Coolidge Scholarship 2026

Overview

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride award for US high school juniors planning to enrol in college in autumn 2027. It is one of the most selective undergraduate scholarships in the country, with fewer than 1% of applicants receiving the award. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses at any accredited US college or university. The 2026 cycle closes 16 December 2026.

Benefits

• Full tuition, room, board, and required expenses at any accredited US four-year college or university.
• Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
• Membership in the Coolidge Senators community of past and current scholars.
• Funded summer enrichment opportunities for senators (book stipends, conferences, fellowship programmes).

Eligibility

• US citizen.
• High school junior at the time of application, planning to enrol in college in autumn 2027.
• Exceptional academic record (typically top 1% of class, strong standardised test scores).
• Demonstrated public-service or intellectual leadership.
• No financial-need test; awards are based on merit alone.

How to apply

1. Create an account at the Coolidge Scholarship application portal at the source link.
2. Complete the application: essays, academic records, list of activities, list of books read recently, and recommendations.
3. Submit before 16 December 2026.
4. Semifinalists are interviewed in spring 2027; finalists invited to Plymouth Notch, Vermont in summer 2027 for the final selection.