Start with programs that fit your student

The Class of 2027 does not share one national deadline. Some awards are open to seniors anywhere in the country. Others are state grants for residents only, and several amounts and rules are not fully set yet. Read each official page before your student spends time on an application.

A quick fit check

  • AFSA essay contest: grades 9-12, nationwide, except children of Foreign Service members.
  • Air Force ROTC: grade 12, U.S. citizens, with a 3.3 GPA and published test scores.
  • Utah, Missouri, Alabama, and Arkansas awards: residents of that state only.

Nationwide scholarships seniors can watch

AFSA National High School Essay Contest

The AFSA National High School Essay Contest, sponsored by the American Foreign Service Association, is open to students in grades 9-12 at U.S. public, private, parochial, or home schools, and to U.S. citizens abroad. Children of Foreign Service members are not eligible. The award is up to $2,500. The winner receives $2,500 plus a trip to Washington, D.C., and a Semester at Sea voyage.

The last cycle is closed, and winners are notified in June. The next deadline is not yet posted for 2027-2028. Confirm the date on the official AFSA page before your student starts an essay.

Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship

The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship is for grade 12 students and is open nationwide. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a 3.3 unweighted GPA. They also need an SAT score of 1310, an ACT score of 28, or a CLT score of 93, and they must pass a fitness assessment. It is merit-based.

The award covers tuition, which may be capped or uncapped, and may convert to room costs up to $10,000. It also includes a $900 book stipend and a monthly stipend of $300-$500. Dates for this cycle are not yet published on the official Air Force ROTC page. Check back rather than guessing a due date.

State aid tied to residency

These programs are only for students who meet that state's residency rules. If your family does not live in the state, skip that award and use the nationwide options above.

Utah Opportunity Scholarship

The Utah Opportunity Scholarship is for Utah high school graduates with a 3.3 GPA and three advanced courses (AP, IB, or CE) in math, science, and language arts. Your student submits the online application during senior year and the 2027-28 FAFSA.

The listed deadline is March 18, 2027, for the 2027-2028 award year. Confirm that date on the official Utah page. For the Class of 2026, the award was up to $800 per semester for four semesters, or $3,200. The Class of 2027 amount will be set later, so do not plan around the older figure.

Access Missouri

The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is for Missouri residents in grade 12. The amount varies, so see the official program page. Income, GPA, coursework, and school-type rules also vary by program. Check before you rely on this award.

File the 2027-28 FAFSA as early as possible, then check the Missouri higher education page for the state's deadline and any extra application.

Alabama Student Assistance Program

The Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is a need-based grant for Alabama residents attending eligible Alabama schools. Awards run from $300 to $5,000 per year. File the FAFSA, which opens October 1, and check the ASAP official page for the state's deadline and any extra application for 2027-28.

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is for Arkansas residents. The amount varies, and income, GPA, coursework, and school-type rules vary by program. File the 2027-28 FAFSA as early as possible and confirm the deadline and any extra form on the official Arkansas page.

What to do next

  • This fall, note that the Alabama program says the FAFSA opens October 1. File the 2027-28 FAFSA as early as you can if your student may use Utah, Missouri, Alabama, or Arkansas aid.
  • During senior year, compare your child's GPA and test scores with the Air Force ROTC rules (3.3 unweighted GPA; SAT 1310, ACT 28, or CLT 93) and, if you live in Utah, the 3.3 GPA plus three advanced courses.
  • In early 2027, revisit the AFSA and Air Force ROTC official pages, because those deadlines are not posted yet. Put March 18, 2027, on the calendar for the Utah Opportunity Scholarship, then confirm it on the official site.
  • For Missouri, Alabama, and Arkansas, do not assume one shared due date. Each page may list its own deadline and an extra application.