Miss America Announces New Age Guidelines
From MissAmerica.org - July 8, 2025
[WELLINGTON, FL] July 8, 2025 — Miss America has released updated age and eligibility guidelines for individuals competing as at-large, local, or state delegates in the lead-up to the 2026 national competition. These updates reflect the organization’s return to its historic September schedule—an homage to its origins in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where the first competition was held in 1921. The revised eligibility criteria are as follows:
Age Eligibility:
- Miss America: Delegates must be no older than 28 years of age as of September 30, 2026 and no younger than 18 on September 1, 2026
- Miss America’s Teen: Delegates must be no younger than 14 as of September 1, 2026 OR no older than 18 on September 30, 2026.
Residency:
Delegates qualifying by residence must provide proof of at least 120 consecutive days of residency within the state prior to the date of competition.
Employment:
Delegates qualifying by employment must submit documentation of full-time, in-person employment (minimum of 40 hours per week) held for at least 120 consecutive days prior to competition.
Student Status:
Delegates qualifying through student status must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university located in the state. Full-time status is determined by the institution.
Documentation:
All forms of documentation required for eligibility verification remain unchanged. These updates are designed to provide clarity and consistency across all local, state, and national competitions. For further information, delegates should contact their local or state director.
About Miss America:
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of “Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service. Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.
