The Citizens Bank Scholarship 2026 is a monthly and quarterly sweepstakes offering $2,500 to eligible U.S. students and parents pursuing higher education. The entry period runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with no purchase or essay required.
What Is the Citizens Bank Scholarship?
The Citizens Bank Scholarship Sweepstakes is a no-essay, no-purchase-required scholarship program designed to support students and families navigating the cost of college. Sponsored by Citizens Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., the scholarship is open to high school students, college students, and parents/legal guardians of students planning to enroll in college.
The program is part of Citizens Bank’s broader commitment to financial literacy and educational access, helping families manage tuition costs while promoting responsible borrowing and planning.
Scholarship Amounts and Frequency
The 2026 sweepstakes offers:
- $2,500 monthly scholarships awarded to one winner per month
- $2,500 quarterly scholarships awarded to one winner per quarter
Each winner receives a check made payable to their college or university, which can be used toward tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses. The total number of winners across the sweepstakes period is 16 (12 monthly + 4 quarterly).
Entry Period and Deadlines
The Citizens Scholarship Sweepstakes 2026 runs from:
- Start Date: April 1, 2025
- End Date: March 31, 2026
- Monthly Entry Periods: Each calendar month during the sweepstakes
- Quarterly Entry Periods:
- Q1: Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2025
- Q2: Jul 1 – Sep 30, 2025
- Q3: Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025
- Q4: Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026
Winners are selected randomly and notified via email or phone. There is no limit to how many months you can enter, so applicants are encouraged to reapply each month.
Eligibility Criteria
To enter the Citizens Bank Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or D.C.
- Be 18 years or older
- Be either:
- A student enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited undergraduate program
- A parent or legal guardian of a student planning to enroll
Employees of Citizens Bank and their immediate families are not eligible. No GPA, test scores, or essays are required.
How to Apply
Applying is quick and easy:
- Visit the Citizens Scholarship page
- Fill out the online entry form with:
- Name and contact information
- School details
- Relationship to the student (if applicable)
- Agree to the official rules and submit
No purchase, loan application, or financial commitment is required to enter.
Why It’s Worth Applying
The Citizens Bank Scholarship is ideal for:
- Students who want fast, low-barrier funding
- Families looking to reduce college costs
- Applicants who don’t qualify for merit-based or need-based aid
With no essay or academic requirements, it’s one of the most accessible scholarships available. Plus, the monthly and quarterly format gives multiple chances to win throughout the year.