Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 ($20,000 Scholarship)
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 offers a $20,000 college scholarship to selected high school seniors who show strong academic performance, leadership, and community service. For the 2027 award cycle, the scholarship is open to eligible students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Unlike need-based financial aid, this program is achievement-based. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation says students are evaluated for their academic excellence, leadership, service, and positive impact on their schools and communities.
The 2027 application deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The application is submitted online through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 at a Glance
| Scholarship | Coca-Cola Scholars Program |
|---|---|
| Award | $20,000 |
| Study Level | High school seniors |
| Academic Year | 2026–2027 graduating class |
| Scholarship Type | Achievement-based |
| Number of Scholars | 150 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 unweighted GPA |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Application Method | Online |
| Study Location | Accredited U.S. post-secondary institution |
| International Students | Not eligible, except students at eligible DoD schools |
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation selects 150 students each year for the $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship. The award is intended for students in their final year of high school who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
What Is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a national achievement-based scholarship program operated by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. It supports high school seniors who have demonstrated academic ability, leadership, and meaningful service to their schools and communities.
The scholarship is different from an income-based award. Financial need is not the main selection criterion. According to the Foundation, successful applicants are well-rounded students who perform strongly in school and have shown a sustained commitment to helping others.
The Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in scholarships since its founding in 1986, according to its current program information.
For students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars, the scholarship provides $20,000 for college. The Foundation also describes additional opportunities for scholars to remain connected through its alumni community, leadership development, and other activities.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Benefits
The main benefit of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the $20,000 college scholarship.
The Foundation states that recipients can use the scholarship toward tuition and other approved educational expenses. Its FAQ explains that scholars have up to 10 years to use their full award and may defer all or part of the award within that period.
Depending on the applicable scholarship rules, educational expenses can include:
- College tuition
- On-campus housing
- Textbooks
- A computer
- Other approved educational costs
The scholarship is therefore more flexible than an award restricted only to tuition. Students should review the Foundation’s current rules before deciding how to use the funds.
Additional Scholar Opportunities
The program is also designed to connect recipients with a wider community of Coca-Cola Scholars.
The Foundation highlights opportunities such as alumni networking, professional and personal development programs, coaching, and leadership activities. These opportunities are separate from the monetary value of the scholarship but form part of the broader scholar experience.
Who Can Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 has specific eligibility rules. Meeting the minimum GPA alone does not make a student eligible.
For the 2027 cycle, applicants must generally meet all of the following conditions:
- Be currently enrolled in high school or be a homeschool student.
- Be graduating during the 2026–2027 academic school year.
- Attend high school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or an eligible Department of Defense school.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee under the eligibility rules specified by the Foundation.
- Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
- Have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA or equivalent B average in high school coursework.
The Foundation also confirms that students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible for this award.
Who Is Not Eligible?
There are several important exclusions that applicants should check before starting the application.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program does not accept applications from:
- International students, except students attending eligible Department of Defense schools.
- Students who have already graduated from high school.
- Temporary residents who do not meet the specified citizenship or immigration categories.
- U.S. citizens attending an American or expatriate school abroad.
- Students who do not meet the required graduation-year conditions.
- Children or grandchildren of certain current or retired Coca-Cola company employees, officers, owners, and related bottling-company personnel, as specified by the Foundation.
Students should check the official eligibility requirements carefully because citizenship, school location, and graduation status all matter.
Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship Open to International Students?
No. This is one of the most important points for international applicants.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is not a general international scholarship. The Foundation states that international students are not eligible, with an exception for students attending eligible Department of Defense schools.
Even a U.S. citizen studying at an American or expatriate school outside the eligible school locations may not qualify. The Foundation specifically limits consideration to students attending school in the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or selected DoD schools abroad.
Therefore, students living in countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, or other countries should not assume they can apply simply because they plan to study at a U.S. university.
What Does the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Look For?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is achievement-based, but the selection is not based on grades alone.
The Foundation says it looks for students who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Service
- Positive impact on their schools and communities
- A sustained commitment to community involvement
- Curiosity and initiative
This means applicants should think about the story behind their activities rather than simply creating a long list of clubs or volunteer positions.
For example, an activity can be more meaningful when an applicant can clearly explain what they did, who benefited, what problem they addressed, and what changed because of their work.
The Foundation’s published selection information describes scholars as students who are academically strong and actively involved in their schools and communities.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 Application Process
The application process has multiple phases. The first application is relatively straightforward because the Foundation does not require essays, transcripts, or recommendations during Phase 1.
Phase 1: Online Application
The first phase is the initial online application.
For the 2027 program, the application opened on August 3, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2026.
During this stage, applicants provide the information requested through the official online application. The Foundation states that Phase 1 does not require essays, a transcript, or recommendation letters.
Phase 2: Semifinalists
After the first application period closes, applicants are notified about their status.
Approximately 1% of applicants are selected as semifinalists. These students are invited to complete a second application that includes additional materials such as:
- Essays
- Transcript
- Recommendation
The Phase 2 application is due in November according to the Foundation’s published selection process.
Phase 3: Regional Finalists
From the semifinalist group, 250 students advance to the regional finalist stage.
These students participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff. The Foundation currently describes these interviews as taking place in late January or early February.
Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars
Following the interviews, 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.
The selected students are invited to Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. After completing the required Scholars Weekend activities, they are officially named Coca-Cola Scholars and receive the $20,000 college scholarship.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 Deadline
The official deadline for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is:
September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Foundation states that the application becomes unavailable after the deadline. Students should therefore avoid waiting until the final minutes to submit their application.
Because the deadline is based on Eastern Time in the United States, applicants outside the U.S. should convert the deadline carefully to their own time zone.
How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027
Students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply through the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation application system.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting, confirm your graduation year, school location, citizenship or immigration status, GPA, and intended college plans.
This is especially important because the scholarship is not open to international students generally.
Step 2: Open the Official Application
Go to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation’s official application page and access the 2027 application.
The Foundation states that applications must be submitted online. Paper applications, email submissions, fax submissions, and additional materials sent separately are not accepted.
Step 3: Complete Phase 1
Provide the information requested in the online application.
At this stage, the Foundation does not require essays, transcripts, or recommendation letters. Take your time and make sure the information you provide is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit the application before 5:00 p.m. Eastern on September 30, 2026.
Do not assume that an incomplete application will be accepted after the deadline. The Foundation states that the application system will become unavailable after the deadline.
Step 5: Watch for Selection Updates
After Phase 1, applicants will be notified about their status.
Students selected as semifinalists will receive instructions for the next stage, including the Phase 2 application and supporting materials.
Important Tips for Applicants
A strong application for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program should give a clear picture of the student’s achievements and community involvement.
Here are some practical points to keep in mind:
Focus on real impact: Do not simply list activities. Think about what you actually contributed.
Show consistency: Long-term involvement in a project or community activity can help demonstrate commitment.
Explain leadership clearly: Leadership does not always mean having a formal title. It can also involve organizing a project, helping others, starting an initiative, or solving a problem.
Keep academic information accurate: Make sure your GPA and school information match your official records.
Avoid exaggeration: Scholarship applications should describe genuine achievements. Do not inflate responsibilities, volunteer hours, awards, or community impact.
Start before the deadline: Even though Phase 1 does not require essays, leaving the application until the final day can create unnecessary problems.
Is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Need-Based?
No. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship rather than a need-based scholarship.
The Foundation says applicants are evaluated on leadership, academics, and service. Financial need is therefore not the central eligibility criterion for this particular award.
Students should also remember that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers several programs, and their eligibility and application processes can differ. The $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholars Program is specifically aimed at eligible high school seniors.
Can Homeschool Students Apply?
Yes. Homeschool students can apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
The Foundation provides specific guidance for homeschool applicants, including how to identify a principal or counselor in the application. Students should follow the instructions in the application carefully and provide accurate information about their homeschool program.
What Happens After Winning?
Students selected for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program receive the $20,000 scholarship and become part of the Coca-Cola Scholars community.
The Foundation also provides opportunities for scholars to stay connected after selection. These include alumni activities, coaching, professional and personal development opportunities, and leadership programs.
The scholarship can be used within the Foundation’s stated rules and timeframe. According to its FAQ, scholars have up to 10 years to use the full award and may defer all or part of the scholarship during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027?
It is an achievement-based college scholarship that awards $20,000 to 150 selected high school seniors who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
2. How much is the Coca-Cola Scholars scholarship?
Each selected Coca-Cola Scholar receives a $20,000 college scholarship.
3. What is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 deadline?
The deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
4. Can international students apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
Generally, no. The program is limited to eligible students attending high school in the United States, Puerto Rico, or selected Department of Defense schools abroad. The Foundation also has specific citizenship and immigration requirements.
5. What GPA is required for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
Applicants must be able to verify at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA or equivalent B average in high school coursework.
6. Is the Coca-Cola scholarship need-based?
No. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is achievement-based and considers academics, leadership, and service.
7. Do I need an essay for the first Coca-Cola Scholars application?
No. The Foundation states that Phase 1 does not require essays, transcripts, or recommendation letters. Additional materials are required later for students selected as semifinalists.
8. Can homeschool students apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
Yes. Homeschool students can apply if they meet all other eligibility requirements and follow the Foundation’s application instructions.
Official Sources
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — Official 2027 Application
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — Official FAQ
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is a $20,000 achievement-based scholarship for eligible high school seniors graduating during the 2026–2027 school year. The program places particular importance on academics, leadership, service, and meaningful involvement in the community.
For the 2027 cycle, the application deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Students should carefully review the eligibility rules before applying, especially the requirements related to school location and citizenship.
Because this scholarship is highly selective, applicants should focus on presenting their genuine academic achievements, leadership experiences, and community service clearly. Most importantly, students should use the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website for the latest application instructions rather than relying on outdated scholarship posts or third-party summaries.