Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027: Eligibility, Deadline, and Application Steps

Last Updated: September 22, 2026 | Author: Munir Ardi

The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program application is open to eligible high school students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. The deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through the official online portal; the Foundation does not accept applications by mail, email, or fax.

Each year, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected to receive a $20,000 college scholarship. This is an achievement-based scholarship focused on leadership, academics, and service—not a need-based grant and not a random drawing. Start with the official Coca-Cola Scholars application and eligibility page.

Because this scholarship is highly selective, it should be one part of a broader plan. Review our undergraduate and career-specific college scholarship guide for additional funding routes, including federal, state, institutional, and private aid.

Who Is Eligible for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program?

Applicants must satisfy every published requirement by the deadline. For the 2027 award cycle, an applicant must:

• be a currently enrolled high school or home-schooled student attending school in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or an eligible Department of Defense school;
• expect to graduate during the 2026-2027 academic year and receive a high school diploma during that year;
• plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution;
• be able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework; and
• meet the program’s eligible-status requirement as a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee.

Students attending an American or expatriate school abroad are not eligible, except for students at select DoD schools. People who have already graduated from high school, temporary residents, and applicants whose eligible immigration status is still pending at the deadline are also excluded under the published rules.

Who is excluded because of a Coca-Cola affiliation?

The official rule excludes children or grandchildren of current employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, or its divisions or subsidiaries. It also excludes children or grandchildren of former employees who currently receive retirement benefits based on that Coca-Cola employment.

The rule does not say that having a sibling who works for Coca-Cola automatically disqualifies an applicant. If your family relationship is unusual or you are unsure how the rule applies, ask the Foundation before submitting.

Scholarship Amount and Permitted Uses

Each selected Scholar receives $20,000. According to the Foundation’s FAQ, recipients have up to 10 years to use the full award and may defer all or part of it during that period.

Funds may be used for tuition at an accredited college or university and for other educational expenses permitted by the Foundation, such as on-campus housing, a computer, or textbooks. Do not describe the award as unrestricted cash. Recipients should follow the Foundation’s current payment and expense rules before making a purchase or signing a housing agreement.

The Four Selection Phases

Dates and selection details can change. Use the official application page and messages sent by the Foundation for the current cycle.

For context, the Foundation reported more than 107,000 applicants, 1,238 Semifinalists, and 250 Regional Finalists for the 2026 class before selecting 150 Scholars. Those numbers show that the program is highly selective, but they do not predict any individual applicant’s chances in 2027.

What the Foundation Actually Looks For

The Foundation describes successful applicants as well-rounded, bright young leaders who excel academically, participate actively in their schools and communities, show curiosity and service, and demonstrate sustained commitment and positive impact.

That does not mean applicants must create a nonprofit, feed a specified number of families, hold a particular title, or fit a secret psychological profile. The Foundation does not publish an algorithm, point system, or guaranteed formula. Present your genuine record accurately instead of manufacturing a project to resemble a supposed winning profile.

How to present activities accurately

• Use records you can support. Check calendars, activity logs, employment records, award notices, and messages before entering dates or hours.
• Separate participation from leadership. State your actual role and explain what you were responsible for.
• Describe outcomes without exaggeration. Use a number only when you can reasonably document or explain it.
• Include responsibilities outside school. Employment, family responsibilities, faith-community work, and community activities may help explain how you use your time.
• Read every field instruction. The Foundation explains where to enter school-sponsored and community activities.

How to Complete Phase 1 Before the Deadline

1. Take the eligibility check first. Do not spend time on the form until you know you meet the published requirements.
2. Use the official portal. The Foundation does not accept paper, email, fax, or supplemental submissions for Phase 1.
3. Gather your academic and activity information. Prepare course details, grades, school activities, community activities, employment, honors, and time commitments before entering them.
4. Save regularly. The Foundation says the system autosaves but recommends using the save button every 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Submit before September 30. Do not treat 5:00 p.m. Eastern as a flexible deadline. Leave time to resolve login, browser, or connectivity problems.
6. Save confirmation records. Keep the submission confirmation and the email address used for the application.

Do not send an essay, transcript, resume, or recommendation for Phase 1. The Foundation states that it will not accept extra material submitted to supplement the initial online application.

If You Advance to the Semifinalist Round

Semifinalists are invited to complete a second application with essays, a transcript, and a recommendation. The public selection page uses the singular word “recommendation”; follow the actual Phase 2 instructions rather than assuming multiple letters are required.

Prepare by identifying an appropriate recommender, checking how to request an official transcript, and organizing examples that demonstrate sustained leadership and service. Do not ask anyone to submit a recommendation until the Foundation provides the relevant instructions and deadline.

Plan for Other College Aid

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is not need-based and does not replace the FAFSA or your college’s financial aid process. Complete the FAFSA when eligible, meet institutional deadlines, compare aid offers, and keep applying for awards that match your circumstances.

If you are already beyond your senior year, this program is not available to you. Our guide to scholarships for college sophomores provides a more relevant path for currently enrolled students.

A Muslim Perspective

A scholarship is generally an education award that does not require repayment, so it is different from an interest-bearing student loan. Muslim applicants should still treat all application statements and reported service hours as an amanah: provide accurate information, follow the permitted-use rules, and do not assume an award before receiving official confirmation.

Winning the scholarship may reduce the amount a student needs to borrow, but no applicant should describe it as guaranteed or label every financial arrangement halal or haram without reviewing its terms. Families seeking to avoid riba can combine scholarships, institutional grants, savings, payment plans, community assistance, and other options, then consult a qualified Islamic finance scholar about any proposed financing contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars application open?

Yes. As of September 22, 2026, the application is open to eligible students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. The deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

How much is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program award?

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

What GPA is required?

An applicant must be able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee advancement or selection.

Does the initial application require an essay or recommendation?

No. Phase 1 requires no essay, transcript, or recommendation. Applicants who become Semifinalists are invited to submit essays, a transcript, and a recommendation in Phase 2.

Can international students apply?

The program is not open generally to international students. Applicants must meet one of the eligible citizenship or immigration categories and attend an eligible school location. Students at select DoD schools may qualify, but U.S. citizens attending other American or expatriate schools abroad are not eligible.

Can children of Coca-Cola employees apply?

Children or grandchildren of the Coca-Cola employees, officers, owners, or qualifying retirees described in the official exclusions cannot apply. Review the exact affiliation rules or ask the Foundation if your situation is unclear.

Can the scholarship pay for housing or a computer?

The Foundation says funds may be used for tuition and approved educational expenses such as on-campus housing, a computer, or textbooks. Recipients should confirm the current payment and expense rules before spending the award.