The Gates Scholarship provides last-dollar funding for certain high-school graduates: it calculates the cost of attendance remaining after other aid and the student contribution determined through FAFSA or the college. It is not one fixed cash award for every winner. The 2026 application opened July 15 and closed September 15; the full profile explains the criteria and stages following that expired date.
Published basic eligibility requires being a high-school senior, Pell-eligible, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and having at least a 3.3 weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Students must plan full-time enrollment in a four-year bachelor’s program at an accredited U.S. public or nonprofit private institution. The organization describes leadership, outstanding academic performance—ideally top 10%—and perseverance as characteristics of an ideal candidate, not substitutes for mandatory criteria.
“Last dollar” means the award fills the remaining cost of attendance after other aid and the Student Aid Index contribution are considered. That budget may include tuition, fees, books, housing, food, and some personal costs. The college sets its official cost and certifies resources, so an offer can vary by student. Share the award letter with the financial-aid office and confirm which scholarships must be disclosed in its calculation.
The portal listed semifinalists in December–January, finalist interviews in March 2027, and selections in April, with awards in summer. That sequence belongs to the 2026 cycle and does not confirm a future application opening. Current applicants should monitor the portal, respond to document requests, and follow interview instructions. Students who missed September 15 must wait for the next official calendar and avoid submitting personal information through ads or social accounts that have not been verified.
Because the scholarship is highly competitive and its requirements are cumulative, build parallel options: Pell, state aid, college scholarships, and local programs. Pell eligibility is determined by a specific federal calculation; it cannot be inferred from gross family income alone. Check the official Help Center for definitions and documents. Do not pay a company that promises to “guarantee” a scholarship. When Gates posts its next cohort, recheck GPA, citizenship, deadline, and program requirements before preparing an application.
The Gates Scholarship — The Gates Scholarship.
Student Eligibility Help Center — The Gates Scholarship.
Information checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Dates and requirements may change by cohort; the 2026 Coca-Cola and Gates application windows have closed.
The 2026 cycle is closed and no next date is posted; pursue federal, state, and college aid while you wait.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
The Gates Scholarship
1411 W. 190th St., Suite 700, Gardena, CA 90248
Basic criteria: high-school senior, Pell eligibility, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, at least a 3.3 weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale, and plans for full-time enrollment in a four-year program at an accredited nonprofit college. The scholarship covers cost of attendance not met by other aid or SAI; the application is closed.
National last-dollar scholarship for Pell-eligible high-school seniors with strong academic records
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
The Gates Scholarship · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
The Gates Scholarship · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
The Gates Scholarship · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of The Gates Scholarship ↗
Primary source
The Gates Scholarship · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of The Gates Scholarship ↗
Primary source
The Gates Scholarship · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of The Gates Scholarship ↗
Primary source
HSF Technologies · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.