AACE International is dedicated to advancing the study of cost engineering, and cost management through the integrative process of total cost management. To promote this objective, AACE awards academic scholarships to full-time students pursuing a related degree in engineering, construction management, building construction, computer sciences, business, quantity surveying, information technology, etc. The cost engineering profession uses the process of total cost management to identify and define those areas of business in which the discipline of cost engineering and cost management principles may be applied to plan and control resources, assets, costs, profitability, and risk. The major elements of the cost engineering discipline include estimating, project/product controls, planning and scheduling, business sciences, and project/product management.

AACE International scholarships are available in amounts ranging from $750 to $3,000. Specific awards will be determined based on your overall scholarship and collegiate accomplishments. 

The Seattle Section has also instituted its own scholarship program. It provides scholarship funds (with matching contributions from the national association) to worthy individuals from the local area.

Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time students who have achieved at least second-year academic standing in a program related to cost engineering/cost management. Applicants in their final undergraduate year must have been accepted to attend a full-time graduate program in the next academic year to qualify for a scholarship.

AACE International scholarships are awarded for use in the fall term of the next academic year. The process follows this cycle each year:

September 1 to October 15 - Obtain an application on campus or use one of the electronic applications below

October 15 - By this date, applications must be turned in to your campus collection point or mailed to the local section contact on the list below

November 15 - After the local sections' judging committees have reviewed all applications received, they submit the semi-finalists to AACE International Headquarters office by this date

November 15 to December 1 - AACE Headquarters distributes semi-finalists applications to Education Board for second round of judging

Winter Education Board Meeting - Education Board identifies finalists, and makes determination of awards

February 1 - All candidates are notified of the results of the judging

August 1 - scholarship checks are mailed to the schools of the winners

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic performance (35%), extracurricular activities (35%), and an essay (30%) on the value of study of cost engineering or total cost management. The essay should explain why cost management will be important in your career goals.