But while an MBA often leads to significant salary growth, the outcomes typically aren’t equal. According to the Forté Foundation’s 2025 MBA Outcomes Report, women MBA graduates saw their salaries rise by over 50% in their first roles after graduation, reaching an average of $131,000. Male graduates, however, saw an average increase of 73%, with salaries climbing to just over $140,000—a 21% difference that has remained steady in recent years.
Scholarships for women can help to address the gaps that exist between men and women attending business school. Alongside financial support, they offer access to networks, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that can support long-term career progress.
Here are some of the top MBA scholarships available to women in the US today.
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Top MBA scholarships for women
Forté Fellowship
With a mission to increase the number of women in business education and leadership, the Forté Foundation has awarded around $475 million in MBA funding since its launch in 2001. Today, the Forté Fellowship is one of the most well-known scholarships supporting gender equity in business education.
Fellows are selected not just for strong academic performance, but also for their leadership potential and commitment to supporting women in business.
Since the program began, more than 19,000 recipients have been awarded the fellowship—contributing to a 48% rise in female MBA enrollment at participating schools. The fellowship is open to applicants of all genders, gender identities, and nationalities.
By becoming a Forté Fellow, you’ll receive financial support towards your degree and gain access to a network of peers, alumni, and corporate partners. You’ll be included in Forté’s résumé book, which is shared with leading employers every year, and invited to conferences, leadership events, and mentoring opportunities designed to support your career development.
Applicants are typically considered automatically when applying to a full-time MBA at a Forté partner school, although some programs may require additional application materials. Even if you’re not selected, you can still access many of Forté’s resources through paid or free membership options.
C200 Scholarship Awards
If you’re an MBA student with strong leadership potential and a commitment to supporting other women in business, you might be eligible for a C200 Scholar Award.
Run by the Committee of 200 (C200)—a global nonprofit made up of successful female entrepreneurs—the program aims to recognize and support high-potential students across graduate and undergraduate programs who show a clear desire to make an impact in their industries and communities.
In 2025, six women—including four MBAs—received the award following a competitive selection process. As a recipient of a C200 Scholar Award, you’ll receive financial support toward your studies, as well as access to C200’s network of established women entrepreneurs and executives. The experience includes mentorship and professional development opportunities, as well as invitations to exclusive networking events designed to help you grow as a future leader.
International Peace Scholarship Fund
If you’re a woman based outside the US or Canada and planning to pursue a graduate degree in either country, the International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund could offer valuable financial support.
Run by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization focused on advancing women’s education, the scholarship aims to promote global peace through academic opportunity.
Awards of up to $12,500 are available, based on demonstrated financial need. While the scholarship isn’t designed to cover the full cost of study, applicants will need to show they have additional funding in place—whether through personal savings, family support, tuition waivers, or other scholarships.
To be eligible, you’ll need to be a citizen of a country outside the US and Canada (and not hold permanent residency in either), have at least one full year of coursework remaining, and intend to return home after graduation to apply your education for positive impact.
AAUW International Fellowship
With a similar purpose to the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, the AAUW International Fellowship helps women from outside the US pursue graduate study there, with the aim of making an impact back home.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers the fellowship to non-US citizens or permanent residents enrolling in a full-time master’s or doctoral program at a US-based school.
The fellowship provides $20,000 for master’s students and $25,000 for those pursuing a doctorate, paid in two instalments over the academic year. A small number of highly rated master’s students enrolled in two-year programs may also be considered for a second year of funding.
To be eligible, you’ll need a strong academic record, including a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5. You must also be admitted to your first master’s or doctoral program, starting September 2026.
Applicants currently living in their home country or applying for their first academic experience abroad are especially encouraged to apply. Accepted candidates tend to have a strong academic background and a clear sense of how they’ll use their education to make an impact after graduation.
For more tips and tricks on how to land a scholarship and secure your place at business school, download the BusinessBecause MBA Scholarships Guide | Tips To Boost Your Chances of Success
This article was originally written in March 2024 and updated in July 2025
