GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship 2027: $10,000 a Year, Deadline January 7, 2027

The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship 2027 pays $10,000 a year — up to $40,000 over four years — to high school seniors who show leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. The deadline is January 7, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. EST, and you can start your application now through the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, reaganfoundation.org.

Quick answer: The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship awards $10,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years (up to $40,000 total), to US citizens in their senior year of high school who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year US college in fall 2027. Applications opened October 12, 2026 and close January 7, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Apply at reaganfoundation.org.

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GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship 2027: Quick Facts

Award: $10,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years (up to $40,000 total)
Deadline: January 7, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. EST
Applications opened: October 12, 2026
Who can apply: US citizens in their senior year of high school, planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year US college or university in fall 2027
Minimum GPA: 3.0
What it rewards: Leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship
Where to apply: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, at reaganfoundation.org
Decisions: All applicants notified by March 1, 2027; recipients notified by April 30, 2027
Cost to apply: Free — never pay to apply for a scholarship

What Is the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship?

The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program honors the legacy of President Ronald Reagan by supporting young people who show the same qualities he valued: leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. The program is run by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, and it is one of the most respected national scholarships for high school seniors.

Each year, the program selects a group of recipients from across the United States. Each recipient receives $10,000 per year, and the award can be renewed for up to three additional years, for a total of up to $40,000 over a four-year degree. The scholarship is paid to the student's college and can be used for tuition and other education costs.

Unlike scholarships that reward grades alone, the GE-Reagan program looks for character. The foundation states that it seeks students who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship — the four qualities that defined President Reagan's public life. That means students who lead in their schools and communities, who work hard toward clear goals, and who act with honesty and service to others have a real chance, even if they are not at the very top of their class. If you are also considering other leadership-based awards, our guide to the Ron Brown Scholar Program covers another national scholarship that rewards leadership and service.

How Much Is the GE-Reagan Scholarship Worth?

The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is worth $10,000 per year. The award is renewable for up to three additional years, so a student who maintains eligibility can receive up to $40,000 over four years of undergraduate study. Renewal depends on staying enrolled full-time and meeting the program's academic and conduct requirements.

A $10,000 annual award makes a real difference. At many public universities, it can cover a large share of tuition, and at any college it reduces the amount a family must borrow. Because the award renews, students can plan their whole degree around it, rather than treating it as a one-time payment.

The scholarship is also compatible with other aid. Students can combine it with federal grants, state aid and other scholarships. Our guide explains how to complete the 2027–28 FAFSA, which you will need to unlock most need-based aid, including the Pell Grant.

Who Is Eligible for the GE-Reagan Scholarship?

To apply for the 2027 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements, as published by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation:

Be a citizen of the United States.
Be a current high school senior.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the 2027–28 academic year.
Demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship in your school and community.

The program does not require a specific major, test score or family income level. Selection is based on the four qualities named above, along with academic performance. Students from every state are welcome to apply, and the foundation encourages applications from students of all backgrounds.

Because the award is for students entering a four-year college, it is not open to students planning to attend a two-year college or a vocational program only. If a two-year or vocational path fits you better, the Burger King Scholars Program accepts students enrolling at two-year colleges and vocational-technical schools.

How to Apply for the GE-Reagan Scholarship

Applications for the 2027 cycle opened on October 12, 2026 and close on January 7, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Here is how to apply:

Go to the official application page. Apply through the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship page on reaganfoundation.org.
Complete the application. You will provide your academic record, activities, leadership and service history, and essays about your goals and values.
Submit before the deadline. The application must be submitted by January 7, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Do not wait until the final day — application systems slow down near deadlines.
Wait for the semifinalist decision. The foundation notifies all applicants of their status by March 1, 2027. Semifinalists are asked to submit a recommendation, transcript, financial documentation and a values statement by mid-March 2027.
Finalist interviews. Finalists are interviewed, and recipients are notified by April 30, 2027.

There is no application fee. For the most current instructions and the official application link, always check the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship page on reaganfoundation.org.

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What Makes a Strong GE-Reagan Application?

The foundation selects for leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. A strong application shows all four:

Leadership. Real examples of leading — a team, a club, a project, a job or a community effort — with results you can describe.
Drive. Evidence that you set goals and work hard to reach them: improving grades, learning a skill, starting something new, or overcoming a setback.
Integrity. Honest, specific essays in your own voice, and recommendations from people who can speak to your character.
Citizenship. Service to your school and community: volunteering, helping others, and taking part in civic life.

The values statement that semifinalists submit is an important part of the review. Start thinking now about the values that guide you and the examples that show them. Ask a teacher, coach or mentor who knows you well to write your recommendation, and give them at least three weeks.

Important Dates for the GE-Reagan Scholarship 2027

October 12, 2026: Applications opened.
January 7, 2027, 3:00 p.m. EST: Application deadline.
By March 1, 2027: All applicants are notified of their status.
Mid-March 2027: Semifinalists submit a recommendation, transcript, financial documentation and values statement.
By April 30, 2027: Recipients are notified.
Fall 2027: Recipients enroll at their chosen four-year colleges.

If you are applying to several awards at once, keep a single calendar with every deadline. Our roundup of scholarships with deadlines from November 2026 to March 2027 lists the major national deadlines in one place.

Never Pay to Apply for a Scholarship

A real scholarship never charges an application fee. The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is free to apply for, and so is every legitimate national scholarship. If a website, message or person asks you to pay a fee, buy a product or share bank details to apply, it is a scam. Walk away, and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Be careful with services that promise to find scholarships for a fee or guarantee that you will win. No one can guarantee a scholarship. Use free, trusted resources: the FAFSA, your school counselor and the official program websites, including reaganfoundation.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship 2027?

January 7, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. EST. Applications opened October 12, 2026. Late applications are not accepted.

How much is the GE-Reagan Scholarship worth?

$10,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years — up to $40,000 in total over four years of undergraduate study.

Who is eligible for the GE-Reagan Scholarship?

US citizens in their senior year of high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year US college or university in fall 2027.

How do I apply for the GE-Reagan Scholarship?

Apply through the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship page on reaganfoundation.org. Semifinalists are asked for a recommendation, transcript, financial documentation and a values statement.

When will I find out if I won?

All applicants are notified by March 1, 2027. Finalists are interviewed, and recipients are notified by April 30, 2027.

Is the GE-Reagan Scholarship free to apply for?

Yes. There is no application fee. Never pay to apply for a scholarship — any request for payment is a sign of a scam.

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