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United States

United States

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition

Applications closed Bachelor Partially Funded
Apply on official site Track with LetsTern
Award USD 100,000 / per year Paid per year. Confirm the latest figures on the official page.
Deadline November 12, 2025 Deadline passed
Duration 4 Years How long the scholarship support typically lasts.
Funding type Partially Funded Whether the award is fully funded, partial, merit-based, or similar.

About this scholarship

What this award covers and who it is designed to support.

The MVS Competition is a prestigious U.S. scholarship for high school seniors, evaluating applicants on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Each year, 500 students are selected nationwide:
o 20 Top Finalists attend a Leadership Weekend in Chicago and receive $30,000 scholarships.
o The 480 runners-up receive $4,000 scholarships.
The program supports students pursuing full-time four-year degrees at U.S. accredited institutions. Notifications progress through lodge, district, state, and national levels—a multi-tier selection culminating in national recognition.
elks.org+1hq.elks.orgPR Newswire

Scholarship details

Key facts about level, field, location, and institutions.

Study level

Bachelor

Field of study

Natural Sciences

Host country

United States

Competition

Medium

Opens

August 1, 2025

Eligibility

Who can apply and what academic or personal criteria you need to meet.

The eligibility criteria for this program is as follows:

  • Must be a current high school senior (not already graduated)
    • Must be a U.S. citizen (permanent residents are not eligible)
    • Does not need to be related to a member of the Elks
       

Application requirements

Documents and steps typically needed when you submit your application.

The requirements for this program is as follows:

  • Online application via ISTS platform (program code: ElksMVS)
    • Application components include personal information, essays, leadership/service details, academic achievements, and financial data
    • No SAT/ACT scores required (test requirement waived)
    • After initial round, Quarterfinalists must submit transcripts and FAFSA Summary
    • Semifinalists provide additional essay and teacher evaluation

Top 20 finalists are invited to attend the Leadership Weekend (attendance required to receive full award)

What is covered

Tuition, living costs, and other expenses included in this award.

  • The scholarship includes coverage for:
  • Renewable four-year scholarships
    • Awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year for most recipients
    • Top 20 finalists receive $30,000 total (distributed across four years)

Remaining 480 recipients (runners-up) receive $4,000 total (distributed across four years)

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