As we all know, college comes with a lot of expenses, but being a member of Collegiate DECA could help make some of those costs a little easier to manage. Every year, DECA provides more than $200,000 in scholarships to high school and collegiate students. For Collegiate DECA members, these scholarships are an opportunity to turn leadership, competition and involvement you already have through DECA into the next steps in your career.
What Scholarships Are Available to Collegiate DECA Members?
DECA’s scholarship program includes opportunities from DECA Inc. and corporate and organization partners. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, but many focus on factors such as DECA involvement, leadership, community service, and academics.
For the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle, opportunities include:
- DECA — Five $2,000 scholarships for DECA members pursuing entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality, management or marketing.
- Publix — Five $1,000 scholarships for DECA or Collegiate DECA members who are Publix associates. An essay is required.
- Hilton — Five $1,000 scholarships for DECA members interested in hospitality.
How Do I Apply?
The application process is completely online through DECA’s Incs scholarship website. All you have to do is create a student account and complete your scholarship profile. From there, you can review the scholarships available to you and apply for those you meet the requirements for.
Before you begin, here are a few materials you’ll need to prepare:
1. Your transcript
An unofficial transcript is acceptable, so you do not need to request an official copy from your university.
2. Three letters of recommendation
Think about people who can speak to your leadership, character, academic experience and involvement. A professor, advisor, employer, or even a coach could be a good person to ask.
3. Your DECA story
Be prepared to talk about your involvement in DECA and how it has helped you grow. Think beyond your competition results. Your chapter of leadership, community service, conferences, projects, and relationships can all help tell your story.
4. Your future goals
Some applications include a statement of interest. This is your opportunity to explain who you are, what is important to you, and why a DECA scholarship would be meaningful to you. DECA specifically describes the statement of interest as a chance for applicants to share information beyond their GPA and explain their future goals, careers, and interests.
Make Your DECA Experience Count
You can apply for more than one DECA scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each opportunity. If you are selected, scholarship funds are sent directly to the college or university you are attending.
For the 2026–2027 scholarship, applications will be due January 11, 2027. There will not be a preliminary round this year, meaning all required materials must be submitted by the deadline.
