Niche College Scholarship

Merit Scholarships

merit scholarships

One of the most common misconceptions in higher education financing is that all scholarships are granted based on financial need or getting recruited by a division one college or university to play a popular sport like football or basketball. In reality, there are many scholarships that focus entirely on grades, extracurriculars, skills and other factors. These are known as merit scholarships.

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Merit scholarships are a great way to pay for college without taking out loans, and all students - no matter their GPA - should apply for merit scholarships. Read below to learn how merit scholarships work, how to qualify for them and how to improve your odds of winning one or hopefully several.

What is a merit scholarship?

A merit scholarship is typically awarded based on academic achievement (academic excellence) or extracurricular activities. They can be given directly by the school or by a private organization to talented students to help cover cost of tuition, among other costs that may typically have required student loans.

Like other types of scholarships, such as need-based scholarships, merit awards may be given on a one-off basis or renewed for several years.

Undergraduate, graduate and professional students may qualify for merit scholarships. These scholarships can be used to cover cost of attendance, room and board, textbooks and other necessary expenses for a college education.

How to apply for a merit scholarship

The key to winning any scholarship begins with reading through and understanding all of the rules and then following instructions to the letter. Too many students hurt their chances by not including all of the necessary documents or by missing thedeadline. If you have any questions, make sure to reach out to the scholarship coordinator.

If you're not a standout student, use the essay portion as your chance to shine. Talk about anything that sets you apart from other students. For example, if you're the first person in your family to attend college, make sure the scholarship committee knows about it.

Frequently asked questions about merit scholarships

What kinds of merit scholarships are there?

You can get a merit scholarship based on your success in athletics, academics or other areas. There may also be merit scholarships for students from a certain ethnicity, gender or other minority category. These can be available to incoming students, prospective students, or undergraduate students (first-year students) who may already be at a private or public university. For athletics, these scholarships may also be referred to as athletic scholarships

Where can I find merit scholarships?

Students can find merit scholarships in a number of ways, including creating a profile at Scholarships.com to see which ones you get matched to or even through our Scholarship Directory.

When you apply to college, many schools will automatically consider you for the merit scholarships they offer as an institution. However, some will have separate scholarship applications. Contact the financial aid department for each school and ask what their merit scholarship process is.

Once you’re enrolled in a school, you should keep applying for merit scholarships. Many students stop looking for scholarships after their first year, assuming that they’re only available for incoming freshmen. In fact, upperclassmen can still qualify for many types of merit scholarships.

Do I need to complete the FAFSA to qualify for a merit scholarship?

Some merit scholarships do not require that students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be eligible, but many schools will. This allows students to maximize their federal and state need-based financial aid before receiving internal awards.

It is a good idea to check with your college's financial aid office or website to determine their specific rules with regard to merit-based scholarship opportunities.

Many students think that filling out the FAFSA only matters if they can qualify for need-based aid. If you skip out on the FAFSA, you may hurt your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships.

Do I need a perfect GPA to receive a merit scholarship?

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a 4.0 GPA to win a merit scholarship. The exact GPA requirement will vary, but usually starts at 3.0. Again, this will vary by school, so check with the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend. There are many generous merit scholarships offered to those across GPA requirements.

Some experts say that a 3.5 GPA is necessary to win a merit scholarship, but scholarship providers may look at other aspects like your extracurricular record, recommendation letters and essay.

Remember, as long as you meet the basic requirements, you should apply to as many merit scholarships as possible. There’s no point in taking yourself out of the running by not applying.

How can I increase the odds of winning a merit scholarship?

Some schools offer a generous merit aid package - as long as you apply early enough. Many internal scholarships are only given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you determine which schools you’re interested in, try to submit your application as soon as possible. The earlier you begin looking and the more time you spend on finding and applying, the better your chances of winning.

If your family is not eligible for need-based aid but can’t afford the full cost of college tuition, look for schools that still offer merit scholarship program.

Explore more scholarship categories

L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of The Future Contest

  • Amount $5,000
  • Deadline December 31, 2023

L. Ron Hubbard's Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience. Entries in the Illustrators of the Future Contest are judged only by professional artists. Three prizes of $500 are awarded each quarter. From the twelve quarterly winners each ... Read more

Powell Scholarship at University of the Pacific

  • Amount $180,000
  • Deadline January 15, 2024

As a Pacific student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, fellow students, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. In addition, scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success. Admitted students are automatically considered for all Academic Merit Scholarships except for the Powell ... Read more

Pauahi Foundation Public Scholarships

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline January 31, 2024

The Pauahi Foundation administers scholarships that have been created by private donors. The Foundation awards scholarships supporting undergraduate and graduate level areas of study, as well as trade and vocational courses, in a wide variety of fields. Many awards may be determined based on merit, while some are restricted for those students who demonstrate a financial need or for students ... Read more

ASNT Fellowship Award

  • Amount $20,000
  • Deadline January 31, 2024

The ASNT Fellowship Award is a cash award, currently up to $20,000 per award, granted to an ABET-accredited educational institution to fund specific research in NDT at the postgraduate level (MS or Ph.D). The application should be in the form of a proposal for a graduate level research project from the university outlining what the program or graduate study activity will consist of and how long ... Read more

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount $10,000
  • Deadline January 31, 2024

Dedicated to promoting education and leadership, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that recognizes and honors exceptional undergraduate students of Hellenic descent, supporting their efforts with significant monetary awards based on academic merit and financial need. Our Mission is to promote education by providing scholarships and programs to Greek ... Read more

Doyle Foundation, Inc. Scholarship

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline February 1, 2024

Doyle Foundation Scholarships are for one year only. Applicants can be graduating high school seniors or any age beyond that. There is no income cap requirement; there is no minimum grade point average requirement. One may enroll in any field of study. Both need-based and merit scholarships are awarded. Scholarship amounts and awarded expenses vary. Not all applicants will receive a scholarship. ... Read more

Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount $6,000
  • Deadline February 8, 2024

Watson-Brown Foundation provides need and merit-based scholarships to select Georgia and South Carolina students attending accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Eligible students must be from one of 23 qualifying counties. A student's permanent address must be within the designated county region at the time of high school graduation. Current high school ... Read more

Loyola University- New Orleans Honors Scholarship

  • Amount $20,000
  • Deadline February 15, 2024

Upon applying to Loyola you’ll be automatically considered for academic merit scholarships. 99 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid. Incoming freshman should apply for admission to Loyola by February 15 for full consideration for academic merit and selective scholarships. These awards are renewable for four years or eight academic semesters. There is no extra application for ... Read more

Tschudy Family Scholarship

  • Amount $12,500
  • Deadline February 15, 2024

Established by bequest from the estate of Alene M. Swindle, the Tschudy Family Scholarship provides scholarships to eligible graduates of Emmett High School who pursue an academic degree from an Idaho public four-year higher education institution. Recipients of the Tschudy Family Scholarship are selected based on academic merit, integrity and financial need. Awards are renewable for up to five ... Read more

Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarship

  • Amount $20,000
  • Deadline February 15, 2024

The Daughters of the Cincinnati have contributed generously to the scholarship fund for over a century. Applicants must be daughters of career commissioned officers in the United States military. If eligible, applicants apply during their senior year in high school. The application process includes an essay, secondary school report, a letter of recommendation from a member of the applicant’s ... Read more

Lycoming College Trustee Scholarship

  • Amount $27,000
  • Deadline March 1, 2024

In addition to the Lycoming Grant program (need-based), Lycoming College offers over $31 million each year in scholarships and grants to academically talented students studying on the Williamsport Campus who are full-time and degree-seeking. First-year students are automatically considered for all academic scholarships — there is no special application. All academic scholarships are automatically ... Read more

Virginia Smith Scholarship

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline March 2, 2024

The Virginia Smith Scholarship will be awarded to a college junior who demonstrates academic potential and merits the respect and support of fellow students and teachers, has earned recognition through good citizenship during school and/or personal service to the community in which they live, and clearly needs financial support in order to attain objectives through higher education. To be ... Read more

Red Rocks Community College Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount $5,500
  • Deadline March 3, 2024

The Red Rocks Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to supporting Red Rocks Community College in its commitment to students, learning, and excellence. Since 1993, the Foundation Scholarship Program has aided over 3,000 students realize their dreams of going to college. The RRCC Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships based on both need and merit. An ... Read more

NACUFS Clark E. DeHaven Scholarship Trust

  • Amount $4,000
  • Deadline March 15, 2024

The NACUFS Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce that up to four - $4,000 Clark E. DeHaven scholarships will be awarded to students at NACUFS member institutions for use during the coming academic year. Its purpose is to provide merit scholarships to students at member institutions who are committed to pursuing careers in accredited programs in the foodservice profession or related ... Read more

Keep Your Chin Up Scholarship Fund

  • Amount $5,000
  • Deadline March 15, 2024

The Keep Your Chin Up Scholarship Fund is a non-traditional scholarship for Arizona residents age 25 and older. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED but not prior Bachelor's Degree, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, demonstrate financial need and prove school enrollment. Awards will range between $500 to $5,000 and award recipients will be chosen based on need, merit and ... Read more

CMP Scholarship

  • Amount $20,000
  • Deadline March 31, 2024

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) offers scholarships on the basis of merit to selected high school seniors who are currently enrolled in a team or club that is participating in firearms marksmanship competitions. The CMP seeks applications from high school seniors who currently compete in marksmanship competitions. To be eligible, applicants must: be a US citizen; be of good moral ... Read more

The Blades of Green Scholarship Fund

  • Amount $1,000
  • Deadline March 31, 2024

Blades of Green has created a merit-based scholarship fund for individuals seeking undergraduate education in environmental studies or related fields. Mark and Brad Leahy will give away two (2) $1,000 scholarships for the 2023 academic year. The scholarship will be awarded based on academic excellence, pursuit of further study in environmental education at an accredited college or university, and ... Read more

Blind Service Association Scholarship

  • Amount $3,000
  • Deadline April 1, 2024

Every year, Blind Service Association awards 20 to 30 scholarships, ranging in amounts from $750 to $3,000, to young people with visual impairments who are planning to attend a professional school, college, or university. Applications are judged according to academic merit, evidence of community service and need. Interested individuals must reside in Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, McHenry or Kane ... Read more

Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount $20,000
  • Deadline April 1, 2024

The Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship is for Maine residents entering their first year of post-secondary education. Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a two-year or four-year, degree-granting college or university which is accredited by the Association of Schools and Colleges. Scholarships will be awarded based on merit, demonstrated financial need and community service. ... Read more

Saab Family Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline April 1, 2024

The Saab Family Foundation provides scholarships to individuals seeking to pursue private high school education or higher education in the pursuit of a two- or four-year undergraduate degree. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need; and may be provided to cover tuition, room and board, fees, and book expenses. Applicants must be private high school students or ... Read more

ABA Academic Merit Scholarship

  • Amount $5,000
  • Deadline April 14, 2024

The American Bus Association Academic Merit Scholarship is open to both ABA and non-ABA Members. To be eligible, applicants must: be a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student at an accredited university (4-year university/college or junior college; have a declared major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel, and tourism industry (which can encompass many ... Read more

MBA Student Broadcaster Scholarship

  • Amount $2,500
  • Deadline April 14, 2024

Students who are permanent residents of Massachusetts, have declared a communications-related major, and are in the process of enrolling, or are currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning are encouraged to apply for the MBA Student Broadcaster Scholarship. Such institutions include vocational schools, or 2 or 4-year colleges or universities offering degrees in radio and ... Read more

Robert and Joanne Koch Scholarship for Architecture

  • Amount $1,000
  • Deadline April 28, 2024

The Robert and Joanne Koch Scholarship for Architecture will provide a scholarship to a graduating high school senior. The student must be from one of the following three Central Florida counties: Orange, Osceola, or Seminole. The scholarship will be awarded based on merit. The award can be applied to tuition, board, and/or other mandatory educational fees. Awards will be made payable to the ... Read more

GMiS STEM Scholarship

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline April 30, 2024

To be eligible for the GMiS STEM Scholarship, applicants must: demonstrate merit through academic achievements, leadership and campus/community activities; be pursuing a science, technology, engineering or math degree; have a 3.0 GPA (applicants may have a 2.5 GPA for non-merit-based donor scholarships); be of Hispanic descent and/or must demonstrate significant leadership or service within the ... Read more

EWNJ Graduate Merit Award Program

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline April 30, 2024

Applicants must identify as female and be a non-traditional student who has either returned to her studies several years after obtaining an undergraduate degree, have changed careers and is returning to school for job education, or someone who comes from a non-traditional educational or socioeconomic background. We’ve awarded nearly 350 women attending New Jersey colleges and universities over ... Read more

Northeast Lakeview College Scholarships

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline May 15, 2024

Northeast Lakeview College Scholarships are funded by donations to the Alamo Colleges Foundation. Students who have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA for undergraduate (or High School 60+ average), are enrolled full-time or part-time, and who are making satisfactory academic progress are eligible to apply. Students should complete the online application to be considered for all scholarships offered by NLC ... Read more

Julie Keil Scholarship for Women

  • Amount $3,000
  • Deadline May 31, 2024

The Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship Fund will provide an education scholarship program for women enrolled in an accredited college or university and majoring in a discipline relevant to entering the hydropower industry. The scholarship will be based on merit and financial need and offer grants to women who plan to enter the hydropower industry to assist with expenses to attend industry ... Read more

EGIA Foundation HVAC HERO Scholarship

  • Amount $2,500
  • Deadline May 31, 2024

Every year, The HVAC HERO Scholarship provides a $2,500 scholarship to up to 20 students pursuing an HVAC degree at a community college, trade school, or technical institute. Scholarships will be awarded based on eligibility requirements, academic merit, financial need, and interest of pursuing a career in residential HVAC or home performance contracting. Applicants will be asked to explain what ... Read more

Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc. Founders Fund Scholarship

  • Amount $5,000
  • Deadline September 15, 2024

The Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc. Founders Fund Scholarship is offered annually to a single recipient who has demonstrated excellence and outstanding dedication in a field of study that falls within an environmental field of a school or department. It was the hope of the founders that the recipient will use this scholarship to assist his or her studies, and after graduation seek employment in ... Read more

Virginia Commonwealth University Deans' Scholarship

  • Amount $32,000
  • Deadline November 1, 2024

Scholarships are funds that are awarded to students to use toward their education, and don’t need to be repaid. Some scholarships and funding opportunities are given based on merit (academic achievement), some are based on need, and some are awarded for athletics and other skills. Virginia Commonwealth University considers all outstanding first-year applicants for university-level scholarships if ... Read more

Ohio State University Morrill Scholarship Program

  • Amount $146,888
  • Deadline November 1, 2024

The Morrill Scholarship Program is Ohio State's premier diversity/merit scholarship program, rewarding academically talented students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, service and social justice activities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States. MSP seeks academically talented high school seniors who will contribute to campus ... Read more

College of Wooster College Scholar Award

  • Amount $164,000
  • Deadline November 15, 2024

Families often find projecting college costs to be a daunting task. However, at The College of Wooster, we believe in making education accessible and valuable. Affordability and Educational Excellence are at the core of a Wooster education, earning us recognition as a Best Value College each year. Our commitment to transparency and a test-blind process for merit scholarships ensures that families ... Read more

College of Wooster Scottish Arts Scholarships

  • Amount $32,000
  • Deadline November 15, 2024

The Scottish Arts Scholarship is awarded to first-year students (transfers are not eligible) on the basis of music performance skills demonstrated at the audition. Recipients are not required to major or minor in music at Wooster. Recipients of the award must continue to practice their craft by enrolling in private lessons and by participating in the Scot Marching and Symphonic Bands. The dollar ... Read more

Rutgers University- New Brunswick First-Year Student Awards

  • Amount $129,744
  • Deadline December 1, 2024

Admitted students who apply by December 1 will be considered for merit-based awards. Scholarships are highly competitive. Scholarship offers are based on a careful and thorough review of information provided in the application, a student’s academic strengths and performance, and financial need. Other factors considered when awarding scholarships is the overall competitiveness of the applicant ... Read more

Rutgers University- New Brunswick National Merit Scholarships/College Sponsored Merit Award

  • Amount $4,000
  • Deadline December 1, 2024

Scholarships are a form of gift aid and do not need to be repaid. Continuing and admitted students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for a wide range of scholarships awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. Even if you believe you will not qualify for need-based financial aid, it is still important to file the application, since some merit ... Read more

Florida State University Mores Scholarship

  • Amount $12,000
  • Deadline December 1, 2024

Florida State University scholarships offered by the Office of Admissions are typically awarded at the time of your acceptance as a first-year student. All accepted students are automatically considered for a scholarship. The scholarship criteria can vary from year-to-year depending on the academic profile of the incoming class and the funds that are available. Scholarships are very competitive ... Read more

Priscilla Carney Jones Scholarship Fund

  • Amount $2,500
  • Deadline Varies

Priscilla Jones, Beta Eta 1991, was born in Malden, Mass., on April 30, 1937. She attended Wheaton College, Bryn Mawr College and the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a doctorate degree in chemistry in 1968. She was among the first females to earn a doctorate degree in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. While in Madison, she met and married her husband of nearly 40 years, Paul R. ... Read more

E.J. Lund Research Scholarship Awards in Marine Science

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline Varies

The Department of Marine Science of The University of Texas at Austin offers programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in marine science. Graduate students may begin their academic program with coursework in the Summer semester in Port Aransas or in the Fall semester on the Austin campus. Students typically complete two semesters on the Austin campus before moving to The University ... Read more

South Carolina Need Based Grants Program

  • Amount $14,000
  • Deadline Varies

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education was established in 1967 and serves as the coordinating board for South Carolina’s 33 public institutions of higher learning. In addition to partnering with institutions to deliver an effective statewide higher education system, the CHE acts both as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly, and an advocate for the citizens of South ... Read more

Lake Erie College Twins Scholarship

  • Amount $25,000
  • Deadline Varies

A college education is an important investment and represents a major expense in your family's budget. At Lake Erie College, we are committed to helping you find the means to afford a quality private education. We realize there is a lot to understanding the financial aid process — many of our staff are putting - or have already put - our kids through college. We can help you with every step. We ... Read more

IIT Transfer Student Scholarships

  • Amount $105,000
  • Deadline Varies

Illinois Tech has several of its own competitive scholarship programs that are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. All domestic undergraduate first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for scholarships that cover a generous portion of expenses such as tuition. Graduate students in select degree programs also may be considered for additional special scholarships, ... Read more

Valparaiso University Merit Scholarships

  • Amount $30,000
  • Deadline Varies

We believe that college should be an option for everyone who wants to further their education. Through the Office of Financial Aid at Valpo, we provide student financial services surrounding financial aid, undergraduate scholarships, and tuition costs. Parents and students can complete the FAFSA starting in October each year. We encourage you to file your FAFSA, regardless of your family’s ... Read more

Northwood University Freedom Transfer Scholarships

  • Amount $30,000
  • Deadline Varies

Most students who attend Northwood receive financial aid. Available aid options vary from student to student based on circumstances. Our Net Price Calculator can help traditional undergraduate student form an estimate of the financial aid available to them. ADP/DeVos and International Students should talk with their admissions advisors regarding pricing. You will need a completed FAFSA in order ... Read more

Northwood University Free Enterprise Transfer Scholarships

  • Amount $27,000
  • Deadline Varies

Most students who attend Northwood receive financial aid. Available aid options vary from student to student based on circumstances. Our Net Price Calculator can help traditional undergraduate student form an estimate of the financial aid available to them. ADP/DeVos and International Students should talk with their admissions advisors regarding pricing. You will need a completed FAFSA in order ... Read more

Niagara University Achievement Award

  • Amount $64,000
  • Deadline Varies

Niagara University provides students with a world-class, prestigious educational experience that delivers a very strong return on investment. Affordability is central to the institution's mission, which is why NU regularly appears in U.S. News and World Report's annual rankings of best regional universities and best value schools. 98% of Niagara's students receive financial assistance, which ... Read more

Lenoir-Rhyne University LR Scholars

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline Varies

Through the generous support of our alumni and community, LR can offer almost all enrolled students some level of financial aid. Academic, merit, talent, need-based and other scholarships are also available for qualified and deserving students. At Lenoir-Rhyne, we strive to make higher education as accessible as possible, recognizing that paying for college is a top concern for students and their ... Read more

University of California Berkeley Leadership Award

  • Amount $2,000
  • Deadline Varies

Established in 1934, The Leadership Award is a one-year, merit-based scholarship that recognizes undergraduate students at UC Berkeley who demonstrate innovative, initiative-driven leadership impacting their academic, work, or community environments. Students compete for the scholarship every year, ensuring a diverse and dynamic annual cohort of leaders whose work is relevant and newly ... Read more

Last Reviewed: December 2023