Washington University’s Olin Business School (WashU Olin) is expanding financial support for future MBA students with the launch of five new signature scholarships designed to recognize leadership across some of the school’s strongest academic and industry focus areas.
When the MBA application opens September 1, applicants to WashU Olin’s full-time MBA program can apply for awards ranging from $60,000 to $100,000.
“These scholarships reflect our commitment to investing in exceptional students who want to jumpstart their MBA experience with deeper connections to Olin’s leading faculty and real-world learning opportunities,” says Joe MacDonald, deputy dean at WashU Olin. “Business is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and the leaders who will shape what’s next will come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries.”
Five Scholarships Target Key Leadership Areas
The new scholarship portfolio reflects Olin’s strategic strengths in healthcare, entrepreneurship, finance, private enterprise, and regional economic development.
1. The Olin Health Leadership Scholarship offers awards of up to $100,000 for students committed to improving health and healthcare through business leadership and cross-sector collaboration. The scholarship aligns with Olin’s growing emphasis on healthcare innovation and leadership.
2. The Olin Entrepreneurial Leaders Scholarship provides awards of up to $60,000 for entrepreneurs and innovators who plan to launch new ventures or lead transformative initiatives within existing organizations.
3. The Olin Ownership & Private Enterprise Scholarship also offers up to $60,000 and is designed for aspiring business owners, operators, and investors preparing to build, acquire, or lead privately held companies.
4. Students pursuing careers in investment management, corporate finance, or capital markets may qualify for the Olin Finance & Capital Markets Scholarship, which awards up to $60,000 while connecting recipients with faculty expertise and industry relationships focused on long-term value creation.
5. Finally, the Gateway Leaders Scholarship provides awards of up to $100,000 to students dedicated to strengthening the St. Louis region through business leadership, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community impact.
Beyond Financial Support
In addition to tuition assistance, each scholarship is intended to provide recipients with enhanced access to Olin’s close-knit community, research centers, experiential learning opportunities, and corporate and community partnerships, helping students build the practical experience and professional networks needed throughout their careers.
The initiative also supports the university’s broader efforts to attract and retain talent in the St. Louis region.
“When we attract or keep ambitious students in St. Louis, we strengthen the region’s future,” said Lisa Weingarth, senior advisor to the chancellor and executive director of WashU’s In St. Louis, For St. Louis initiative. “These scholarships will connect talented leaders to our community and contribute to the innovation and economic opportunity that will benefit the St. Louis region for years to come.”
Applications for the new scholarships open September 1 alongside the launch of WashU Olin’s full-time MBA application. The signature awards may also be combined with existing Olin merit scholarships for qualifying applicants, creating additional opportunities for exceptional candidates to finance their MBA studies.
Read the full announcement here.
