The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 is now open for high school seniors across the United States. Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation selects 150 students to receive $20,000 toward their college education. Unlike many awards, this scholarship is achievement-based, so it rewards leadership, academics, and service rather than financial need.
Since 1986, the Foundation has awarded more than $90 million to over 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars. In fact, it now ranks among the most competitive scholarships in the country. Still, the first step is refreshingly simple: Phase 1 asks for no essays, no transcript, and no recommendation letters.
Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and close on September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern. Below, you will find the eligibility rules, the four-phase selection process, and how to apply. Meanwhile, if you want to compare it against another prestigious option, take a look at the Chevening Scholarship 2027 in the UK.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United States
- Academic Year: 2026–2027 (graduating seniors)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Achievement-Based)
- Number of Awards: 150
- Award Amount: $20,000 per scholar
- Opening Date: August 3, 2026
- Deadline: September 30, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern
- Administered By: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
About the Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program began in 1986, when Coca-Cola bottlers marked the company’s upcoming centennial with a major gift toward student scholarships. Today, the Foundation still funds it, and it has grown into one of the most respected achievement-based scholarships in the country.
Each year, 150 graduating high school seniors receive $20,000 to put toward their undergraduate education. Notably, scholars can use the award over a full 10-year window, so they may defer part or all of it if their plans change.
Because the program values leadership and service as much as grades, it attracts a huge applicant pool. Last cycle alone, over 107,000 students applied. As a result, only a small fraction advance past the first round, so a strong, specific application matters from the start.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, you generally need to:
- Be a currently enrolled high school or home-schooled student attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools
- Be graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year (students who already graduated are not eligible)
- Hold status as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee
- Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
- Verify a minimum overall B average, or a 3.0 unweighted GPA, in your high school coursework
You cannot apply, however, if you already graduated high school, hold only temporary residency status, or are the child or grandchild of a current or retired employee of a Coca-Cola bottling company or its divisions. Similarly, international students are not eligible, except for students attending select DoD schools abroad.
What’s Covered (Benefits)
- A one-time award of $20,000 per selected scholar
- Flexible use over a 10-year window, so scholars can defer part or all of the award
- Membership in a nationwide community of more than 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars
- Invitation to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm your selection
Not covered: the award does not cover full tuition at every school, and the Foundation does not guarantee campus housing, travel costs outside the required Atlanta weekend, or ongoing mentorship stipends. Since the scholarship is a fixed one-time amount, it’s worth pairing your application strategy with other awards, such as the University of Milan DSU Scholarship 2026/27 in Italy if you are also considering study abroad.
The Four-Phase Selection Process
Phase 1: Online Application (August 3 – September 30, 2026) You simply complete the online application. Notably, this phase requires no essays, no transcript, and no recommendation letters, so it takes far less time than most competitive scholarships.
Phase 2: Semifinalists (October–November 2026) By the end of October, the Foundation notifies every applicant of their status. Around 1% of applicants, roughly 1,200 students, advance as Semifinalists. At this stage, you must submit essays, a transcript, and one recommendation letter.
Phase 3: Regional Finalists (January–February 2027) From the semifinalist pool, 250 students advance as Regional Finalists. Then, each finalist completes an interview with Coke Scholar alumni and Foundation staff.
Phase 4: Coke Scholars (April 2027) Finally, 150 Regional Finalists receive an invitation to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta. There, the Foundation confirms their selection as official Coca-Cola Scholars.
How to Apply
- First, confirm you meet every eligibility requirement listed above, since the Foundation checks these carefully.
- Next, create an account on the official application portal once it opens.
- Then, complete the Phase 1 application between August 3 and September 30, 2026. Remember, no essays or documents are needed at this stage.
- If the Foundation names you a Semifinalist, submit your Phase 2 essays, transcript, and recommendation letter by the November deadline.
- Finally, if you advance to Phase 3, prepare thoroughly for your regional interview.
The Foundation accepts applications through its official portal only. So, it does not accept applications by email, fax, or mail, and it does not review extra materials submitted outside the system.