Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: May 2, 2025

Merit Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • There are many merit scholarships available from various sources, including colleges and universities, private foundations, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
  • Some scholarships, such as the Marshall Scholarship or the Rhodes Scholarship, are highly competitive and prestigious, offering opportunities for study at renowned institutions.
  • Merit Scholarships support students in various academic disciplines, including STEM, humanities, arts, business, and social sciences.

One of the common myths about scholarships is that you need to have demonstrated financial need to win awards. But that’s simply not true.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Merit Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Cameron Impact Scholarship

  • Amount$200,000
  • DeadlineMay 21, 2025

There are countless ways to make a positive impact in many professional careers. The Cameron Impact Scholar has both the ability and the intent to make real, tangible contributions in their lifelong dedication to the greater good. The Foundation will allocate approximately a quarter of the scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in education, non-profits, government, and/or military and have

  • 2

  • The CAPTRUST Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The CAPTRUST Scholarship scholarship window is now open with the scholarships being awarded for the coming Fall semester. We will select five students across the country to receive $2,000 each. At CAPTRUST, we believe it is essential to support our local communities and prepare developing professionals for success. Scholarship Details Five scholarships awarded for the Fall 2025 semester Each

  • 3

  • TEDS Faithful Future Scholarship

  • Amount$9,000
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2025

Start your academic journey in any of our MA programs, including the MDIV, MA in Theological Studies, MA in Mental Health Counseling, or MA in Bioethics with a 20% tuition grant, renewable throughout your entire course of study. Scholarship Details 20% off annual tuition for new MA program students (including MDIV, MA in Theological Studies, MA in Mental Health Counseling, MA in

  • 4

  • Daniel G Calugar Foundation Merit Scholarship Program

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

The Daniel G. Calugar Foundation offers the Academic Achievement Scholarship to ten exceptional freshmen entering college in the coming fall. Each recipient will receive $10,000 to be applied towards college tuition. This scholarship seeks to honor students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong motivation, and clear career objectives, along with a deep understanding of current economic

  • 5

  • CIAM Academic Excellence Scholarship

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineJuly 25, 2025

CIAM Merit and Achievement Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit, professional experience, or individual achievements. These scholarships are funded through the generous support of CIAM's Board Members, Mr. and Mrs. Shao and are for tuition and fees only. Some scholarships are available regardless of financial need. Scholarship Details Awarded based on academic merit

  • 6

  • University of Lynchburg Hopwood Scholarship

  • Amount$96,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

The University of Lynchburg offers a wide range of scholarships and awards. When you are admitted, you are automatically considered for these academic scholarships and awards. Merit scholarships for the upcoming school year range from in amounts annually and are renewable with continued full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. You are automatically considered for academic

  • 7

  • Marshall Scholarship

  • Amount$85,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 24, 2025

The Marshall Scholarship is intended for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding. In doing so, we recognise the value of diversity among applicants and promote equality of opportunity. The selection criteria are divided into three equally weighted categories: Academic Merit; Leadership Potential; and Ambassadorial

  • 8

  • Rhodes Scholarship

  • Amount$250,000
  • DeadlineOctober 2, 2025

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year 32 young students from the United States are selected as Rhodes Scholars, through a decentralized process representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Applicants from more than 320 American colleges and universities have been selected as Rhodes

  • 9

  • University of Texas- San Antonio Distinguished Transfer Scholarship

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineOctober 15, 2025

The Financial Aid and Scholarships office administers a variety of scholarships funded by the university and donors who support UTSA. One of the best ways to cover tuition costs is to apply for scholarships—they provide financial aid funds that you don’t have to pay back. Although some scholarships are awarded automatically, most require an application separate from completing your FAFSA. One

  • 10

  • Indiana University Herbert Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$46,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

The Adam W. Herbert Presidential Scholars Program (HPS) gives top-achieving high school graduates in Indiana a head start on reaching their college goals with a four-year renewable scholarship to attend IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, or any regional campus. Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the program welcomes a minimum of 30 incoming Indiana University freshmen every year. Scholarship

  • 11

  • North Carolina State University Park Scholarships

  • Amount$229,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

An NC State education is the key to whatever door you want to open. We offer more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 200 master’s and doctoral programs. Our students graduate ready for successful careers and meaningful lives. Our Pack is strong, and we’re always looking for more thinkers and doers from all over the world to help us get even stronger. Our Pack is made up of innovative,

  • 12

  • Colorado State University Green and Gold Scholarship

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

Colorado State University scholarships are first-time freshmen admitted to a degree-seeking program on CSU’s main campus in Fort Collins. All scholarships will only be for fall and spring semesters; unless otherwise noted. If a student starts in the summer the scholarship still cannot be used until fall semester. All awards require enrollment in on-campus credits and students in CSU Online

  • 13

  • UIC Chancellor's Fellows

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

A scholarship is gift assistance that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic achievement, athletic ability, field of study, special talents, etc. Students must report outside scholarships so SFAS can recalculate aid eligibility. If students have remaining unmet need or have not exceeded their cost of attendance (COA), other awards will not be

  • 14

  • University of Oregon Stamps Scholarship

  • Amount$175,000
  • DeadlineNovember 13, 2025

The Stamps Scholarship—the University of Oregon’s most prestigious and generous undergraduate scholarship—is awarded competitively to outstanding incoming domestic freshmen. Approximately twenty students, ten Oregon residents and ten out-of-state students, will be awarded this merit-based scholarship annually. This scholarship is provided by the University of Oregon in partnership with the Stamps

  • 15

  • Cooke College Scholarship Program

  • Amount$55,000
  • DeadlineNovember 14, 2025

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities. Scholarship Details Significant coverage of educational expenses including tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. For any field of study

  • 16

  • University of South Carolina Alumni Scholars Award

  • Amount$32,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2025

Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, these awards signify outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, talent and service. Recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1453 (ACT score of 34) and an average high school GPA of 5.4 and were in the top 2% of their high school class, on average. Scholarship Details Total four-year value: $32,000

  • 17

  • University of Texas-Arlington Presidential Scholarships

  • Amount$52,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

University of Texas-Arlington Presidential Scholars are selected from our highest academically achieving incoming freshmen. Every incoming freshman will receive a holistic review by the Scholarship Committee of their academic record for scholarship consideration. A variety of factors are considered using a combination of academic qualifications such as high school rank, GPA, test scores and

  • 18

  • Vanderbilt University Ingram Scholarship

  • Amount$326,588
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

The Ingram Scholars Program challenges students to create and implement substantial service projects in the community. The program supports students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to combine a successful business or professional career with a lifelong commitment to finding solutions to critical problems facing modern society. Ingram Scholars receive full-tuition, all required fees,

  • 19

  • University of Kentucky Otis A. Singletary Scholarship

  • Amount$176,560
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

Eligible applicants for the Otis A. Singletary Scholarship must have at least a 3.8 GPA, and if they took the ACT/SAT, a score of at least 33 or 1450. This is available to both Kentucky residents and non-residents. This scholarship covers the cost of full tuition plus a housing stipend for the first two years. The Otis A. Singletary Scholars receive a prestigious merit scholarship for their

  • 20

  • SLU Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$273,800
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

Saint Louis University’s Presidential Scholarship is a four-year award for exemplary student leaders. This competitive award covers the full cost of tuition for 10 consecutive full-time (up to 18 credit hours) fall and spring semesters. Applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.85 or higher, weighted or unweighted, as reported on your transcript at the end of your junior year.

  • 21

  • University of New Mexico Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$56,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

The University of New Mexico Presidential Scholarship is offered to selected incoming freshmen New Mexico residents with proven academic and citizenship skills as demonstrated in the classroom and positions of leadership. Students must apply during their senior year in high school and complete both the admissions and the scholarship application by the specified deadline. To be eligible,

  • 22

  • Southwestern University Brown Scholarship

  • Amount$168,000
  • DeadlineDecember 3, 2025

Competitive Scholarships offered by Southwestern University are awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, extracurricularly and within their greater educational community. While your application for admission is also the application for Competitive Scholarships, an interview is required for all candidates to advance further in the competition. Competitive scholarships are

  • 23

  • Florida International University Presidential Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineDecember 3, 2025

The Presidential Scholarship is Florida International University's most prestigious, merit-based award. For Florida residents, it covers 100% undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a book stipend. For non-residents, it offers merit-based tuition reduction. To be eligible, applicants must be a high school senior; have a 4.0 GPA; have either a 1370 SAT, an ACT of 30, or be in the top 5% of the

  • 24

  • University of Michigan Presidential Scholarships

  • Amount$120,000
  • DeadlineDecember 15, 2025

The University of Michigan Presidential Scholarship supports selected entering undergraduate students by providing financial assistance for up to eight terms. Award amounts vary based on residency, and recipients must meet academic and enrollment requirements to maintain eligibility. Scholarship Details Available to selected entering undergraduate students Financial support for up to eight

  • 25

  • Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Scholarships

  • Amount$269,784
  • DeadlineJanuary 2, 2026

The University of Chicago offers prestigious scholarships covering up to full tuition for four years, exclusively for graduates of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) who gain admission to the College of the University of Chicago. Scholarship Details Duration: Four-year coverage Scope: Up to full tuition Exclusively for CPS graduates Eligibility

If you have solid grades or other accomplishments, you can qualify for merit scholarships. However, not all merit scholarships are created equal. Here’s everything you should know about merit scholarships - and how to win them.

What is a merit scholarship?

The biggest distinguishing factor in a merit scholarship is that they usually don't consider financial need. Merit scholarships are given to students based on some kind of accomplishment, whether it’s academic, artistic, athletic or something else. Merit scholarships care more about what you’ve done than other factors.

Some merit scholarships are open to all kinds of students, like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Here's how to qualify:

Merit scholarships are available for both current high school and college students. Even community college and graduate school students can qualify for merit scholarships. In fact, it’s never too early or too late to look for a merit scholarship.

Merit scholarships typically require a transcript, a letter of recommendation (or several) and an essay. If you’re applying for an artistic merit scholarship, you may also be required to submit your portfolio or examples of your work.

While most merit scholarships only require a 3.0 GPA, others, like the Cameron Impact Scholarship, have higher standards.

Here's how to qualify:

Types of merit scholarship

Academic

An academic merit scholarship is the most popular kind. This scholarship will mostly look at your grades, but may also consider test scores, community service and other extracurriculars.

Athletic

You can find athletic scholarships outside of your school. Many athletic scholarships are only given to athletes in certain sports or from specific regions or states, like the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship. One female and one male winner will be chosen.

Here's how to qualify:

Artistic

One of the most well-known artistic merit scholarships is the Stuck at Prom scholarship. The winner for the dress and tux category will each receive a $15,000 award. Eight runners-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Here's how to qualify:

Diversity-based merit scholarship

Some merit scholarships are focused on students from a particular racial or ethnic background. Others may require that you be part of the LGQBT community, be adopted or come from a foster background, and more.

Where to find merit scholarships

Your school will often put you in the running for merit scholarships when you apply. However, if you’re already enrolled, you may want to speak with your academic advisor or financial aid department about maximizing your scholarship opportunities. Many students don’t know that there are tons of scholarships for upperclassmen, even seniors.

To simplify the scholarship search, you can also create a profile on Scholarships.com. Answering every question and inputting all your information will generate a list of potential scholarships.

Even merit scholarships may require that you submit the FAFSA, even if there’s no need-based component. That's because they want to make sure that you’ve maximized all your scholarship opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merit Scholarships

Many students think that the only way to get a merit scholarship is to have a 4.0 GPA or a perfect SAT or ACT score. But that's not true. Scholarship organizations aren’t looking for the perfect cookie-cutter student. They want someone who has real passions and interests.

To qualify for a merit scholarship, you usually only need a 3.0 GPA. And many scholarships don’t even require a minimum SAT or ACT score.

The best way to win a merit scholarship is to write a compelling essay and look for a scholarship that has narrow eligibility requirements.

Your essay may be the perfect place to explain any extenuating circumstances that affected your grades. For example, if you had to take care of your ailing grandmother, mention that in your essay. The scholarship committee may be willing to overlook poor grades if you can show a reason why.

Also, know that good grades alone aren’t enough. You still need to write a captivating essay that shows exactly who you are. Also, if you have good grades but no extracurricular activities, you may not win many scholarships.

Being a well-rounded student who is capable of expressing themselves is more important than being a perfect student.

Merit scholarships may be given on a one-off basis or may be renewable for all four years. The exact rules depend on the particular scholarship.

If a scholarship is eligible for renewal, you may have to maintain a certain GPA or be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This often means taking enough classes toward a major to ensure you graduate on time.

While all merit scholarships are different, one thing they usually have in common is that they require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

If you're an international student trying to find merit scholarships, you should start with schools that offer tuition waivers. A tuition waiver gives you the same tuition rate as an in-state student, often saving you tens of thousands of dollars over a four-year degree.

Students with DACA status may also find it difficult to qualify for scholarships. However, there are still many options available through the Scholarships.com portal. You can also look for awards through the schools you’re applying to. Some states, like California, also have special grants for students with DACA status.