AGE ELIGIBILITY 

MISS CONTESTANTS - 18-28
Must be NO OLDER than 28 on September 30, 2026, and no younger than 18 on Sept 1, 2026.

TEEN CONTESTANTS 14-18
Must be NO YOUNGER than 14 by September 1 and no older than 18 on Sept 30, 2026.

Therefore...

If you were born on/between October 1, 1997, and September 30, 2007, you MUST compete as a MISS Contestant.  

If you were born on/between September 2, 2008, and September 1, 2012, you MUST compete as a TEEN Contestant.

If you were born on/between October 1, 2007, and September 1, 2008, you may CHOOSE to compete as either a MISS or TEEN during the season.  Once chosen, you may NOT switch during the Season.  We strongly recommend that you compete as a TEEN contestant.  

If you were born after September 1, 2012, you will be eligible to start competing in July 2026.

CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY

You must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible. 

GEOGRAPHICAL ELIGIBILITY

For MISS Contestants, YOU must meet one of the following...

• Lived in the state of Ohio for the past 120 days.
• Be a full-time student attending (in person) college or a university in Ohio.
• Been employed full-time (40 hours a week) here in Ohio for the past 120 days.

For TEEN Contestants, your PARENT must meet one of the following...

• Lived in the state of Ohio for the past 120 days.
• Be employed full-time (40 hours a week) here in Ohio for the past 120 days.

NOT HOLD ANOTHER TITLE

To enter a Miss America/Miss Ohio LOCAL Competition, you may NOT be a current titleholder of another pageant system.   

However, if you are a Fair or Festival titleholder, it may be possible for you to participate as a direct entry contestant to the state competition in June, with the approval of the Fair or Festival Board.  For more information, please email info@missohio.org before registering below. 

 

 

All MISS and TEEN Contestants will compete in the following FIVE phases of competition.

• Private Interview
• On-Stage Conversation
• Health & Fitness
• Talent/HERStory
• Evening Gown

PRIVATE INTERVIEW

The Private Interview with 5-7 judges will last TEN(10) minutes.  You will be required to submit a one-page fact sheet, a one-page Community Service Initiative Statement, and a Headshot photo.  The specific details, samples, and templates will be provided.

ON-STAGE CONVERSATION

Each contestant will be asked one question about their Community Service Initiative and will have 30 seconds to answer.

HEALTH & FITNESS

The Miss America Organization has partnered with the American Heart Association and Rebel Athletic for the Health & Fitness Phase of Competition.

ALL Contestants are required to wear an approved outfit from the Rebel Athletic Miss America Collection for the Health & Fitness competition. A variety of outfit combinations are available, starting at $80 for the set.

Contestants will move to a pre-blocked pattern for 20 to 30 seconds. 

TALENT / HERSTORY

Contestants will need to perform a Talent or HerStory presentation live on stage for up to 90 seconds.  Talent choices must be on the Miss America approved talent list.

EVENING GOWN

The evening gown is the contestant's choice.  Everyone will walk a pre-blocked pattern for 30-45 seconds.

COMPETITION RULES AND EVALUATION PROCESS

Click the link below to download the Competition Rules and Evaluation Process details. The document outlines the process and specific requirements for each phase of competition, as well as what the judges are looking for.

DOWNLOAD - Full Competition Rules

 

 

MISS OHIO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FEES

The Direct Entry fee is $595 and must be paid at the time of registration as a Miss or Teen contestant. The fee includes your Title, Official Crown, and Sash.  If you have an official Miss America Local Crown, you may use your existing crown and receive a $75 discount.  

In appreciation of those who competed in local programs this season, you will receive a $25 discount for EACH local competition you entered.

 

MISS AMERICA FEES

All Contestants are required to register with the Miss America organization and pay a $49.99 fee once-per-season. This fee must be paid by March 12, 2026. If you already paid the fee to compete this season, you do not need to pay it again.

Miss America has partnered with the American Heart Association to fundraise and promote Cardiovascular Health for Women.  All STATE Contestants are required to raise $300 for the American Heart Association by June 12, 2026.  

ANTICIPATED COSTS

Contestants are required to wear Miss America approved outfits by Rebel Athletic for the Health & Fitness competition.  Rebel offers a variety of outfits, starting at $80 for a complete set.  If you previously purchased an outfit for Local Competitions, you may use the same outfit for the Miss Ohio and Miss Ohio's Teen State Competition. 

 

If you register to secure your Direct Entry spot and you receive a Local Title by March 1, 2026, we will cancel your Direct Entry and refund your registration fee.

 

 

For the specific details on competing as a MISS for Miss Ohio 2026 or a TEEN for Miss Ohio's Teen 2026, enter your birthdate below. 

A link will appear to access additional information and the registration form.