The Daniels Scholarship for the class of 2027 is accepting applications until October 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time. It supports graduating high school seniors from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Funding depends on the college selected: partner arrangements can cover the full cost of attendance, while non-partner awards have different annual limits.
Daniels Scholarship overview
The Daniels Fund selects students for academic promise, character, leadership and service. This is an undergraduate scholarship with annual renewal, rather than a separate graduate award. Read the official scholarship page for the current criteria and application link.
| Entry cycle | Class of 2027 |
|---|---|
| Application window | September 1–October 15, 2026 |
| Home states | Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming |
| Study destination | Accredited nonprofit colleges or universities in the United States |
| Duration | Up to four years, with annual renewal |
What funding can you receive?
There are three funding paths. At a partner school or eligible partner programme, the institution and Daniels Fund combine support toward the full cost of attendance. At a non-partner school outside the four home states, the limit is $25,000 per year. At a non-partner school inside those states, it is $7,500 per year.
Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, housing, meals, books and supplies. Scholars also receive personal support and leadership opportunities. Compare your actual college costs with the applicable funding path before describing any offer as a full ride.
Who can apply?
You must be a graduating senior resident in one of the four eligible states, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0. The test requirement is an ACT score of at least 18 in each category, or SAT Math and Reading/Writing scores of at least 490 each.
The household claiming you as a dependent must meet the financial criteria. The current assessment uses 2025 adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, allowing $10,000 extra for each additional dependent, together with an asset review.
The Fund’s current application announcement explains why leadership and service matter alongside these thresholds. Meeting the minimums establishes eligibility; it does not guarantee selection.
Documents and selection stages
Applicants who advance to the semi-finalist stage must provide financial and eligibility evidence, including the federal Form 1040 claiming them as a dependent, qualifying test scores, residency evidence, citizenship or permanent residency evidence, and the FAFSA Submission Summary. Essays and recommendations are requested at that stage.
Prepare a private checklist showing who holds each document and how long it will take to obtain. Make sure names match across your application, test records and school records. Ask a counsellor to help resolve discrepancies before uploading anything.
How to apply before the deadline
- Open the current Daniels Fund page and follow its application button.
- Check every eligibility threshold before spending time on the form.
- Complete the initial application using accurate school, household and activity information.
- Review and submit before 4 p.m. Mountain Time on October 15.
- Keep the confirmation and monitor messages for the next selection stage.
Use specific examples of service: the problem you noticed, the action you took and its result. Do not inflate responsibilities or substitute a list of titles for evidence. After submission, keep applying to colleges and other aid programmes while selection continues.
Related scholarship guides
Compare the Equitable Excellence Scholarship, Terry Foundation Scholarship and Coca-Cola scholarship guide. Each has separate eligibility and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Daniels Scholar attend college outside the four states?
Yes. The college must meet the programme’s institutional requirements; the funding path depends on whether it is a partner.
Does every recipient get full tuition and living costs?
No. Partner funding and the two non-partner annual limits differ.
Can I use it for a certificate programme?
The Fund permits two-year study when the student intends to complete a bachelor’s degree, but excludes trade schools and certificate programmes.