For many students, community college is the first - and smartest - step toward a career in accounting. It offers affordability, flexibility, and access to higher education for students from all backgrounds. But the journey doesn’t end there. Transferring to a four-year institution is often the most critical (and challenging) early step on their path to becoming a CPA.

That’s where the Community College Accounting Transfer Scholarships offered by the Educational Foundation of the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA) make a powerful difference.

Supporting Colorado’s Future Accounting Professionals

The COCPA Educational Foundation is dedicated to supporting students who intend to practice accounting in Colorado. To do this, the Foundation manages two scholarship programs:

• Community College Accounting Transfer Scholarships
  
• Junior, Senior & Graduate Merit-Based Scholarships
  

Together, these programs are designed to meet students where they are and help them move confidently toward their academic and professional goals.

Why Transfer Scholarships Are So Important

Recent data shows encouraging interest in the accounting profession - enrollment in accounting programs at two-year institutions has increased by 24%, signaling a strong pipeline of future talent. However, significant barriers still stand in the way of degree completion.

Only 31.6% of students who start at a community college transfer to a four-year institution within six years. Of those who do transfer, fewer than half - about 49.7% - complete a bachelor’s degree within six years of starting community college. That means only about 16% of community college starters ultimately earn a bachelor’s degree.

The biggest obstacle? Financial barriers.

Students face rising tuition at four-year institutions, increased housing and transportation costs, and the reality that financial aid often decreases after transfer - even as expenses rise. For many, fear of debt leads to reduced course loads, delayed graduation, or stopping altogether.

How the Community College Accounting Transfer Scholarship Helps

The Community College Accounting Transfer Scholarship is designed to support students at this pivotal transition point. It provides financial assistance to students transferring from a community college to pursue a degree with an accounting emphasis at an eligible four-year Colorado college or university.

Just as importantly, it sends a powerful message: you are not doing this alone.

Thanks to the generosity of forward-thinking members of Colorado’s CPA community, these scholarships represent a collective investment in the next generation of accounting professionals. Donors believe deeply in education, leadership and service to the profession. Since 1958, the Educational Foundation of COCPA has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to students across Colorado who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential and financial need. Their support reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the next generation of accounting professionals has the opportunity to succeed. 

Application Details

• Who is eligible?
  Students transferring from a community college to a four-year Colorado institution to pursue an accounting-focused degree.
  
• Application period:
  January 15, 2026 – April 15, 2026
  
• How to apply:
  To apply for the Community College Accounting Transfer Scholarship, CLICK HERE to create an account or log in.
  

Help Us Spread the Word

If you’re a student planning to transfer - we encourage you to apply. This scholarship can ease the financial burden, shorten time to degree, and keep you moving toward your CPA goals.

If you’re a faculty member, advisor, employer, or CPA professional, please share this opportunity with students who may be eligible. Sometimes a single conversation or forwarded link can change the trajectory of a student’s future.

If you’re able, please consider making a gift to the COCPA Educational Foundation. CLICK HERE to give and help open doors for the next generation of accounting professionals.

Together, we can help remove barriers, strengthen Colorado’s accounting pipeline, and ensure talented students have the support they need to succeed - one transfer, one scholarship and one future CPA at a time.