DECA Scholarship Program

About the DECA Scholarship Program

DECA Inc. is one of the nation's premier student organizations for aspiring business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. With over 215,000 high school members across the U.S., DECA offers one of the most generous scholarship programs of any student organization — awarding over $5 million each year through hundreds of scholarships.

Award Details

• Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000 per scholarship
• Total awarded: Over $5 million annually
• Types: Merit-based, need-based, career-specific, and corporate-sponsored
• Application: Accessible through the DECA online scholarship portal

Eligibility Requirements

• Active DECA member (high school chapter)
• High school junior or senior (most scholarships)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for most awards
• U.S. or international student enrolled at a DECA chapter school
• Planning to attend a post-secondary institution

Categories of Scholarships

• Business & Entrepreneurship — For students pursuing business degrees
• Finance & Economics — For finance-focused students
• Marketing & Communications — For marketing career track
• Hospitality & Tourism — For hospitality industry students
• Technology — For tech and computer science students
• Community Service — Recognizing service contributions

Application Process

Complete your DECA member profile on the DECA website, then navigate to the scholarship portal to see all scholarships you're eligible for and apply with a single profile.

How much does DECA Scholarship Program cost?

DECA Scholarship Program is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

What is the application deadline for DECA Scholarship Program?

The application deadline is January 11, 2027. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

Who is eligible for DECA Scholarship Program?

DECA Scholarship Program is open to high school students in grades 11–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

Is DECA Scholarship Program online or in person?

DECA Scholarship Program is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

How do I apply to DECA Scholarship Program?

Apply directly through DECA Inc.'s official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.