The Elks National Foundation offers 500 Most Valuable Student scholarships to high-school seniors planning full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. college or university. For the 2027 competition, applications are due November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants and their families do not need to belong to the Elks. U.S. citizenship is required; permanent residency alone does not meet that requirement.
National awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year for four years; the top 20 finalists may receive $30,000 each. The Foundation distinguishes these 500 national awards from separate scholarships that local lodges, districts, or state associations may offer under their own rules. National judging considers academics, leadership, and financial need, so read the application guide carefully and do not confuse a local award with the national competition.
The application platform shows status updates and may require a counselor report; students must make sure that report is submitted by the deadline as well. A FAFSA Submission Summary is requested from applicants who advance to later stages, not as a substitute for the initial application. If you have already graduated and are taking a gap year, the rules say you are not eligible: this opportunity is for current seniors.
Before committing, compare net cost with the written aid offer and confirm dates, renewal, eligible expenses, and obligations directly with the program and college financial-aid office.
Read the scholarship profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before committing.
Most Valuable Student 2027: convocatoria y premios — Elks National Foundation.
Preguntas frecuentes MVS — Elks National Foundation.
FAFSA — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
Research checked October 13, 2026. Deadlines and requirements refer to the stated cycle; some programs are already closed or will open later. Do not pay to apply or assume eligibility from an estimate: confirm the cycle, documents, eligible costs, and terms on the official portal.
Verify your fund’s criteria, cycle deadlines, and remaining balance after aid before making a decision.
Options to compare
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Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation offers 500 Most Valuable Student scholarships to high-school seniors planning full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. college or university. For the 2027 competition, applications are due November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants and their families do not need to belong to the Elks. U.S. citizenship is required; permanent residency alone does not meet that requirement. National awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per yea
Scholarship and college-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.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Elks National Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Elks National Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Elks National Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Elks National Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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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.
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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.