus business development degree
An undergraduate degree in business development can open doors to many entry-level jobs in business development or related fields, specifically sales and marketing. Here are some of the top business colleges, as well as their 2025-2026 tuition information for an on-campus degree.
Top 10 colleges for a Bachelor’s in Business Development |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | University of Houston | $11,234.54 | $27,291.68 |
| 2 | University of Texas at Austin | $13,576 | $51,106 |
| 3 | Babson College | $58,560 | N/A |
| 4 | University of Washington | $13,406 | $44,640 |
| 5 | Washington University in St. Louis | $68,240 | N/A |
| 6 | Harvard University | $59,320 | $59,320 |
| 7 | University of California, Berkeley | $17,478 | $55,080 |
| 8 | University of Michigan | $18,346 | $63,962 |
| 9 | New York University | $67,430 | $67,430 |
| 10 | Carnegie Mellon University | $67,020 | $67,020 |
Top colleges for an online degree in biz dev
Those looking for a more flexible learning option can pursue an online business development degree. Here are some of the best online business development programs.
Top 10 colleges for an online business development degree |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | College/University | Private/ in-state resident tuition | Non-state resident tuition |
| 1 | Colorado Technical University | $16,125 | $16,125 |
| 2 | University of Michigan | $18,346 | $63,962 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin – Madison | $12,186 | $44,210 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley | $17,478 | $55,080 |
| 5 | Oklahoma State University | $33,700 | $49,220 |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $7,317 | $23,523 |
| 7 | Kennesaw State University | $5,700 | $21,030 |
| 8 | University of Illinois – Chicago | $11,424 | $27,526 |
| 9 | East Carolina University | $7,593 | $23,870 |
| 10 | Carnegie Mellon University | $67,020 | $67,020 |
Best business development courses to pursue
To develop relevant business development skills, if pursuing an alternate business major, or hoping to develop specific skills for a particular business development job.
| Course name | Offered by | Cost |
| Credential Of Digital Innovation and Strategy | Harvard online courses | $6,500 |
| Business Strategy | University of Virginia | Enroll for free – Coursera |
| Business Development Professional (Corporate training) | BD School | Varies by preferences |
| AI for Leaders | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
| Launching Tech Ventures | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
| Business Growth Strategy | University of Virginia | Enroll for free – Coursera |
| Launch Your Online Business | State University of New York | Enroll for free – Coursera |
| Business Development Masterclass | Udemy | $84.99 |
| Sustainable Business Strategy | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
| Entrepreneurship Essentials | Harvard online courses | $1,850 |
Business development certifications to enhance career opportunities
The following business development certifications can enhance your eligibility for certain business development careers and boost employability. However, to pursue these certifications, you need to meet certain educational and work experience requirements.
| Business certificate program | Offered by |
| Certified Business Development Manager (CBDM) | American Institute of Business Management (AIBMC) |
| Strategic Business Development Certification | Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) |
| Certified Sales Executive (CSE) | Sales and Marketing Executive International (SMEI) |
| Certified Business Development Expert (CBDE) | Accredited Certification Institute |
| Certified Business Relationship Manager (CBRM) | Business Relationship Management Institute (BRMI) |
| Certified Strategic Alliance Professional (CSAP) | Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) |
| Certified Marketing Management Professional (CMMP) | International Institute of Marketing Professionals (IIMP) |
| Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | American Marketing Association (AMA) |
| Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) | Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) |
| Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) | National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) |
Explore business development careers and salaries
With a business development degree, there is a diverse range of careers you can pursue. Here are just a few high-paying job opportunities, as well as their entry-level, mid-career, and leadership-level salaries as of November 2025.
| Job title | Entry-level salary | Mid-level salary | Leadership |
| Business Development Manager | $55,773 | $85,602 | $112,389 |
| Management Analyst | $80,350 | $96,658 | $114,472 |
| Intrapreneurship | $62,500 | $106,567 | $193,500 |
| Sales Manager | $45,046 | $75,848 | $97,058 |
| Business Consultant | $61,500 | $99,275 | $141,500 |
| Marketing Manager | $50,705 | $83,488 | $117,083 |
| Communications Manager | $67,006 | $85,857 | $109,595 |
| Project Manager | $76,000 | $87,093 | $126,702 |
| Acquisition Manager | $86,000 | $118,006 | $139,500 |
| Logistics Manager | $56,500 | $76,301 | $90,500 |
Related: Explore business development jobs in Tech Vs CPG Vs B2B Services – Career Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships for business majors partial or fully-funded?
The funding amount and percentage vary from scholarship to scholarship. Some are partially funded, whereas some are fully funded. You can search for scholarship types based on your needs.
How can I find business development scholarships?
Here’s where you can find scholarships for business majors.
- University financial aid websites
- Business school scholarship pages
- Professional organizations (e.g., business associations, chambers of commerce)
Is there an age limit to apply for business development scholarships?
Some of the more specific business development scholarships do feature an age limit. For example, a scholarship for a master’s degree or a PhD may feature an age limit. Others, such as the Blue Vine Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship, also have a maximum age eligibility criterion. So, it is best to check the age limit and eligibility criteria before applying.
What are the general eligibility criteria for business scholarships?
No two scholarships have the same eligibility criteria. However, for business scholarships, applicants must be enrolled in or have openly declared business development as their choice of major.