The Miss America organization will crown its 99th winner, who will take home scholarship money and get a New York City apartment.
The Miss America Organization is gearing up to crown its 99th national titleholder. But this year, there’s more than a sash up for grabs—the winner will also receive a New York City pad.
Mallory Hudson, the organization’s Communications Manager, confirmed to Realtor.com® that this year’s prize package includes access to “the Miss America apartment.” The residence serves as a luxurious “home away from home” for the upcoming titleholder, who will remain based in her hometown full time.
Miss America 2026—the competition in which the reigning Cassie Donegan was crowned in Orlando, FL last September—marked the first time the impressive perk was offered to a winner.
The dwelling is in the 36-story Chelsea Landmark building, which sits within the vibrant west-side neighborhood of Chelsea, and is described by the organization as “a stunning apartment residence that will serve as the NYC base for Miss America as she fulfills her national duties.”
“As the role of Miss America evolves to meet the demands of modern advocacy and media, so too does the infrastructure around her,” a statement explains. “We’re opening doors to new partnerships, visibility, and moments that amplify our mission on a national scale.”
The 99th Miss America will be crowned in West Palm Beach, FL on Sept. 6. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve) The apartment will serve as a “touchpoint for national press appearances,” official events, and any other crown-worthy business that may bring Miss America to the Big Apple.
Chelsea Landmark offers impressive digs, boasting quite the list of conveniences including around-the-clock attended lobby and concierge services, a fully-equipped fitness center featuring a yoga studio, and access to a gorgeous rooftop sundeck with unparalleled views of the city.
The upcoming titleholder will also receive access to the building’s “Club 3 membership,” which includes complimentary fitness classes and other curated events.
While it sounds like the future Miss America can expect to keep a busy schedule while staying in the city that never sleeps, there’s also a lounge with a pool table and a golf simulator and a library to enjoy.
For regular renters, Chelsea Landmark units start at $5,050 a month, with the most spacious dwellings tapering off around $14,000. According to Realtor.com data, the median asking rent for New York City rental units in the first quarter of 2026 was $3,616, so it’s safe to say this is quite a valuable bonus for the next Miss America.
This year's prize package includes the keys to a luxury apartment in New York City. (Chelsea Landmark) 
Chelsea Landmark boasts incredible views of the city. (Chelsea Landmark) 
The winner will have access to an impressive list of amenities in her stay at Chelsea Landmark. (Chelsea Landmark) 
The prize includes access to the building's gym and fitness classes. (Chelsea Landmark) 
For those without a crown, Chelsea Landmark rent begins at $5,050 a month. (Chelsea Landmark) In addition to the residence, there are a range of scholarships set to be awarded to the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitors this year, valued at over $300,000.
Miss America herself will take home a $50,000 scholarship, while runners-up will be rewarded scholarships ranging from $3,300 to $10,000.
“For more than a century, Miss America has empowered women through service-driven opportunities, education, and leadership,” an Aug. 18 Instagram post announcing the awards stated.
“These scholarships are more than financial support, they provide life-changing opportunities for young women to pursue their education, achieve their goals, and build the future they envision.”
Miss America started its tradition of awarding academic scholarships in 1945, and since, has become the largest provider of tuition-only scholarship assistance for women in the United States.
Cassie Donegan, the reigning Miss America, was previously Miss New York. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert) This year’s competition kicked off Aug. 28, with a series of preliminary events and ceremonies planned until the final competition on Sept. 6. The event will be held in West Palm Beach, FL, at The Kravis Center for Performing Arts and the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
Delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are set to compete.
Donegan, the 98th Miss America, first took home the title of Miss New York 2025 before stepping foot on the national stage. Her pageant journey began years prior in her hometown of Smithfield, VA.
She moved to New York City after college to pursue a career in musical theatre, describing the Big Apple as “very different from Virginia” in an interview with The Hollywood Times.
“I like to say nothing truly prepares you for New York, but if you move here and you love her, she’ll love you right back,” said Donegan. “Living here truly prepares you for literally anything, especially as a performer.”