Each year, thousands of high school students dream of earning a full-ride college scholarship; one that rewards not just grades, but also character, leadership, and integrity. Among the few scholarships that meet this high standard is the Coolidge Scholarship, one of the most prestigious and generous undergraduate awards in the United States.
Named after President Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, the Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, merit-based scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited U.S. college or university.
Unlike many scholarships that focus heavily on financial need or athletic talent, this one rewards academic excellence, service, humility, and strong moral character; values that reflect the life and leadership of President Coolidge himself.
What Is the Coolidge Scholarship?
The Coolidge Scholarship is administered by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes the legacy and values of President Coolidge. The scholarship was established in 2016 and quickly became known for its high academic and moral standards.
Key Facts:
- Covers: Full tuition, room, board, and additional expenses for four years
- Eligible Schools: Any accredited college or university in the United States
- Open To: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
- Selection Based On: Academic achievement, leadership, service, and character
- Renewable: Yes, for four years, based on satisfactory academic progress
Each year, only a small number of students are chosen as Coolidge Scholars, making it one of the most selective scholarships in the nation, often compared to the Rhodes, Marshall, or Gates Scholarships in terms of prestige.
The Legacy Behind the Scholarship
President Calvin Coolidge, who served from 1923 to 1929, was widely admired for his honesty, humility, fiscal discipline, and belief in hard work. His most famous quote, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence,” continues to inspire generations of students.
The Coolidge Foundation created this scholarship to honor these principles and to encourage young Americans to lead lives marked by integrity, responsibility, and public service.
What the Coolidge Scholarship Covers
Winning the Coolidge Scholarship can completely change a student’s financial and educational future. Here is what recipients receive:
- Full tuition for four years at any accredited U.S. college or university
- Room and board, including housing and meals
- An annual stipend to help cover books and personal expenses
- An invitation to the Coolidge Scholars Summit, a special leadership and networking event held each summer in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, the birthplace of President Coolidge
Unlike some scholarships that restrict recipients to certain schools, the Coolidge Scholarship gives students the freedom to attend any U.S. college or university of their choice, from Ivy League institutions to top public universities.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Coolidge Scholarship, students must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Must be a high school junior at the time of application
- Must plan to enter college in the fall after graduation
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
- Must show leadership, service, and strength of character
- Must have an interest in public policy or community engagement
The scholarship is entirely merit-based. Financial need does not affect eligibility or selection.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
The Coolidge Scholarship application typically opens in September and closes in late January each year. The process includes several stages designed to help the committee identify well-rounded, high-achieving students.
1. Online Application
Students complete an online application form on the official Coolidge Scholarship website. This form includes personal information, academic history, essays, and recommendation letters.
2. Essay Submission
Applicants must write several essays that showcase their intellectual interests, values, and leadership experiences. These essays help the selection committee understand the applicant’s depth of thought, motivation, and character.
3. Recommendations
Two letters of recommendation are required; one from a teacher and another from a community leader or mentor. These letters should speak to the student’s integrity, academic ability, and leadership potential.
4. Semi-Finalist and Finalist Selection
After an initial review, select students advance to the semi-finalist stage, and a smaller number become finalists. Finalists are invited to interviews in Vermont. The Coolidge Foundation covers all travel expenses for these interviews.
5. Final Selection
Following interviews, the committee selects the Coolidge Scholars. Other finalists may receive the titles of Coolidge Senators or Finalists, which come with smaller scholarships or special recognition.
Important Dates to Remember
| Stage | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September |
| Application Deadline | Late January |
| Semi-Finalists Announced | Spring |
| Finalists Announced | Early Summer |
| Interviews in Vermont | June |
| Winners Announced | Mid-Summer |
Applicants should always check the official website for current deadlines, as they can vary slightly each year.
Tips for a Strong Coolidge Scholarship Application
Because of the Coolidge Scholarship’s competitiveness, applicants should focus on presenting a thoughtful, authentic, and well-rounded profile. Here are some expert tips:
Show Genuine Curiosity
The Coolidge Foundation values intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. Demonstrate this in your essays by writing about topics that truly interest you, not just those that sound impressive.
Highlight Character and Integrity
Honesty, humility, and moral strength are central to the Coolidge legacy. Use real-life examples that show how you practice these values.
Demonstrate Leadership
Leadership is about impact, not titles. You might have led a student organization, founded a community project, or mentored peers. Describe your leadership in concrete terms.
Emphasize Service
Community and public service are key selection factors. Discuss your volunteer work, community involvement, or civic engagement clearly and sincerely.
Write Meaningful Essays
Avoid vague or overused statements like “I want to help people.” Instead, tell personal stories that reveal who you are and what drives your goals.
Choose Strong Recommenders
Ask recommenders who know you well and can speak about your character as much as your academic strengths. A personal, heartfelt letter is much more powerful than a generic one.
Why You Should Apply
Applying for the Coolidge Scholarship is not just about winning. The process itself helps students think deeply about their values, ambitions, and role in society. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what leadership and service mean to you.
For winners, the scholarship removes the financial burden of college entirely, allowing them to focus on learning and contributing to their communities. Even for those who do not win, the experience of applying can strengthen essays and resumes for other competitive scholarships and university applications.
The Broader Impact of the Coolidge Foundation
Beyond scholarships, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation plays a major role in promoting civic education and debate among young Americans. The foundation hosts speech and debate programs, essay contests, and public policy events across the country.
These initiatives encourage students to engage thoughtfully with American history, government, and civic duty; principles that President Coolidge himself valued deeply.
How to Learn More or Apply
The best and most reliable source for information about the Coolidge Scholarship is the official Coolidge Foundation website:
There, you can find:
- Official application forms
- Essay prompts and examples
- Eligibility FAQs
- Application deadlines
- Contact details for questions or clarifications
Always ensure that you are using the official website before submitting any application materials or personal information.
Related Opportunities
While applying for the Coolidge Scholarship, students can also explore similar merit-based opportunities, including:
- The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
- The Cameron Impact Scholarship
- The Gates Scholarship
- National Merit Scholarships
Exploring multiple programs increases the chances of success and allows students to practice their writing, interviewing, and leadership presentation skills.
