Miss America and Miss USA Are Actually Totally Different Pageants

To those who aren't in the know, the Miss America and Miss USA pageants might seem like the same thing. They do, after all, invoke the name of the same country. And if you had never before competed in such a high stakes competition yourself, you might assume they are essentially the same thing. But, as it turns out, there are some key differences between the pageants.

Miss USA, held on August 4, 2024, is widely recognized as a premier beauty pageant. While many see it simply as a competition, it holds significant importance for millions of aspiring contestants. However, despite their similarities, Miss USA and Miss America have distinct differences that set them apart. Let's dive into what these are!

The most noticeable difference between Miss America and Miss USA is the age requirements. To compete in Miss America, you must be between the ages of 18 and 28, but no older than 27 at the state competition, according to the organization’s website. However, Miss USA has done away with its age restriction, now allowing individuals aged 18 or older to compete, as noted on the Miss USA official website. It also removed restrictions on contestants who are pregnant, married, or divorced.

Miss America is essentially a scholarship pageant, and at its heart sits a scholarship prize. Traditionally, the winner of Miss America wins a $50,000 scholarship, though in 2024, that amount was increased to $60,000, according to the official Miss America website. Additionally, the top four finalists were awarded $10,000 each. The winner is also expected to engage in public service and volunteerism, furthering the positive image of the Miss America brand.

In the year of each reigning winner, she is a paid employee of the Miss America Organization and she works on executing the goals that she outlined in her Social Impact Initiative.

In order to qualify for a spot in the Miss America pageant, the participant has to first win a local competition and go on to win the competition at state level to represent her state. Then, she can go on to compete in the Miss America pageant for the chance to win the grand — and, of course, the crown, adoration, and jealousy of her fellow contestants. 

The Miss USA pageant began years after the first Miss America pageant, but for some, it is equally as important. For others, it goes hand in hand with Miss America because not many people know the difference. With the Miss USA pageant, winners are given modeling contracts, a year-long salary, and the opportunity to travel the world with the Miss Universe Organization.

The prizes aren't unlike the benefits of winning Miss America, but in the past, winners were also given access to a Trump Place apartment when Donald Trump owned the organization. And, unlike Miss America, the yearly winner of Miss USA is given the opportunity to go on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

Regardless of what contestants claim are their reasons for competing or their individual charitable causes are, it's no secret that becoming Miss America or Miss USA has provided contestants with amazing opportunities. Actress Vanessa Williams won Miss America in 1983 and Lee Meriwether went on to star as Catwoman in 1966's Batman: The Movie after her 1955 win. And Kimberly Pressler, who was Miss USA in 1999, is now a sports reporter for FOX.

The main differences seem to be that the Miss USA pageant is also part of the Miss Universe pageant and Miss America is on its own. But if Miss Congeniality has taught us anything, it's that as women, we are all in this together. Unless, of course, you dream of tripping your competition as they make their way across the stage.