Merit based scholarships are monetary awards given to students who have a history of high grades, strong SAT or ACT scores, participation in their community, or other, similar achievements. They can be offered by individuals, businesses, schools, organizations, non-profits, and government agencies.
Merit based scholarships are different from need based scholarships, which are awards given to individuals who demonstrate financial need and require assistance to pay for college. Some merit awards can take financial need into account, and some need-based scholarships might consider merit. There are also scholarships that only require your contact information and aren’t merit or need based.
In general, scholarships don’t have to be paid back. However, if an organization states that the award money can only be used for tuition that means something like a new computer is not eligible to use award money on.
Some merit based scholarships are also renewable. This means students can receive the award for multiple semesters or years in a row as long as they continue to meet the award’s criteria.
What Is Required for Merit Based Scholarships?
Every organization sets its own specific criteria for its award. Some merit based scholarships may be based on artistic talents and require a portfolio. Others are based on GPA. And some may have several points that must be met.
Awards could require any these common criteria:
- Minimum GPA
- ACT or SAT scores
- Artistic talents and portfolio
- Leadership qualities
- Community service
- Extracurriculars
- Specific intended major
- Intended career
- Geographical location
- Specific high school, college, or trade school
- Race, sex, religion, or other demographic
- Demonstrated financial need
When searching for merit based scholarships, always check the requirements before you apply to save time and effort. Keep in mind that the above list is not comprehensive.
Do GPA and SAT/ACT Scores Matter For Merit Scholarships?
In most cases, GPA and SAT or ACT scores do matter for merit scholarships. These awards are given out to high achievers, and a history of high grades backed by solid SAT and ACT scores highlights academic achievements. While there are other types of merit scholarships, most will take your GPA or standardized test scores into account.
Types Of Merit Scholarships
Here’s a closer look at some common types of merit scholarships:
- GPA scholarships. Many merit based scholarships are based solely on GPA. Most require a minimum of 3.0 to apply, but others could ask for a higher GPA.
- ACT, PSAT, and SAT scholarships. Most colleges still use ACT or SAT scores for college admissions, but they can also be used by schools and other organizations for merit based awards. For example, the National Merit Scholarship awards scholarships to students who score high on the PSAT.
- Community service scholarships. These awards reward students who are committed to giving back to their community mainly through unpaid efforts. If you’ve spent time volunteering in any capacity, you may qualify to apply for these scholarships.
- First generation scholarships. Being the first in your family to go to college is a major accomplishment. Institutions recognize the hard work that goes into achieving this milestone and set up scholarships to reward first-generation students.
- Institutional scholarships. Many colleges and universities offer merit scholarships to their applicants. Endowment depends on the school in question, but private schools tend to have much more to put towards these awards than public colleges.
How to Apply to Merit Based Scholarships
To apply to a merit based scholarship, you’ll usually have to fill out an application. However, there are some exceptions. Some merit based awards through colleges are based solely on your application to that college, and don’t require a separate application. The National Merit Scholarship Program automatically enrolls students in the program if scored high on the PSAT, but an application is needed later to advance.
Scholarship applications can also ask for:
- High school or college transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay or personal statement
- Proof of work, volunteer, or extracurricular history
For merit based scholarships that take financial need into account, you’ll also likely have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), fill out your state’s financial aid application, or submit financial documents.
Where to Find Merit Based Scholarships
The best place to find merit based scholarships is on an online scholarship database. These resources allow you to enter in your information, grades, test scores, and more to find the awards you specifically qualify for. There are thousands of awards out there. Reading through them all to find the ones you qualify for would take years, never mind applying for them. A database saves you time and effort.
When searching for colleges, make sure to check out their available merit based scholarships. Many schools have earlier deadlines for college applications if you’d like to be in the running for these awards. For example, Louisiana State University doesn’t require student applications until June 30 for the following fall, but those interested in competing for merit scholarships have to apply by December 15.
You can also find scholarships through your high school counselor’s office, college, local businesses, regional organizations, and newspapers.
Tips For Winning Merit-Based Scholarships
Boost your chances of winning one or more merit-based scholarships with these tips.
- Keep your grades up. A majority of merit based scholarships are going to be based heavily on grades. Work hard on keeping them up throughout high school and college. Dips in your GPA could keep you out of the running for some awards or cause you to lose out on renewable scholarships you won previously.
- Start early. The sooner you start, the more awards you can apply to. Some scholarships even have deadlines in October. Waiting until after you’ve submitted your college applications could cause you to miss out on some awards.
- Don’t ignore smaller awards. Smaller monetary awards tend to have less competition. Winning a few of these adds up to a lot!
- Work hard on your essay. Most of the students applying for these scholarships are going to have high grades and standardized test scores. You need to separate yourself from the pack. The easiest way to do that is to create a stellar scholarship essay.
10 Merit Based Scholarships
Here are 10 merit based scholarships to get you started on your search!
1. FLORIDA’S BRIGHT FUTURES
- Amount: Up to 100% of college costs
- Deadline: Varies
The Bright Futures Scholarship Program in Florida is for high achieving high school students. There are different awards available based on your grades. The better you do in school, the more money you’re eligible for. It’s available for students going to college, university, or vocational school.
The Florida Academic Scholarship (FAS) covers 100% of public college costs and some costs of private colleges. The Florida Medallion Scholarship (FMS) covers 75% of public college costs and some costs of private colleges.
This isn’t a scholarship you can apply to overnight. It’s one that requires planning. We recommend discussing the program and how to apply with your high school counselor as soon as possible.
Here’s a quick look at the minimum requirements for FMS. Keep in mind that FAS requires a higher GPA and SAT/ACT scores than FMS.
- Intend on going to a Florida college or university
- Be a Florida resident and have earned a Florida high school diploma
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Have a minimum 25 on the ACT or 1210 on the SAT
- Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA)
- Volunteer at least 75 hours or work 100 hours (or have a combination of the two for a total of 100 hours)
- Take the 16 required high school course credits
2. MILWAUKEE’S FINEST SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
- Amount: Up to $2,000
- Deadline: November 1
The Milwaukee’s Finest Scholarship Program is for current seniors attending Milwaukee County high schools and attended one of these schools for four years. Nineteen students can receive up to $2,000 each to help pay for college.
This program is merit based and requires a minimum GPA, but it also requires demonstrated financial need. Winners will have to attend a mandatory meeting and a reception to win the award.
Interested students need to:
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA at the time of their application
- Demonstrate leadership traits
- Participate in community service and extracurriculars
- Enroll in college the following fall (associate’s or bachelor’s)
- Explain financial need
- Submit one letter of recommendation
3. FLINN SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount: Full cost of tuition, housing, and meals
- Deadline: October 21
The Flinn Scholarship is open to high school seniors in Arizona. The program selects 20 students each year, who are named Flinn Scholars, and covers their tuition, housing, and meals. The award also includes seminars, study abroad experiences, mentoring, and other benefits.
To apply, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have lived in Arizona for at least two years and be an Arizona resident
- Have a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher
- Rank in the top 5 percent of their class
- Score at least a 26 on the ACT or 1230 on the SAT
- Demonstrate leadership in extracurriculars
4. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MAXIMUS, PROVOST, AND TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIPS
- Amount: Up to $3,000 per year
- Deadline: November 1
Students who apply to Ohio State University under early action (by November 1) will automatically be entered into the running for the Maximus, Provost and Trustees Scholarships. The award is open to Ohio and non-Ohio residents. The school’s website doesn’t mention any minimum requirements, but states that the scholarship is highly competitive and takes GPA, class rank, academic rigor, and standardized tests into account.
OSU also has several other merit based scholarships available to students, including the Stamps Eminence Scholarship, Morrill Scholarship, Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship (Ohio residents only), and National Buckeye Scholarship (for non-Ohio residents).
5. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA OUT-OF-STATE MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
- Amount: Up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: May 1
All first time college students who live out of state, apply to University of Alabama, and submit both their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores will be eligible for the school’s Out-of-State Merit Scholarships.
All of these awards require a minimum 3.5 GPA, and the higher you score on the ACT or SAT, the more money you could win. The lowest accepted test scores are a 25 on the ACT or a 1200 on the SAT (for the Crimson Legends Scholarship that awards $6,000). The Presidential Scholarship awards $28,000 requires at least a 32 on the ACT or a 1420 on the SAT.
Applicants who have a 4.0 GPA or higher and have a perfect score on the ACT or SAT are named Presidential Elite Scholars. This covers up to four years of tuition, on campus housing for the first year, money towards research or study abroad programs, and a supplemental scholarship for four years.
6. CAMERON IMPACT SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount: Full cost of tuition, fees, and books
- Deadline: Varies
The Cameron Impact Scholarship from the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation offers winners full cost of tuition, fees, and books to any U.S. based accredited four-year college or university of their choice. Up to 15 high school students are selected each year.
Students interested in this scholarship should apply as soon as possible as the program only accepts up to 3,000 applications.
To apply, the student needs to:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be part of the following year’s graduating class
- Plan to enroll in a four-year college or university
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and a strong work ethic
- Participate in community service and extracurriculars
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit official high school transcripts
7. NEW YORK WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: January 10
The New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) Scholarship is open to undergraduates and graduates who are planning to study communications or a related field, such as English or public relations. Interested students need to become members, but it’s complimentary for applicants between the ages of 18 and 26.
Each year NYWICI awards a handful of applicants up to $10,000. Recipients must commit to certain obligations including agreement to their code of ethics, active participation in the organization, and participation in an internship.
Students interested in applying must:
- Be a permanent resident of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania OR be attending a college or university in New York
- Attend college full-time
- Major in a communications-related field
- Have a 3.2 GPA or higher
- Participate in a virtual interview
- Submit two letters of recommendation
8. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY TOP MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
- Amount: Full cost of attendance and additional funding
- Deadline: December 15
First year students applying to Louisiana State University (LSU) by December 15 are automatically entered into the running for the school’s Top Merit-Based Scholarships, the Stamp Scholarship and The President’s Alumni Scholars Award. They’re open to Louisiana residents and non-residents.
Both awards cover the full cost of attending LSU for four years, including tuition, books, housing, fees, and more, and offer the chance to receive additional cash if the student participates in the school’s research program.. The Stamp Scholarship also provides students with a laptop stipend and money for enrichment experiences. The President’s Alumni Scholars Award includes a study abroad stipend.
Students are selected based on their academic achievements, community service, and leadership.
9. NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
- Amount: Up to $6,000 per year
- Deadline: March 1
Students interested in attending New Mexico Tech can be considered for various merit based scholarships at the school. They range between $2,000 and $6,000 and are renewable for four years.
Each scholarship has different criteria. The Presidential Scholarship awards $6,000 per year, but students must have a National Merit Finalist Certificate and a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. Copper Scholarship grants $2,000 each year to students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an ACT score of 23 or a SAT score of 1130.
Students who want to apply to New Mexico Tech and be considered for these scholarships should submit their college application by March 1. However, the school recommends applying as soon as possible as funding is limited.
10. THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE DISTINGUISHED TENNESSEAN AWARD
- Amount: Full cost of tuition and mandatory fees
- Deadline: December 16
The University of Tennessee (UT) offers several merit based scholarships to students, including the Distinguished Tennessean Award. One student is selected from each of the state’s 95 counties to receive the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years.
All qualifying students who apply to UT before December 16 will be considered for the scholarship. However, if you apply before November 1, you’ll receive priority consideration.
Applicants must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or domestic international student, a high school senior, and have a 3.2 core weighted GPA or higher.
Merit-based scholarships serve as compelling motivation to work hard and earn excellent grades and test scores. Your reward – free money* for your college tuition. When researching colleges, be sure to check their scholarship websites to see if they require early applications so you don’t miss out on these awards.
Want to explore more merit based scholarships? Start with College Raptor’s Scholarships Search tool today to find thousands of awards you could qualify for!
*While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
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5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
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4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
