College tuition costs are rising, but so are the opportunities to fund your education without drowning in debt.
While many scholarships require exhausting essays or a 4.0 GPA, the U.S. Bank Student Scholarship offers a refreshing alternative: earning money by learning how to manage it.
This unique program combines financial literacy education with substantial financial rewards.
By completing short, gamified learning modules, students can enter to win scholarships ranging from $2,500 up to $20,000.
U.S. Bank Scholarship Summary
The U.S. Bank Student Scholarship is a sweepstakes-style award designed to incentivize financial literacy among high school seniors and college undergraduates.
Unlike traditional merit-based awards, you do not need a specific GPA or a letter of recommendation to win.
Instead, U.S. Bank partners with Zogo, a financial education app. Applicants complete bite-sized learning modules on topics like budgeting, investing, and credit scores.
The more modules you complete, the higher the scholarship tier you become eligible for.
Key Highlights
- Award Amount: $2,500 – $20,000
- Essay Required: No
- GPA Requirement: None
- Primary Requirement: Completing financial literacy modules via the Zogo app (or mail-in entry).
Scholarship Coverage and Prize Tiers
One of the most attractive features of the U.S. Bank Student Scholarship is its tiered reward system. The program usually operates with two distinct entry periods, offering multiple chances to win.
The scholarship amount you are eligible for depends entirely on how many learning modules you complete.
| Prize Tier | Award Amount | Requirement (Modules Completed) |
| Third Prize | $2,500 | 25+ Modules |
| Second Prize | $5,000 | 50+ Modules |
| First Prize | $10,000 | 75+ Modules |
| Grand Prize | $20,000 | 100+ Modules |
Note: Completing 100 modules makes you eligible for the $20,000 prize, but also keeps you in the running for the lower-tier prizes.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Before investing time in the learning modules, it is vital to ensure you meet the specific residency and enrollment criteria. Based on the 2025 official rules, here are the requirements expected for the 2026 cycle.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Must be at least 17 years old at the time of entry.
- Residency: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
- Student Status: Must be a high school senior or current undergraduate student.
- Enrollment: You must be accepted or enrolled as an undergraduate student (taking at least 6 credit hours per semester) by September 1, 2026, at an eligible two- or four-year college, university, or trade school.
- Exclusions: Graduate students and international students are generally not eligible.
Selection Process
Winners are selected through a random drawing conducted by an independent administrator.
This means that once you meet the module threshold (e.g., 100 modules for the Grand Prize), your chances are equal to every other applicant in that tier.
Pro-Tip: There are historically two “Entry Periods.” If you enter during Period 1 and do not win, your entry typically “rolls over” to Period 2, giving you a second shot at the prize.
2026 Application Timeline
While official dates for the 2026 cycle are subject to change by the U.S. Bank, the program historically follows a consistent schedule. The application window is expected to open in early 2026.
| Event | Anticipated Date |
| Application Opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Entry Period 1 Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Entry Period 1 Drawing | Early July 2026 |
| Entry Period 2 Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Final Drawing | Early November 2026 |
Note: Always verify the exact dates on the official U.S. Bank website once the 2026 program launches.
How to Apply for the U.S. Bank Student Scholarship
Applying for this scholarship is an engaging process that helps you build real-world skills. Follow these steps to maximize your chances.
Step 1: Registration
Visit the official U.S. Bank scholarship page (once active in early 2026) to register. You will need to provide your email address and standard contact information.
Step 2: Download the Zogo App
The program utilizes the Zogo app for its learning modules. Download the app to your mobile device and link it to your scholarship registration using the code provided by U.S. Bank.
Step 3: Complete Learning Modules
Start completing the financial literacy modules. These are short, interactive lessons that take 1–2 minutes each.
- Aim for 25 modules to get your foot in the door.
- Push for 100+ modules to be eligible for the $20,000 Grand Prize.
Step 4: Alternative Method (Mail-In)
If you cannot use the app or prefer a non-digital method, the official rules typically allow for a mail-in entry.
You can hand-print your name, address, email, and school details on a 3×5 card and mail it to the sweepstakes administrator.
Check the 2026 Official Rules PDF for the specific mailing address once released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the U.S. Bank Student Scholarship 2026 need-based?
No. Financial need is not considered. The selection is a random drawing based on completed learning modules.
Can graduate students apply?
No. This scholarship is specifically strictly for high school seniors and undergraduate college students.
Do I need to be a U.S. Bank customer?
No. You do not need to have a checking or savings account with the U.S. Bank to apply or win.
What if I don’t win in the first drawing?
If the program follows previous years’ structures, non-winning entries from Entry Period 1 automatically roll over to Entry Period 2, giving you another chance to win later in the year.
Is this scholarship renewable?
No, this is a one-time award. However, you can generally apply again in future years if you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Final Thoughts
By removing the barriers of GPA requirements and lengthy essays, it levels the playing field, allowing any student willing to learn about personal finance a chance to win.
With a potential top prize of $20,000, it is well worth the time spent on the Zogo app. Mark your calendars for February 2026, and get ready to turn your financial knowledge into tuition funding.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
