Hagan Scholarship Program 2026/2027 Guide: Apply now

The Hagan Scholarship Program is one of the most generous merit-and-need-based scholarships available for high school students planning to pursue a four-year college degree. For the 2026/2027 academic year, this scholarship continues to support goal-driven students with substantial financial need, enabling them to attend college debt-free and build essential life skills for success.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about the Hagan Scholarship—from eligibility and benefits to application timelines, selection, and how this award transforms the lives of scholars.

What Is the Hagan Scholarship Program?

The Hagan Scholarship Program is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship founded by the Hagan Trust to help high-achieving students graduate from a four-year university or college without the burden of overwhelming student debt.

Graduates of this program often cite not only financial support but also the life skills and financial literacy training they received through workshops and brokerage account programs as invaluable advantages that prepare them for life after college.

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Key Features and Benefits

Unlike many scholarships that provide only tuition money, the Hagan Scholarship offers a holistic suite of financial and educational benefits:

1. Generous Financial Support

• Up to $7,500 per semester for up to eight semesters (up to $60,000 total) to cover tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and other college costs.

• $2,000 in the first year to purchase essential college items like laptops, supplies, and more.

2. Schwab Brokerage Accounts

Hagan Scholars receive funded brokerage accounts during college, enabling them to learn financial investing and management—skills rarely taught in traditional academic settings.

3. Study Abroad Opportunity

Selected students with strong academic performance can receive up to $8,000 for study abroad programs, helping them explore international education, cultural immersion, and global awareness.

4. Graduate Scholarship Eligibility

Upon successful graduation within the program, scholars may be eligible for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship, offering additional support (up to four semesters) for graduate or professional education.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026/2027

To apply for the Hagan Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year, applicants must meet several key requirements:

Academic and Enrollment Requirements

• Must be in the high school graduating class of 2026.

• Must attend a four-year accredited college or university in the U.S. beginning in the fall after graduation.

• Must have achieved an unweighted GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale.

Work and Income Requirements

• Applicants must have completed 240 hours of regular paid work from January 1 to September 1, 2026.

• Household adjusted gross income must not exceed $100,000 (for 2024 federal tax purposes).

Language and Citizenship

• Fluency in English is required, but applicants may come from any nationality.

• Applicants are not required to submit FAFSA information with the initial application, though finalists (if U.S. citizens) must provide FAFSA details.

Hagan Scholarship Application deadline – 2026/2027

Timely application is essential. The typical schedule for the 2026/2027 cycle is:

There is also a Spring application cycle that opens January 15, 2026, with its own deadlines and award announcements.

How to Apply Hagan Scholarship Program 2026/2027– Step-by-Step

Applying for the Hagan Scholarship requires careful preparation and documentation:

1. Prepare Early
Start gathering academic transcripts, financial documents (parents’ tax returns), and records of work hours completed.

2. Create an Account
Once the portal opens, applicants must register for a user account and complete the online application form.

3. Submit Required Information
Answer all required questions, upload supporting documents, and ensure all data is accurate and complete.

4. Finalist Requirements
If selected as a finalist, additional documentation (like FAFSA data or proof of non-U.S. citizenship) may be requested.

No application fee is required.

click here to apply from the official website

After You Apply: What Happens Next

Once the application is submitted:

• All applications are reviewed for eligibility and compliance.

• Finalists are contacted and may be asked for additional documentation.

• Final awards are typically announced by April of the preceding year (2026).

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances:

1. Maintain Academic Excellence

A strong GPA (3.5+) is essential not just for eligibility but also for competitiveness.

2. Document Your Work Hours Clearly

Because applicants must complete 240 hours of work, organized records and proof of employment are crucial.

3. Prepare Financial Documents Early

Although FAFSA is not initially required, having financial tax documents ready can speed up finalist verification.

4. Respect Deadlines

Missing deadlines automatically disqualifies your application.

Real Impact: What Past Recipients Say

Hagan Scholars frequently praise the scholarship for enabling them to:

• Complete college without student debt.

• Gain financial literacy through workshops and brokerage accounts.

• Expand horizons with study abroad experiences.

Conclusion

The Hagan Scholarship Program 2026/2027 presents an extraordinary opportunity for academically outstanding students with financial need to pursue a four-year degree without debt while gaining critical skills beyond the classroom. With a generous financial package, life skills training, and post-graduate opportunities, this program stands out as one of the most comprehensive scholarships available. haganscholarships.org

Now that you understand what the scholarship offers and how to apply, take the next step: mark your calendar for application opening dates and begin.