The contest is open to anyone enrolled in a U.S. or international college or university in the current academic year, while studying for an academic degree. Students who have had full-time professional journalism experience, outside of internships, by the time their work is completed are ineligible. Work performed as a paid freelancer or part-time employee is not eligible. A group entry that includes any work by someone with full-time professional experience will be disqualified.

Further eligibility requirements can be found via the program website.

• 1st Year
• 2nd Year
• 3rd Year
• 4th Year
• Graduate

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• International or Other Visa Status
• Undocumented

Annually, the Society of Professional Journalists presents the Mark of Excellence Awards, honoring the best in student journalism. Categories are first judged on the regional level. First-place regional winners advance to the national competition, and most are recognized at their respective regional SPJ conference. National winners will be showcased on spj.org.

The Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best Student Newspaper carries a $5,000 prize for each of the large- and small-division winners, courtesy of the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Applications and specific award procedures available online via the program website.

Contact SPJ at 317/927-8000 or e-mail awards@spj.org.