Rolling Stone Reopens Prestigious College Journalism Awards for 2025

Rolling Stone has officially reopened its College Journalism Awards for submissions. The contest aims to discover and reward the next generation of talented writers. Entries are open now and will close on May 15, 2026.

This initiative honors the magazine’s long-standing tradition of supporting aspiring journalists. Winners will receive a cash prize and see their work published on the Rolling Stone website.

Legacy of Launching Journalism Careers

The Rolling Stone College Journalism Awards were first established in 1975. The program has a storied history of identifying future literary and journalistic stars. Past winners include acclaimed author Elizabeth Wurtzel and music journalist Chuck Young.

The contest is open to students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities. According to the official rules, entrants must submit original, non-AI-generated work. The competition seeks to encourage achievement in student journalism.

Prizes, Categories, and Submission Guidelines

Students can enter work in three distinct categories. These are Entertainment Reporting, Feature Writing, and Essays and Criticism. Each winner will receive a grand prize of $1,000.

Their winning submissions will be published on Rolling Stone’s platform in the summer of 2026. Entrants are limited to one submission per category. All entries must be sent to a dedicated email address with required personal and academic information.

The Rolling Stone College Journalism Awards represent a significant opportunity for student writers. This program continues the publication’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing new voices in media. The 2025 contest is now actively seeking the most compelling work from campuses nationwide.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is eligible for the Rolling Stone College Journalism Awards?

The contest is open to legal residents of the United States. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in a college or university. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible to apply.

What are the submission categories for the awards?

There are three categories: Entertainment Reporting, Feature Writing, and Essays and Criticism. Students may submit one entry per category. There is no specified word count for submissions.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be selected and notified on or about July 31, 2026. The winning entries will be published on the Rolling Stone website in the summer of 2026. The contest period runs until May 15, 2026.

What is the grand prize for the winners?

Each winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000. The grand prize also includes publication of the winning submission on Rolling Stone’s digital platforms. A total of three winners will be selected, one for each category.

Can submissions be generated with AI assistance?

No, all entries must be original work. The official rules explicitly state that entries may not be AI-generated in whole or in part. Submissions must be created in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.