To compete in a local pageant a contestant must fulfill the following requirements:

A contestant must be born female.

A contestant must be a U.S. citizen.

A contestant must have never been married.

A contestant must be a resident of city/town/state for at least six months preceding the date of the local pageant in which she wishes to compete OR must have fulfilled eligibility requirements by educational status or employment.

A contestant must have never performed any act or engaged in any activity or employment that is or could reasonably be characterized as dishonest, immoral, or indecent.

Be between the ages of 17-24 years of age. A High School graduate and no older than twenty-four (24) years of age on September 30, 2008 (for Miss America 2009). No older than twenty-four (24) years of age on December 31, 2009 (for Miss America 2010)

A contestant must never have been convicted of any crime and does not have any criminal charges pending.

Must be a high school graduate or have successfully completed the G.E.D. testing program for high school equivalency or have successfully completed the academic requirements for entry into a four-year college/ university degree program by July 30th immediately preceding the National Finals.

A contestant must be in good health and can participate fully and without limitation in any program activities.

A contestant must participate in actual competition in a local pageant within the year immediately preceding her competition in the state pageant and be certified the winner of that local.

A contestant must not use or consume any illegal controlled dangerous substances or abuse the use of alcohol or other dangerous substances.