Explore Top Scholarships for Online DBA Programs & More
Earning your Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) online can open doors to high-level business leadership roles—but it doesn’t have to open a mountain of debt. This guide highlights the best scholarships, funding options, and tips for paying for your DBA degree with minimal financial stress.
Are you a business professional aiming for the top of your field? Looking for a doctoral program that blends real-world business experience with academic rigor—without relocating? Then an online DBA might be the perfect fit.
However, graduate school can be costly. The average DBA program costs between $50,000 and $100,000, making scholarships a valuable way to offset expenses. Online programs often reduce costs through flexible delivery and no relocation fees, but scholarships remain a key funding source, especially those based on merit, need, or professional background.
Below, explore top DBA scholarships and strategies for application success.
10 Featured Scholarships for Online DBA Programs
While scholarships specifically for DBA students are rare, many universities and organizations offer opportunities for doctoral-level business students. Here are ten standout options to begin your search.
Colorado Cybersecurity Scholarship for EDBA Students
For students in the Executive DBA (EDBA) program focused on cybersecurity. Applicants must demonstrate interest in cybersecurity and be enrolled in the cyber-focused branch of the EDBA.
- Institution: University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 1st
Duke Fuqua Merit Scholarships
All admitted students to Fuqua’s graduate programs are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Awards vary in amount and are designed to attract exceptional candidates.
- Institution: Duke University – Fuqua School of Business
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: None (automatic consideration for all admitted students)
Golden Gate University DBA Merit Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, with 70% of funding reserved for the first 5,000 admitted students per class.
- Institution: Golden Gate University
- Amount: Varies (average post-scholarship cost is $15,000)
- Deadline: Rolling
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Scholarships
These scholarships support students pursuing finance-related graduate programs, including DBAs. Some require prior work experience; others, like the Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship, are open exclusively to graduate students.
- Organization: Government Finance Officers Association
- Amount: $30,000
- Deadline: December 31st
Harold Rothman Business Scholarship
Graduate students in accredited business programs can apply by submitting a two-minute video, résumé, and transcripts. Preference is given to applicants based in Florida.
- Organization: Rossen Law Firm
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: June 30th
Jones Graduate School of Business Scholarships
Rice’s Jones School offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships, some covering full tuition. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for awards.
- Institution: Rice University
- Amount: Up to $2,000,000
- Deadline: January 16th
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
Open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing anti-fraud careers, including online DBA students enrolled in accredited programs (minimum six semester hours per term).
- Organization: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
- Amount: $10,000 | $7,500 | $5,000 | $2,000
- Deadline: February 2nd
Stanford Doctoral Funding
Stanford guarantees funding for all admitted doctoral students for up to five years, covering tuition, stipend, and health insurance. Assistantship work is typically required.
- Institution: Stanford University
- Amount: Full tuition + stipend
- Deadline: None (automatic)
USC Graduate Fellowships
Doctoral students typically receive at least one year of funding, with opportunities for additional aid such as the Provost’s Fellowship Top-Off, which provides supplemental support.
- Institution: University of Southern California
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: None (nomination required)
Wharton Doctoral Fellowships
Wharton’s doctoral students receive full funding to cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance throughout their program.
- Institution: University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School of Business
- Amount: Full tuition + health insurance + stipend
- Deadline: None (automatic consideration for all admitted students)
Tips for Scholarship Success
Securing scholarship funding takes preparation, persistence, and smart strategy. Use these tips to strengthen your applications and maximize your chances.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Apply broadly. Each additional application increases your chances of success. Just ensure you can meet all requirements and deadlines for each.
Network and Seek Guidance
Leverage your professional and academic network. Mentors, professors, and peers may know of opportunities or help you refine essays and application materials.
Research Scholarships Early
Start early to avoid missing deadlines. Research scholarships as soon as you begin your DBA applications to build a solid funding timeline.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders who know you well—professors, supervisors, or mentors—and give them time to write thoughtful, specific letters highlighting your strengths.
Showcase Your Unique Qualities
Your personal statement and résumé should highlight what sets you apart: career achievements, community involvement, or distinctive life experiences.
Alternative Funding Options for Online DBA Students
In addition to scholarships, explore these other funding sources to round out your financial aid strategy for your online DBA program.
Employer Sponsorship
Many mid-career DBA students continue working while pursuing their degrees. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship in exchange for returning to work post-graduation.
Featured Funding Option: Deloitte Graduate School Assistance Program (GSAP)
Deloitte’s GSAP helps high-performing analysts fund their postgraduate business studies. The program includes test prep support and financial assistance for tuition.
Fellowships
Fellowships often include funding plus research or teaching responsibilities. They can come from universities, charities, or professional organizations, and recipients often represent the sponsoring body at conferences or events.
Featured Funding Option: George Mason University Mercatus Center Fellowship
This fellowship supports doctoral students in economics-related fields, encouraging future research and academic engagement in policy and markets.
Loans
Graduate student loans remain a primary option for many students, offering flexibility in repayment and coverage.
- Private loans may provide higher borrowing limits but fewer protections.
- Federal loans usually have lower interest rates and eligibility for forgiveness programs.
Featured Funding Option: Federal Direct PLUS Loans
Offered by the U.S. Department of Education, these loans allow graduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance with repayment beginning after graduation.
Research or Teaching Assistantships
Some universities offer paid assistantships that combine tuition remission with wages.
- Teaching Assistantships: Support undergraduate teaching while gaining classroom experience.
- Research Assistantships: Assist faculty with academic or applied research.
Featured Funding Option: Columbia Business School Research Assistantship
At Columbia University, research assistantships provide both salary and experience, though they are highly competitive.
Funding FAQs: Your Scholarship Questions, Answered
Are there funding options available for part-time online DBA students?
Yes. While part-time scholarships are limited, part-time DBA students can access federal student loans, work-study programs, and occasionally Pell Grants based on need.
Are there specific funding opportunities for underrepresented groups in the DBA field?
DBA-specific scholarships for underrepresented groups are rare, but many general graduate scholarships exist for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and minority students across disciplines.
Can I enroll in a payment plan to help offset costs not covered by scholarships?
Yes. Many universities offer tuition payment plans that divide tuition into installments. Federal loan programs also provide income-based repayment options like the SAVE Plan.
What is the average cost of an online DBA program?
Most DBAs cost $50,000–$100,000, though online programs can be significantly more affordable—sometimes as low as $730 per credit hour—helping students reduce overall costs.