WashU Olin launches portfolio of new MBA scholarships for the next generation of business leaders

Five signature scholarships connect exceptional students to WashU Olin’s strengths in health, entrepreneurship, finance, private enterprise, and regional impact.

WashU Olin is investing in the next generation of talent poised to lead in a rapidly changing world by launching a new portfolio of named full-time MBA scholarships, featuring five scholarships across high-impact industries. Beginning September 1, applicants to WashU Olin’s full-time MBA program can apply for awards of up to $100,000 through WashU Olin’s MBA application process.

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.

—Deputy Dean Joe MacDonald

The new signature scholarship portfolio reflects WashU Olin’s investment in future business leaders while creating direct pathways to the school’s nationally recognized faculty expertise, experiential learning opportunities, research centers, and industry partnerships.

“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,” said Joe MacDonald, deputy dean at WashU Olin. “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.”

Each scholarship reflects a strength in WashU Olin’s role in shaping the future of business, from transforming healthcare and strengthening private enterprise to advancing entrepreneurship, finance, and regional economic growth.

The scholarships include:

• Olin Health Leadership Scholarship – Awards of up to $100,000 to support students committed to improving health and healthcare through business leadership and cross-sector collaboration.

• Olin Entrepreneurial Leaders Scholarship – Awards of up to $60,000 for entrepreneurs and problem-solvers seeking to build new ventures or drive transformative ideas.

• Olin Ownership & Private Enterprise Scholarship – Awards of up to $60,000 created for aspiring owners, operators, and investors preparing to build and steward successful privately held businesses.

• Olin Finance & Capital Markets Scholarship – Awards of up to $60,000 to connect future finance leaders with the knowledge and industry connections to shape how capital creates long-term value.

• Gateway Leaders Scholarship – Awards of up to $100,000 to recognize changemakers dedicated to strengthening the St. Louis region through business leadership, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Beyond financial support, each signature scholarship provides direct access to the close community and hands-on experiences that distinguish a WashU Olin education. Through research centers, experiential learning, and corporate and community partnerships, students build the relationships and practical experience needed to create lasting impact throughout their careers.

The scholarships also reflect WashU Olin’s broader commitment to strengthening the St. Louis region by attracting talented leaders and connecting them with Olin’s deep network of corporate and community partners.

“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.”

Scholarship applications open September 1 alongside the launch of WashU Olin’s full-time MBA application. The signature scholarship awards may be combined with Olin’s existing merit scholarships for qualifying applicants, providing additional opportunities for exceptional students to join the Olin community.

Prospective students can learn more about the scholarships and begin applying starting September 1 on the WashU Olin website.