The Centre College Lincoln Scholars Program 2027 is open to domestic and international first-year applicants. Ten students receive the full cost of attendance—tuition, fees, housing and food—plus mentoring, academic programming and three fully funded summer enrichment experiences. Both the Centre admission application and separate scholarship application must be submitted by December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Lincoln Scholars 2027 at a glance
- Host: Centre College, Kentucky, USA
- Level: First-year undergraduate
- Awards: 10
- Coverage: Full tuition, fees, housing and food
- Extras: Three funded summers, mentoring and special programming
- Eligibility: Domestic and international high school or gap-year students
- Application fee: None
- SAT/ACT: Not required
- Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
What does Lincoln Scholars cover?
Centre describes Lincoln Scholars as a full-cost-plus programme. The award covers tuition, mandatory fees, housing and food. Scholars also receive individual mentoring, seminars and three fully funded summer enrichment experiences. The official page does not promise that every personal or incidental expense is paid, so international applicants should review current health-insurance, travel and visa costs.
Who can apply?
Domestic and international high school students and gap-year students applying for first-year admission are eligible. Transfer students are not eligible. Strong candidates demonstrate high achievement in challenging coursework, character, leadership potential, substantial involvement in service or other activities, persistence and creative problem-solving.
A nomination is welcomed but not required. Any Centre admission plan may be used, but every document needed for Lincoln consideration must be complete by the scholarship deadline.
Required documents and information
Applicants complete two separate submissions: Centre admission through the Common Application and the Lincoln Scholars application.
- Centre College Common Application
- High school academic record and School Report
- One teacher recommendation
- General admission essay
- Separate Lincoln response to one of three leadership/change prompts
- International applicants: English-proficiency evidence where required
- International applicants: Centre’s Certificate of Finance, even when seeking the full-cost award
The Lincoln response can be a written answer of up to 500 words, an uploaded PDF, or a video of up to two minutes. Do not reuse the Common Application essay as the Lincoln response.
English and standardized testing
SAT and ACT scores are optional, and students applying without scores receive full consideration for premier scholarships. International applicants whose first language is not English normally need an accepted English test. Published minimums are TOEFL iBT 93, TOEFL Essentials 9.5, IELTS 7.0, Pearson PTE 64 or Duolingo English Test 125.
Students educated in English through programmes such as IB or Cambridge A Levels may request a waiver. Centre evaluates waivers only after the other application materials have been submitted.
How to apply for Lincoln Scholars 2027
- Check eligibility. Confirm that you are applying as a first-year student and can demonstrate academic strength, leadership and service.
- Apply to Centre. Submit the free Common App admission application.
- Complete admission materials. Arrange your academic record, School Report, teacher recommendation, essay and international documents.
- Open the separate Lincoln application. Enter the requested personal and school information for Fall 2027.
- Choose one prompt. Prepare either a focused 500-word response or a two-minute video about leadership, positive change or solving a major challenge.
- Submit both applications. Centre requires the admission file and Lincoln application by December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
- Monitor email. Around 40 finalists are notified in early February for a virtual selection process; ten recipients are named by early March.
International applicant notes
Centre explicitly identifies Lincoln Scholars as its full-funding route for international students. International applicants must still submit the Certificate of Finance. Centre does not require the CSS Profile or a separate need-based aid application from international applicants. It recommends Early Action or Regular Decision for those needing substantial aid, but Lincoln materials remain due December 1.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students apply?
Yes. Centre explicitly welcomes domestic and international high school and gap-year applicants.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
It covers tuition, fees, housing and food, plus three funded summer experiences. Centre describes it as full-cost-plus.
How many awards are available?
Ten Lincoln Scholars are selected for each incoming class.
Is there an application fee?
No. Centre admission and the Lincoln scholarship application are free.
Are SAT or ACT scores required?
No. The programme is test-optional and test-optional applicants receive full scholarship consideration.
Is nomination required?
No. Nominations are welcomed but not required.
What is the deadline?
December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST for both the admission materials and scholarship application.
Official sources
- Lincoln Scholars funding and process
- Official 2027 scholarship application
- International funding guidance
- International requirements
Related opportunities
Scholarship terms can change. Confirm every requirement on Centre College’s official pages before submitting.
