The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2025-2026 in the USA is a prestigious opportunity for high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to the scholarship, including essential details, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and tips for a successful application.

Basic Information about the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2025-2026

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship awards $20,000 to high school seniors graduating in the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship aims to support exceptional students dedicated to leadership, service, and making positive contributions to their communities. The application period for the 2026 award is open from August 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, with the deadline at 5 PM Eastern Time on September 30, 2025.

University/Institution Details

The scholarship is applicable to students who plan to attend accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions, including public and private universities across the United States. Recipients have the freedom to choose any college or university in the USA that best suits their academic and career goals.

Study Areas Available

The Coca-Cola Scholarship does not restrict recipients to specific fields of study. Scholarship winners are free to pursue degrees in diverse academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

Business Administration
Engineering
Computer Science
Health Sciences
Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Education
Environmental Science
Technology and Innovation
Public Service

This flexibility allows recipients to choose programs aligned with their passions and future ambitions.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Benefits

The Coca-Cola Scholarship offers several key benefits, including:

A $20,000 scholarship award for one year, which can be renewed depending on the institution’s policies.
Access to the Coca-Cola Scholars network, a prestigious group of alumni engaged in community leadership and professional development.
Invitations to exclusive receptions and leadership summits every five years.
Opportunities to build lifelong friendships and professional connections.
Recognition as a Coca-Cola Scholar, which can bolster a student’s resume and college applications.

Benefits Not Included

While the scholarship provides significant financial support for educational expenses, certain costs are not covered, such as:

Room and board (unless the institution counts this as part of educational expenses)
Travel expenses to and from campus
Personal expenses unrelated to education
Health insurance (unless mandated by the institution)
Additional fees outside standard tuition and educational costs

Eligibility Criteria for Coca-Cola Scholarship

To qualify for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2025-2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a high school senior attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select Department of Defense schools.
Graduate during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Be 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.
Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (unweighted).
Not be children or grandchildren of current employees or retirees of Coca-Cola or its bottling companies.
Not be international students attending U.S. schools abroad (with exceptions for some DoD schools).
Not have already graduated from high school.

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal:

Official high school transcripts showing academic performance and GPA.
Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to the applicant’s leadership and character.
A personal essay detailing leadership experiences, community involvement, and future goals.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or residency status.
A resume that includes extracurricular activities, achievements, and volunteer work.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Check Eligibility: Verify that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Visit the Official Website: Go to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website or the application portal at Cokeurl.com/Apply2026.
Create an Account: Register with a valid email address to start your application.
Complete the Online Application: Fill out personal information, academic details, and essays.
Upload Required Documents: Submit transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of residency, and resume.
Review and Submit: Carefully review all information and documents before final submission.
Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by 5 PM Eastern, September 30, 2025.
Wait for Notification: Finalists and selected scholars will be contacted through provided emails and phone numbers.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start early to gather necessary documents and recommendations.
Write a compelling and honest personal essay highlighting leadership and community impact.
Maintain a strong academic record throughout the final year.
Request recommendations from mentors who know you well and can provide detailed insights.
Double-check all information for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Show passion and commitment to your goals and their broader societal impact.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in the USA (Estimated in USD)

Though the Coca-Cola Scholarship primarily targets U.S. students, understanding living costs is important for budgeting:

Housing (on/off-campus): $800 – $1,500
Food: $300 – $600
Transportation: $50 – $100
Utilities and Internet: $100 – $150
Books and Supplies: $100 – $200
Personal Expenses: $200 – $400

Average monthly expenses range between $1,550 and $2,950 depending on the location and lifestyle.

Why Choose the Coca-Cola Scholarship? Five Reasons

Generous Financial Support: $20,000 scholarship helps reduce the burden of college costs.
Prestigious Recognition: Being a Coca-Cola Scholar is a prestigious honor recognized by universities and employers.
Leadership Development: Access to leadership summits and networking events sharpens personal and professional skills.
Robust Alumni Network: Membership in an influential and supportive scholar community.
Flexible Academic Choices: Recipients can pursue degrees in any field of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can international students apply?
A: No, the scholarship is primarily for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, with few exceptions for select DoD schools.

Q: Is the scholarship renewable for more than one year?
A: Typically, the scholarship is awarded for one year, but recipients may check with their institution for renewal opportunities.

Q: How competitive is the scholarship?
A: Extremely competitive, with over 105,000 applicants annually and only about 150 winners selected.

Q: What if I am homeschooled?
A: Homeschooled students in the U.S. who meet eligibility and graduation criteria can apply.

Q: Are part-time students eligible?
A: No, applicants must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution.

Official Link:

Applying for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2025-2026 is a great opportunity for high-achieving U.S. high school seniors to gain financial support while joining a network of future leaders. Starting your application early and following the guidelines can greatly improve your chances of becoming one of the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholars. Good luck!

Coca-Cola Scholarship 2025-2026 in the USA