Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027: High School Seniors Can Win a $20,000 Award

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has officially announced the opening of applications for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027, giving eligible high school seniors across the United States the opportunity to receive a $20,000 merit-based scholarship.

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs in the U.S., the annual initiative recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community service. Applications officially open on August 3, 2026, and interested students have until September 30, 2026 to submit their initial applications.

One of the biggest attractions of the program is that the first application stage requires no essay, transcript, or recommendation letter, making it more accessible to qualified applicants.

What Is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship administered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Each year, the foundation invests millions of dollars in supporting outstanding students preparing to begin higher education.

The scholarship celebrates students who have consistently shown leadership potential, academic excellence, and a dedication to creating positive change in their schools and communities.

For the 2027 cycle, 150 students will each receive a $20,000 scholarship to help finance their college education.

Who Can Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027?

To qualify, applicants must be:

• Current high school seniors graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year
• Enrolled in schools within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or eligible Department of Defense schools
• Planning to attend an accredited U.S. college or university
• Able to verify a minimum 3.0 GPA
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, humanitarian parolees, or other students eligible for federal financial aid

The scholarship is designed for students who have made meaningful contributions through leadership, volunteerism, and service beyond the classroom.

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Who Is Not Eligible?

The foundation notes that several categories of applicants are excluded from the program, including:

• Students who have already graduated from high school
• International students, except those attending approved DoD schools
• Temporary U.S. residents
• Children or grandchildren of eligible Coca-Cola employees, officers, owners, or retirees receiving company benefits

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Selected Coca-Cola Scholars will receive a $20,000 award that can be used to support higher education expenses.

The scholarship can help cover tuition, books, housing, educational materials, and other approved college-related costs.

Beyond financial support, recipients also become part of the Coca-Cola Scholars alumni network, gaining access to leadership development opportunities, mentorship, and professional connections.

Application Process Explained

The Coca-Cola Scholarship follows a multi-stage selection process.

Students first complete the online Phase 1 application, which requires basic information but does not require essays, transcripts, or recommendation letters.

Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of October.

Approximately 1,200 semifinalists will then be invited to complete a second application, including essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters.

From that group, 250 Regional Finalists will participate in interviews before the final 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected.

Successful finalists will attend the annual Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, where their scholarships are officially confirmed.

Key Dates Applicants Should Know

Applications open on August 3, 2026 and close on September 30, 2026.

Students are encouraged to begin preparing early and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

With only 150 scholarships awarded each year, the competition remains highly selective, making strong leadership experience and community involvement important factors during the evaluation process.

For students hoping to reduce the financial burden of college while joining one of America’s most respected scholarship communities, the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 presents a valuable opportunity worth pursuing.

 

FAQ

What is the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program?

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a prestigious merit-based scholarship offered annually by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. It recognizes exceptional high school seniors in the United States for leadership, academic excellence, and community service. Each selected scholar receives a $20,000 scholarship toward higher education.

When does the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 application open?

Applications officially open on August 3, 2026, for students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.

What is the application deadline?

Students must submit their Phase 1 application by September 30, 2026.

How much is the Coca-Cola Scholarship worth?

Each selected Coca-Cola Scholar receives a $20,000 scholarship to support college tuition, educational expenses, and related costs.

How many students receive the scholarship?

Every year:

• Around 1,200 applicants become semifinalists.
• 250 students advance as Regional Finalists.
• 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are ultimately selected to receive the $20,000 award.

Does the Coca-Cola Scholarship require an essay?

No. The initial Phase 1 application requires:

• No essays
• No transcripts
• No recommendation letters

Essays and supporting documents are only required if an applicant advances to the semifinal stage.

Who is eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

Applicants must:

• Be current high school seniors in the United States.
• Graduate during the 2026–2027 school year.
• Plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or meet eligible federal aid residency requirements.

Can international students apply?

Generally, No.

International students are not eligible, except for qualifying students attending approved U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) schools.

Who is not eligible?

Applicants are not eligible if they are:

• Already high school graduates.
• Temporary residents.
• Children or grandchildren of eligible Coca-Cola employees or owners.
• Students attending American schools outside the U.S. (except approved DoD schools).

What qualities does the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation look for?

The foundation evaluates students based on:

• Leadership ability
• Academic achievement
• Community service
• Positive impact on school and society
• Character and commitment to serving others

What is the selection process?

The scholarship follows four stages:

1. Phase 1 Application
2. Semifinalist Selection
3. Regional Finalist Interviews
4. Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend, where the final 150 scholars are confirmed.

Do I need recommendation letters?

Not for the first application.

Recommendation letters are requested only from semifinalists moving into the second phase.

Can homeschool students apply?

Yes.

Eligible homeschooled students in qualifying U.S. locations may apply if they meet all scholarship requirements.

What expenses can the scholarship cover?

Recipients can use the $20,000 award toward:

• College tuition
• Books
• Housing
• Educational supplies
• Other approved educational expenses

Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship competitive?

Yes.

Thousands of students apply each year, while only 150 scholars are ultimately selected, making it one of America’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs.

When are applicants notified?

• Phase 1 results are released by the end of October.
• Semifinalists complete additional application requirements in November.
• Finalists are interviewed early in the new year.
• Scholars are announced in spring after Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend.

Where can students apply?

Applications must be submitted through the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation application portal once registration opens on August 3, 2026.

Can students apply before August 3?

No.

The online application portal opens on August 3, 2026, and applications submitted before that date are not accepted.

Why is the Coca-Cola Scholarship considered prestigious?

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program has supported thousands of student leaders for decades. Beyond financial support, recipients gain lifelong access to a nationwide alumni network, leadership opportunities, mentorship, and professional development programs.