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
About 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 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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Scholarship and college-aid program