Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 in USA | $20,000 Scholarship for High School Students

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible high school students in the United States. The prestigious Coca-Cola Scholarship awards $20,000 to 150 high-achieving students who demonstrate strong leadership, academic achievement and commitment to service.

For the 2027 scholarship cycle, eligible students must be graduating from high school during the 2026–2027 academic year. The application deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship, meaning applicants are evaluated primarily on their leadership, academics and service, rather than financial need.

Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 – Quick Overview

The foundation selects 150 Coca-Cola Scholars each year, with each recipient receiving a $20,000 college scholarship.

What Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship for high school students in their final year of secondary education.

The programme recognizes students who demonstrate:

• Leadership
• Academic achievement
• Community service
• Initiative
• Commitment to making a positive impact

The scholarship is designed to support outstanding students as they continue their education at accredited U.S. colleges and universities.

Since its founding in 1986, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in scholarships to more than 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars. The foundation is celebrating 40 years of impact with the 2027 scholarship cycle.

How Much Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

Each selected Coca-Cola Scholar receives a:

$20,000 College Scholarship

For the 2027 programme, 150 students will be selected to receive the $20,000 scholarship.

This makes the Coca-Cola Scholars Program one of the major scholarship opportunities for high-achieving U.S. high school seniors.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Eligibility 2027

To apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the foundation’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in high school or be homeschooled.
• Attend school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or eligible Department of Defense schools.
• Graduate from high school during the 2026–2027 academic school year.
• Expect to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year.
• Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
• Have a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework.
• Meet the applicable U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration-status requirements.

Who Is Eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to students who are:

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Nationals
• U.S. Permanent Residents
• Refugees
• Asylees
• Cuban-Haitian Entrants
• Humanitarian Parolees

Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility requirements by the application deadline.

Are International Students Eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

No.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is not open to international students.

The official eligibility requirements state that international students are not eligible, except for students attending eligible Department of Defense schools. U.S. citizens attending American or expatriate schools abroad are also not eligible for this particular scholarship.

Students studying at eligible schools in the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and qualifying Department of Defense schools may be considered if they meet all other requirements.

Coca-Cola Scholarship GPA Requirement

Applicants must be able to verify a minimum overall:

B / 3.0 GPA

in their high school coursework.

However, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee selection. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is highly competitive and evaluates applicants based on broader achievement, including leadership, academics and service.

What Does the Coca-Cola Scholarship Look For?

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship.

The foundation evaluates applicants based on qualities including:

Leadership

Students who have demonstrated leadership in their schools, organizations or communities.

Academic Achievement

Students who have demonstrated strong academic performance.

Community Service

Students who have contributed meaningfully to their communities.

Impact

The programme seeks students who demonstrate the capacity to make a significant positive difference in their schools and communities.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Application Deadline 2027

The application for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship opens on:

August 3, 2026

The deadline is:

September 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Applications must be submitted through the official application portal before the deadline. The application system will be unavailable after 5:00 PM Eastern on September 30, 2026.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Application Process

The selection process consists of multiple stages.

Phase 1: Online Application

The initial application period runs from August 3 through September 30, 2026.

At this stage, applicants do not need:

• Essays
• Transcripts
• Recommendation letters

The initial application focuses on collecting information about the applicant and their achievements. (Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

Phase 2: Semifinalists

Applicants are notified of their status by the end of October.

Approximately 1% of applicants become Semifinalists.

Semifinalists are invited to complete a second application in November, which includes:

• Essays
• Transcript
• Recommendation

Phase 3: Regional Finalists

Approximately 1,200 Semifinalists move through the next stage, with 250 students selected as Regional Finalists.

Regional Finalists participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholars alumni and staff in late January or early February. (Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation)

Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars

Following the interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited to Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April.

These students become the Coca-Cola Scholars for the 2027 class.

How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027

Students interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1

Check whether you meet all eligibility requirements.

Step 2

Prepare your academic and extracurricular information.

Step 3

Complete the online Coca-Cola Scholars application.

Step 4

Review your information carefully before submitting.

Step 5

Submit your application before September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

The application must be submitted through the official online portal. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation does not accept applications by email, fax or mail.

Important: The Coca-Cola Scholarship Is Not Need-Based

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is not an income- or need-based scholarship.

It is an achievement-based scholarship, with selection focused on:

• Leadership
• Academics
• Service

Therefore, students should focus their application profile on demonstrating meaningful achievements and impact rather than only financial circumstances.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship may be an excellent opportunity for high school students who have demonstrated:

• Strong academic performance
• Leadership in student organizations
• Community service
• Volunteer experience
• Entrepreneurial initiatives
• Social impact projects
• School leadership
• Youth advocacy
• Community development activities
• Commitment to helping others

Students should be able to demonstrate how their activities have created meaningful impact.

How to Make Your Coca-Cola Scholarship Application Stronger

Because the scholarship is highly competitive, students should start preparing well before the deadline.

1. Highlight Leadership

Do not simply list leadership positions.

Explain:

• What you led
• What problem you addressed
• What actions you took
• How many people benefited
• What results you achieved

2. Demonstrate Community Impact

Community service is important, but measurable impact can make an application more compelling.

For example, instead of simply saying:

Volunteered in my community.

Explain the specific project, your role and the people or community members who benefited.

3. Show Academic Commitment

Maintain strong academic performance and demonstrate intellectual curiosity through:

• Academic projects
• Competitions
• Research
• Independent learning
• Relevant extracurricular activities

4. Be Specific

Use concrete examples rather than generic descriptions.

5. Start Early

Although the first phase does not require essays, shortlisted applicants will later need to provide essays, transcripts and recommendations.

Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 FAQs

What is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?

It is an achievement-based scholarship programme that recognizes outstanding high school students for leadership, academics and service.

How much money does the Coca-Cola Scholarship provide?

Each of the 150 selected Coca-Cola Scholars receives a $20,000 college scholarship.

When is the Coca-Cola Scholarship deadline?

The deadline for the 2027 programme is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Who can apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

Current high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year who meet the programme’s location, citizenship/immigration status, GPA and college-enrollment requirements can apply.

Can international students apply?

No. International students are not eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship, except for students at eligible Department of Defense schools.

What is the minimum GPA?

Applicants must have at least a 3.0/B overall GPA in high school coursework.

Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship need-based?

No. It is an achievement-based scholarship evaluating leadership, academics and service.

Do I need an essay for the initial application?

No. The Phase 1 application does not require essays, transcripts or recommendations. Semifinalists will later be asked to provide essays, a transcript and a recommendation.

How many students receive the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars each year.

Can homeschooled students apply?

Yes. Homeschool students can apply if they satisfy all other eligibility requirements.

Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 – Key Facts

• Scholarship: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
• Award: $20,000
• Recipients: 150 students
• Level: Undergraduate
• Eligible Students: U.S. high school students meeting the programme requirements
• Graduation Year: 2026–2027
• Minimum GPA: 3.0/B
• Application Opens: August 3, 2026
• Deadline: September 30, 2026
• Selection Criteria: Leadership, academics and service
• International Students: Not eligible
• Application: Online
• Official Website: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Final Thoughts

The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 is a prestigious $20,000 college scholarship for high-achieving high school students in the United States.

The programme is especially suitable for students who have demonstrated a combination of academic achievement, leadership and community service. With only 150 scholars selected each year, competition is extremely strong.

Students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year should begin preparing their application information early and submit the online application before September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.