Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by ACFE Foundation (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners)
About This Scholarship
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the ACFE Foundation, the charitable arm of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners -- the world's largest anti-fraud organization. Established in 1992, the program was renamed in 1998 to honor ACFE members Tracy Ritchie and Larry Jennings, who were killed in a 1997 terrorist attack in Karachi, Pakistan. It supports students preparing for careers in fraud examination and financial crime prevention.
Awards of $10,000, $7,500, $5,000, and $2,000 are paid directly to recipients' institutions, and every winner also receives a one-year ACFE student membership. Applicants must be enrolled undergraduates (at least 9 semester hours per term) or graduate students (at least 6 hours) with a declared major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice, or a similar fraud-related discipline.
For the 2027-28 cycle, applications open September 1, 2026 and close February 1, 2027, with winners announced in early May.
Eligibility
- Enrolled undergraduate (minimum 9 semester hours per term) or graduate student (minimum 6 semester hours per term)
- Declared major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice, or a similar fraud-related field
- Must remain enrolled through the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded
- Open to students demonstrating an interest in an anti-fraud career
- No application fee and no ACFE membership required to apply
How To Apply
- Complete the online application at acfe.com between September 1 and the February 1 deadline
- Submit official transcripts from your current institution
- Provide two letters of recommendation from professors or professional contacts who can speak to your anti-fraud career interest
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to major in accounting to qualify?
No. A declared major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice, or a similar fraud-related discipline qualifies. The committee looks for a demonstrated interest in fighting fraud.
What do winners receive besides money?
In addition to the award (paid directly to your school), each recipient receives a one-year ACFE student membership, which includes access to anti-fraud resources and the ACFE professional community.