The American College Foundation opened its 17th Visionary Scholarship for the 2027–28 cycle. High-school students in the graduating classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 may apply at no cost. The fall deadline is October 31, 2026; the Foundation says it will select five awards for this deadline and notify recipients by December 15.
Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 per recipient and are one-time, nonrenewable grants. Funds are paid directly to the accredited U.S. institution and applied to first-year higher-education costs. For recipients who are not yet seniors, the Foundation says it holds the award until they complete high school and begin college.
Selection considers following the guidelines, grammar and punctuation, and especially the originality and merit of the essay. The FAQ warns that applicants with incomplete forms will not be notified, so students should confirm every step is finished before the deadline. The Foundation publishes resources for counselors and students, but these do not replace the application instructions.
Applicants not selected may apply again in the spring cycle, with ten awards announced annually in total. Because the fall deadline is close, the practical priority is to review the essay, follow formatting rules, submit the complete application by October 31, and keep proof of receipt. The Foundation’s public information does not describe a financial-need test, so this should not be presented as an income-based scholarship.
Before applying, confirm eligibility, documents, the deadline, and time zone on the current-cycle page. Keep a copy of the form and receipts, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA, other scholarships, and the full cost of attendance.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the funds coordinate.
Visionary Scholarship details — American College Foundation.
Student FAQs — American College Foundation.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, eligibility, and deadlines can change; verify the current cycle with the administrator before submitting documents or making enrollment decisions.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps on the official source before relying on the funds for tuition.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
American College Foundation 17th Annual Visionary Scholarship
The American College Foundation opened its 17th Visionary Scholarship for the 2027–28 cycle. High-school students in the graduating classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 may apply at no cost. The fall deadline is October 31, 2026; the Foundation says it will select five awards for this deadline and notify recipients by December 15. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 per recipient and are one-time, nonrenewable grants. Funds are paid directly to the accredited U.S. institution
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
American College Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
American College Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of American College Foundation 17th Annual Visionary Scholarship ↗
Primary source
American College Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of American College Foundation 17th Annual Visionary Scholarship ↗
Primary source
American College Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.