How Much is a National Merit Scholarship Worth?
Achieving National Merit Semifinalist status is a huge achievement for any student and makes any college application more attractive. Being a National Merit Semifinalist can also mean a ton of scholarship money!
We’ve created the definitive guide to colleges that offer scholarship money specifically for National Merit Finalists. These colleges give scholarships *solely* based on the student listing the college in the number one position in the National Merit scholarship application portal AND matriculating at that college. No other requirements!
Before we launch into the table, let’s give a quick overview of the National Merit Scholarship process. Or click here for a really in-depth discussion.
The National Merit Scholarship Process
Take the PSAT at school which serves as the entrance to the National Merit Scholarship competition.
Get scores from the PSAT, including your Selection Index which is the statistic that is used to determine if you are a National Merit Semifinalist. We still have a ways to go to know if you made the cutoff! Click here to learn more about how the Selection Index is calculated.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation asks school principals to verify students’ eligibility. National Merit Commended scores become widely (although unofficially) known.
National Merit Semifinalists and Commended students are officially notified by their schools. Semifinalists are allocated proportionally by state.
Semifinalists complete their applications online. The application includes a transcript, confirming SAT or ACT score, essay, and recommendation from high school. 95% of Semifinalists become Finalists. First choice college is chosen and can be changed until May of senior year.
Finalists are officially notified.
Scholarships begin to be awarded.
Last opportunity to change your first choice school so that it matches where you are planning to attend.
National Merit Scholarships Available by University
Please note in the table below that all colleges and universities require the student to list the school in the number one position in the National Merit scholarship application portal by May 1st (typically) *and* matriculate at that school to receive the scholarship.
Updated 12/15/24
| College/University | State | Total Value for 4 Years | Details of Scholarship | Verified (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | Alabama | $211,000 (out of state), $123,000 (in state) | Five years tuition – undergrad or grad, 4 years on campus housing, $4,000/year stipend for 4 years, $2,000 int’l study or research stipend | Yes |
| Arizona State University (ASU) | Arizona | $64,000 | New American University National Scholar award for National Merit Finalists: $16,000 per year. Renewable for an additional three years. To receive the award, select ASU as first-choice institution with NMSC by May 1, 2024. | Yes |
| University of Arkansas | Arkansas | $127,500 (out of state), $48,000 (in state) | Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship awarded to all National Merit Finalists who choose University of Arkansas as first choice. Out of state students will also receive in-state tution. | Yes |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | California | N/A | Does not provide scholarships for National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| Stanford University | California | N/A | Does not provide scholarships specifically for National Merit Finalists; enrolled 124 National Merit Scholars in 2018-19 without college-sponsored scholarships | Yes |
| The University of California, San Diego | California | [Not applicable] | Does not provide scholarships for National Merit Finalists. National Merit Scholarships are sponsored by various corporations and organizations. | Yes |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | California | Not specified | UC Berkeley itself doesn’t offer specific scholarships directly tied to National Merit Finalist status. However, it offers merit-based scholarships through various funds, awarded based on a combination of factors and not solely on National Merit recognition. | Yes |
| University of California, Davis | California | None | UC Davis discontinued its specific scholarship program for National Merit Finalists in 2004. Resources are now used for other merit-based scholarships ranging from $100 to $14,000 per year. | Yes |
| University of California, Irvine (UCI) | California | None | No longer provides funding for National Merit Scholars as of 2006. Redirected financial aid to other scholarships not based on a single test score. | Yes |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | California | N/A | UCLA does not provide specific information on scholarships for National Merit Finalists. Contact the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office directly for detailed information on scholarships for National Merit Finalists at UCLA | Yes |
| University of California, Riverside (UCR) | California | None | While National Merit Finalist status is a prestigious achievement, there isn’t a specific scholarship amount guaranteed by UCR for National Merit Finalists according to the university’s financial aid information. However, UCR does consider applicants for some scholarships automatically during the application process, including the Regents Scholarship (worth $10,000 and renewable for up to four years). Strong academic performance, which is a characteristic of National Merit Finalists, is a factor considered for this scholarship. | Yes |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | California | [Not applicable] | UCSB does not provide funding for National Merit Scholarships. In 2006, UCSB, along with five other UC campuses, decided to redirect funding for National Merit Scholarships to other merit-based scholarships, such as the UC Regents Scholarship Program and the campus-based Chancellor’s Scholarship Programs | Yes |
| University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) | California | Up to $8,000 (freshman), up to $20,000 (transfer) | Provides $2,000 per year for up to four years for freshman National Merit Finalists and $10,000 per year for up to two years for transfer National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| University of Southern California | California | None | USC doesn’t offer a specific scholarship amount tied directly to being a National Merit Finalist, but being a finalist can strengthen your application for merit scholarships. Apply by Early Decision (typically November) and designate USC as first-choice with NMSC. USC offers three tiers: Trustee Scholarship (full tuition), Presidential Scholarship (half-tuition), Dean’s Scholarship (quarter-tuition). Selection is competitive, may include an interview. | Yes |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado | None | The Colorado School of Mines President’s Merit Scholarship is open to prospective first-year students and is awarded based on their admission application. This scholarship is renewable for up to 8 semesters of undergraduate coursework. Colorado resident scholarship annual amounts range from $2,500 to $6,000, while non-resident annual amounts range between $12,000 and $14,000. If the student’s residency status changes, the scholarship amount will also change. | Yes |
| Colorado State University | Colorado | $50,000 ($12,500 per year for up to five years) | Colorado State University offers the Green and Gold Scholarship to National Merit Finalists who designate CSU as their first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The award amount is $12,500 per year (for up to five years), totaling $50,000 over four years. This scholarship is automatically awarded to those who meet the eligibility requirements. It’s important to note that this scholarship is renewable, but maintaining a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory academic progress is required. | Yes |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Colorado | None | Newly admitted Colorado resident undergraduate students are considered for Esteemed scholarships: Horace M. Hale ($4,000 per year, renewable for four years) Joseph A. Sewall ($7,000 per year, renewable for four years) | Yes |
| University of Connecticut | Connecticut | $500 to $2,000 per year (up to $8,000 total) | National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced today that approximately 3,500 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. An additional group of Scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2018 competition to about 4,000. | Yes |
| Yale University | Connecticut | N/A | Does not provide scholarships specifically for National Merit Finalists. Yale does not award merit-based scholarships, but students may qualify for merit awards from other organizations. | Yes |
| University of Delaware (UD) | Delaware | $15,000 per year (up to $60,000 total) | The UD Presidential Scholarship offers $15,000 per year for four years. The Presidential Scholarship range is $12,000 to $15,000 per year. This is slightly below the UD Trustee Scholarship, which ranges from $15,000 to $17,000 per year. The exact criteria for the higher award is not specified. | Yes |
| Florida International University (FIU) | Florida | Varies (covers full tuition and fees, room and board, books, laptop) | Florida International University (FIU) offers a substantial scholarship package for National Merit Finalists. The scholarship typically includes: Full tuition and fees, a stipend for room and board, a stipend for books, and a laptop computer. These benefits usually cover the cost of attendance and may vary slightly each year. It’s advisable to check FIU’s official scholarship page or contact the financial aid office for the most current and detailed information. | Yes |
| Florida State University | Florida | Approximately $75,776 | Provides approximately $75,776 in scholarships for National Merit Finalists, including out-of-state tuition waiver, Vires scholarship, and NMSC stipend | Yes |
| University of Central Florida | Florida | Full Cost of Attendance | Provides full cost of attendance for in-state students, out-of-state tuition waiver, and a UCF Merit Scholarship valued at $80,000 for National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| University of Florida | Florida | $2,000 | Provides a $500 annual National Merit Scholarship to National Merit Finalists who indicate UF as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Corporation by May 31. This scholarship can be combined with other scholarships, such as the Bright Futures Scholarship and the Benacquisto Scholarship, which covers the remaining institutionally posted cost of attendance minus the National Merit Scholarship and Bright Futures. | Yes |
| University of Miami | Florida | $1,000 to $2,000 | Provides $1,000 or $2,000 in scholarships to National Merit Scholarship Finalists who are accepted and name UM as their first choice | Yes |
| University of South Florida (USF) | Florida | 100% of full cost of attendance | The University of South Florida (USF) provides National Merit Finalists with a strong incentive to attend the school. Both in-state and out-of-state students receive a scholarship covering 100% of the full cost of attendance along with a $2,000 scholarship for study abroad. National Merit Finalists at USF also receive a tuition waiver for their first 30 credits of graduate study at the school if they immediately enter a graduate program at the University after earning a baccalaureate degree. | Yes |
| Emory University | Georgia | $8,000 | Provides a National Merit Scholarship of $2,000 annually for four years (8 semesters) to National Merit finalists who select Emory as their first choice college and notify the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. | Yes |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) | Georgia | None | Georgia Tech does offer merit scholarships to incoming freshmen. Some of the scholarships are awarded automatically based on your application, while others require a separate application | Yes |
| University of Georgia | Georgia | $2,000 | Provides $500 per academic year for National Merit Finalists who select UGA as their first choice school and are enrolled full-time (12 hours). Covers up to four years or completion of degree requirements | Yes |
| University of Hawai’i at Mānoa | Hawai | None | All admitted first-year, degree-seeking applicants with a strong academic record will be considered for a Mānoa Academic Merit Scholarship. Hawai’i residents with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0-3.59 will be considered for a $3,000 scholarship per year. | Yes |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois | None | Illinois Institute of Technology doesn’t advertise a specific scholarship amount for National Merit Finalists on their website. However, all domestic undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These scholarships can be quite generous, with the Heald Scholarship alone ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 over four years. | Yes |
| Northwestern | Illinois | $8,000 | Northwestern is an institutional sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit awards range from a minimum of $500 up to $2,000. | Yes |
| Purdue University at Urbana-Champaign | Illinois | $2,000 – $4,000 | National Merit Scholarship: $500 per year, renewable for up to four years with good academic standing. National Recognition Programs Scholarship: $1,000 per year, renewable for up to four years with good academic standing. | Yes |
| The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Illinois | Full-tuition scholarships for 30 National Merit Finalists, including National Merit Scholars, National Achievement Scholars, and National Hispanic Scholars | Scholarships are awarded annually | Yes |
| University of Chicago | Illinois | None | All first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, which range from $2,000 and can be applied to four years of study or summer opportunities. Transfer students are not eligible. Scholarships are guaranteed for four years if the student remains in good standing. Multiple scholarships result in only the most recent award being retained. | Yes |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | Illinois | None | The Merit Tuition Award is a four-year merit scholarship awarded to non-resident first-year and transfer applicants based on strong academic performance and program selection. Find more information (including selection criteria) about the Merit Tuition Award. | Yes |
| Indiana University | Indiana | $4,000 ($1,000 per year) | IU National Merit Scholarship | Yes |
| University of Notre Dame | Indiana | $100,000 | Annual award of $25,000, totaling $100,000 over four years. In some cases, includes generous enrichment funding for projects that support academic and career goals. | Yes |
| Iowa State University | Iowa | Full Tuition | Provides in-state National Merit Finalists with free tuition scholarships renewable for four years | Yes |
| University of Iowa | Iowa | $12,000 | Provides $3,000 a year for up to four years for National Merit Finalists who designate the University of Iowa as their first-choice institution | Yes |
| University of Kansas (KU) | Kansas | None | Most renewable freshman scholarships from KU are based on GPA, with up to $40,000 awarded to in-state students and up to $67,000 awarded to out-of-state students. Depending on your performance in high school classes, you could be eligible for significant awards and cost savings. | Yes |
| Louisiana State University | Louisiana | None | N/A | Yes |
| Tulane University | Louisiana | $8,000 | Offers $2,000 per year for 4 years ($8,000 total) to National Merit Finalists who list Tulane as their first choice school | Yes |
| Johns Hopkins University | Maryland | $10,000 | Johns Hopkins University offers National Merit Finalists a renewable scholarship worth $2,500 per year. Additionally, National Merit Finalists may also be considered for other merit-based scholarships offered by the university. | Yes |
| University of Maryland, College Park | Maryland | $8,000 for residents, $3,000 to $8,000 for out-of-state | Four-year scholarships – $2,000 per year for Maryland residents, and from $750 to $2,000 per year for out-of-state students based on need. | Yes |
| Boston College | Massachusetts | $1,000 per year (up to $4,000 total) | Boston College-sponsored National Merit awards are determined each year from rosters of finalists who have selected Boston College as their first-choice institution. The award, in the amount of $1,000, is awarded to seven students each year. | Yes |
| Boston University | Massachusetts | $108,000 | National Merit finalists who designate BU as their first-choice college and enroll at BU receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000. Those awarded the National Merit Scholarship at BU also receive the $25,000 Presidential Scholarship, renewable for four years. To be eligible, finalists must state BU as their first choice by March 1st. | Yes |
| Harvard University | Massachusetts | N/A | Does not provide or sponsor National Merit Scholarships; National Merit Finalists do not receive full-ride scholarships | Yes |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Massachusetts | N/A | Does not provide National Merit Scholarships | Yes |
| Northeastern University | Massachusetts | None | In addition to its generous need-based financial aid program, Northeastern University awards merit scholarships to select students. Recipients of the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship are awarded up to $28,000 annually. All fall first-year applicants who apply for undergraduate admission to Northeastern no later than the Regular Decision deadline of January 1 are considered. All fall first-year students admitted to Northeastern University London are considered for the Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and our expectation of superior performance. Limited merit scholarships are also available for transfer applicants, including for members of Phi Theta Kappa. All transfer applicants who apply for undergraduate admission to Northeastern by the application deadline are considered. | Yes |
| Tufts University | Massachusetts | Around $2,000 | Provides scholarships to National Merit Finalists, typically around $500 | Yes |
| University of Massachusetts, Amherst | Massachusetts | [Not applicable] | The University of Massachusetts, Amherst does not provide specific information on the amount of scholarships it provides for National Merit Finalists. | Yes |
| Michigan State University | Michigan | Base scholarship value of approximately $40,000 over 4 years | MSU provides scholarships for National Merit Finalists. The National Merit Finalist Scholarship includes a base scholarship value of approximately $40,000 over four years and a Housing Scholarship to cover on-campus housing. The MSU National Merit Scholarship is awarded to finalists who list MSU as their first-choice institution, with the award amount unspecified. The Michigan State University Merit Recognition Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of non-Michigan residents who are National Merit finalists and name MSU as their first-choice institution, with the award amount unspecified but limited to non-Michigan residents. These scholarships are awarded in place of Freshman Academic and Colvard Future Leader Scholarship(s) for National Merit Semi-Finalist and Finalist students. | Yes |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Michigan | – | The LSA Scholarship committee has successfully awarded all Merit Scholarships for Fall 2024 and notified recipients via email, completing the application and awarding process. We honor our donors’ intentions and uphold stringent criteria in selection, accommodating the increased number of admitted students by proportionately increasing awards. We understand the significance for your educational journey and commend your achievements, eagerly anticipating your arrival on campus this Fall. To streamline communication, we kindly request refraining from emailing about award status unless notified. Your cooperation is appreciated. | Yes |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Minnesota | $4,000 | Provides a $1,000 scholarship each year for four years to National Merit Finalists. | Yes |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) | Missouri | Up to $12,000 per year for tuition and fees; up to $7,000 for on-campus housing for one year; up to $1,500 for technology and books | Incoming freshman students who are semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship are eligible to apply for a competitive scholarship package from Missouri S&T. The Missouri S&T National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship Package includes a tuition and fee scholarship valued at up to $12,000 per year. This scholarship is renewable, and additional renewal information is available on the website. On-campus housing (up to $7,000, equivalent to Thomas Jefferson North Double Room) for one year, and the S&T Store Scholarship (up to $1,500 in technology and books). To qualify for the 2024 Missouri S&T National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship, students must be a new incoming freshman starting at Missouri S&T in fall 2024 and be selected as a National Merit Semifinalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The Missouri S&T National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship cannot be combined with any previous automatic or competitive merit scholarships (i.e., Groundbreaker, Chancellor’s, or Distinguished Scholars) or out-of-state awards (i.e., S&T Connection or Border County) awarded by Missouri S&T. | Yes |
| University of Missouri, Columbia | Missouri | 100% of tuition and fees, $3,500 annual stipend, $10,940 for one year of on-campus housing and dining, $2,000 one-time payment for research or study abroad, $1,000 one-time payment for technology enrichment | The University of Missouri, Columbia offers a comprehensive scholarship package for National Merit Finalists. The scholarship covers: 100% of tuition and fees, $3,500 annual stipend, $10,940 for one year of on-campus housing and dining. One-time payments: $2,000 for research or study abroad, $1,000 for technology enrichment. This package aims to provide significant financial support to National Merit Finalists, making higher education more accessible and affordable for top-performing students. For more details, you can visit the University of Missouri’s scholarships page. | Yes |
| Washington University in St. Louis | Missouri | None | Washington University in St. Louis doesn’t offer scholarships specifically for National Merit Finalists. However, being a National Merit Finalist can strengthen your application for merit-based scholarships awarded on academic achievements and potential. NMSC awards are considered towards your financial aid package. | Yes |
| University of Nebraska – Lincoln | Nebraska | Varies | Provides scholarships to National Merit Finalists, but the exact amount is not specified in the provided sources | Yes |
| Dartmouth College | New Hampshire | None | Dartmouth College does not offer scholarships based on academic merit, including for National Merit Finalists. All financial aid is need-based. | Yes |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | New Jersey | Full Tuition | Provides 100% of tuition for National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| Princeton University | New Jersey | None | Princeton financial aid is awarded solely based on need; there are no merit scholarships | Yes |
| Rutgers University | New Jersey | $4,000 | College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Award: $1,000 per year, renewable for four years with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. | Yes |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | New Jersey | None | Merit scholarships range between $5,000 and full tuition (scholarships may not exceed the cost of tuition). If you receive a Stevens merit scholarship, it may be renewed every year, for a total of eight full-time undergraduate semesters, as long as you meet all of the renewal requirements. | Yes |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) | New Mexico | Full tuition for up to 8 semesters, $17,393 annual stipend | The University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a generous scholarship package for National Merit Finalists. National Merit Scholars Package: Full Tuition: Covers full tuition for up to 8 semesters (4 years). Stipend: $17,393 annually, which includes: Housing and meals (if living on campus), A book allowance, Miscellaneous personal expenses. Additional Benefits: Computer Allowance: One-time allowance of $2,000 for a computer. Study Abroad Stipend: $2,000 one-time stipend to support study abroad opportunities. Research and Internship Stipend: $2,000 one-time stipend for research or internship opportunities. | Yes |
| City University of New York (CUNY) | New York | None | Does not offer specific scholarships for National Merit Finalists. Various scholarships available at CCNY, a CUNY school, but none targeted at National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| Columbia University | New York | None | There are no academic, athletic or talent-based institutional scholarships at Columbia as all of our institutional financial aid is need-based. Our students are often the recipients of merit-based scholarships from outside organizations (state grants/scholarships, local/national merit-based awards, etc.); however, no merit-based aid is offered directly from Columbia University. | Yes |
| Cornell University | New York | None | Does not provide scholarships for National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| New York University | New York | N/A | NYU does not provide specific information on scholarships for National Merit Finalists. The website focuses on scholarships available to incoming students, current students, and from outside sources. | Yes |
| Stony Brook University | New York | $20,000 | Any current year National Merit Scholar Finalist or Semifinalist who is eligible for admission to Stony Brook University as a freshman for the following fall semester will be considered for a scholarship of $3,000 a year for four consecutive years. National Merit Scholar Finalists may qualify for an additional $2,000 award if Stony Brook University is listed as their top choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation | Yes |
| University at Buffalo SUNY | New York | Varies | Provides significant amount of scholarships for National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| University of Rochester | New York | None | Merit-based scholarships for first-year and transfer students: $2,000 per year to full tuition. Awarded based on academic achievement and potential, regardless of financial circumstances. | Yes |
| Yeshiva University | New York | None | The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz Scholarships for Jewish Educators provide substantial tuition support for students preparing for careers in Jewish education as part of the Legacy Heritage Jewish Educators Project at Stern College for Women. Students major in Judaic studies with a Concentration in Jewish Education. Coursework includes classes in Judaic studies, methodology courses, and student teaching. During the senior year, students take courses at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration of Yeshiva University and may be enrolled in an accelerated program toward earning an MS degree. All scholarship recipients complete a major in Jewish studies and will receive tuition support in the amount of $20,000 per year in the form of grants and forgivable loans, renewable for three years on campus in New York. Loans will be forgiven on a prorated basis, post-graduation, over the first two years in the field. Katz Scholars will be chosen on a competitive basis. The selection committee will consider high school and post-high school Israel records, letters of recommendation, and evidence of interest in and talent for a career in Jewish education. | Yes |
| Duke University | North Carolina | None | All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships as admitted students to Duke. There’s no separate application for merit scholarships generally. The two exceptions are the Robertson Scholarship and Nakayama Scholarship. | Yes |
| North Carolina State University | North Carolina | None | North Carolina State University (NC State) does not offer a specific scholarship solely for National Merit Finalists. However, being a National Merit Finalist can strengthen your application for other merit-based scholarships offered by NC State. | Yes |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | North Carolina | None | UNC no longer participates in offering college-sponsored scholarships to National Merit finalists. Since scholarship criteria for academic scholarships vary depending on the scholarship, awards are not subject to a minimum SAT score or class rank. | Yes |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | NY | $8,000 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a sponsor in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) program, which provides up to $2,000 to students who list Rensselaer as their first-choice institution in accordance with NMSC guidelines. This award is renewable on an annual basis for up to eight semesters. Co-terminal and Architecture students may not receive more than eight semesters of eligibility. | Yes |
| Case Western Reserve University | Ohio | Up to $8,000 | Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for National Merit Scholarship Finalists who list the university as their first choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation | Yes |
| Ohio State University | Ohio | None | Ohio State does not participate in the Merit Scholarship Program (administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation). However, many National Merit Finalists are strong candidates for university-administered scholarships, which are detailed on their scholarship page. | Yes |
| University of Oklahoma | Oklahoma | $132,900 (out of state), $75,100 (in state) | Up to 5 years full tuition – undergrad or grad, $10,250 additional stipend per year, $6,000 housing stipend for year one, $1,000 one time year one stipend, $1,000 study abroad stipend, National Merit Scholar Community including First Year Experience, early enrollment privileges starting 2nd semester | Yes |
| Oregon State University | Oregon | $8,000 | Provides a minimum of $2,000 per year for up to four years to National Merit Finalists who list OSU as their first-choice school on the NMSC application | Yes |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania | None | Does not provide specific scholarships for National Merit Finalists. Offers need-based financial aid to admitted students. | Yes |
| Drexel University | Pennsylvania | None | Drexel offers several different institutional merit scholarships to incoming first-year and transfer students by the Admissions Committee based upon superior academic performance. Decisions regarding eligibility are made by the Admissions Committee. Eligibility: First-year and transfer applicants (students seeking a second bachelor’s degree, as well as those who have earned a graduate/professional degree prior to their start at Drexel are ineligible); domestic and international applicants. Award Amount: Varies; amount determined based on review of student’s credentials by Admissions Committee. Renewable Requirements: Renewable for future years of a student’s undergraduate degree program during quarters they are registered for classes (a total of 12 academic class terms; the scholarship is not available during co-op), provided that they maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and full-time status. Application: To be considered for an institutional merit scholarship, a complete admissions application must be submitted by the listed deadline. Students are evaluated for the scholarship at the same time they are considered for admission. | Yes |
| Lehigh University | Pennsylvania | $8,000 | Provides $2,000 per year scholarships to National Merit Finalists who select Lehigh as their first choice college and are not receiving another form of National Merit scholarship | Yes |
| Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania | $8,000 | The Penn State University Park National Merit Scholarships is a four-year scholarship for students who list Penn State as a first-choice school on the National Merit application. Scholarships are included in your Aid Summary on LionPATH and count toward your cost of attendance. | Yes |
| University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | None | Does not provide scholarships for National Merit Finalists | Yes |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | $10,000 (National Merit Finalists) | National Merit Finalists: Up to $2,500 per year, renewable annually if academic and enrollment criteria are met. Chancellor’s Scholarship: Full tuition, mandatory fees, and an average room and board plan for four years. | Yes |
| Brown University | Rhode Island | None | Does not offer scholarships or aid based on academic merit, including for National Merit Finalists. Financial aid is based solely on financial need. | Yes |
| University of South Carolina | South Carolina | $40,000(residents), $24,000 (nonresidents) | The University of South Carolina offers a variety of scholarships to National Merit Finalists. Specifically, National Merit Finalists are eligible for the Provost Scholars Award, which provides up to $10,000 per year for residents and up to $6,000 per year for nonresidents, along with a tuition reduction to the in-state rate. This scholarship can be combined with another general university award, making it a substantial financial benefit for eligible students. | Yes |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Tennessee | $8,000 | In combination with the National Merit Scholarship, the Provost Scholarship is valued at $2,000 per academic year and may be added to other scholarships awarded by UT. It is available to first-year in-state and out-of-state students. | Yes |
| Vanderbilt University | Tennessee | Up to $24,000 | National Merit Finalists who do not receive additional merit-based scholarships will receive up to $6,000 per year in National Merit Scholarship assistance. Vanderbilt supplements smaller corporate or one-time National Merit Corporation awards. | Yes |
| Baylor University | Texas | $10,000; $14,000 if attending Baptist church | Renewable $2,500/year scholarship; additional $1,000/year if active in a Baptist church | Yes |
| Rice University | Texas | Varies (depends on specific scholarships awarded) | Rice University provides scholarships to National Merit Finalists. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students who have been admitted to Rice University and are National Merit Semifinalists or Finalists | Yes |
| Sam Houston State University | Texas | None | Yes | |
| Southern Methodist University | Texas | $20,000 | $5,000/year renewable award. (Limited to $2,000/year if student is awarded other scholarships that cover all tuition.) | Yes |
| Texas A&M University | Texas | $46,000 (potential total value) | Texas A&M University provides significant scholarship packages for National Merit Finalists. The typical package includes a National Recognition Scholarship, National Merit Recognition Award, and a Study Abroad Stipend. Out-of-state students also receive a Non-Resident Tuition Waiver. | Yes |
| Texas Christian University | Texas | $8,000 | $2,000/year renewable award | Yes |
| Texas State University | Texas | $40,000 | Awarded National Distinction Scholarship. $10,000 renewable annual award. | Yes |
| Texas Tech University | Texas | $167,000 (out of state), $116,000 (in state) | Full tuition for 4 years, stipend to cover housing, food, fees, and books. Covers full cost of attendance for 4 years. | Yes |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Texas | None | It’s important to note that, while UT Austin does offer merit scholarships, they are highly competitive and not guaranteed. Students should also explore other forms of financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help cover the cost of attendance at UT Austin. | Yes |
| University of Houston | Texas | $119,000 (out of state), $58,000 (in state) | Full tuition for 4 years, plus $1,000 undergrad research stipend and $2,000 study abroad stipend. | Yes |
| University of North Texas | Texas | $177,000 (out of state), $128,000 (in state) | Awarded the Meritorious Scholarship for National Merit Finalists. Also receives application fee waiver, freshman orientation fee waiver, early registration each semester, upperclassmen parking privileges, networking dinners with dignitaries. | Yes |
| University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) | Texas | $268,000 (out of state), $153,000 (in state) | National Merit Scholars at UT Dallas receive: Complete coverage of UT Dallas tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters (four academic years following initial enrollment). Full cost of housing and food if living on campus. $4,000 per semester cash stipend to defray the costs of books, supplies, and other expenses. One-time summer research stipend. Admission into Collegium V Honors program. Access to Honors Lounge and free printing. Dedicated social events for National Merit Scholars. | Yes |
| University of Utah | Utah | None | Doesn’t offer specific scholarships for National Merit Finalists. Focuses on general merit-based scholarships. | Yes |
| University of Virginia | Virginia | None | Various merit-based scholarships like the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Stamps Leadership Scholarship Program, covering full tuition fees, room and board, and additional funding for research and travel | Yes |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) | Virginia | Varies (based on financial need) | Virginia Tech offers a National Merit Scholarship to National Merit Finalists who designate Virginia Tech as their first-choice college on their application. The scholarship amount varies and is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). | Yes |
| \Washington State University | Washington | $46,000 (in-state), $110,000 (out-of-state) | National Merit Scholarships: For Washington residents, the award value is more than $46,000 total (based on in-state tuition rates for 2023-2024). For students who are not Washington state residents, the award value is approximately $110,000 total (based on non-resident tuition rates for 2023-2024). | Yes |
| University of Washington | Washington | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| George Washington University | Washington, D.C. | Varies | Provides Presidential Scholarship to National Merit Finalists. Amount varies but typically substantial. | Yes |
| Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. | None | Does not offer specific scholarships for National Merit Finalists. Offers various other scholarships, including need-based, district-specific, and donor-funded scholarships. | Yes |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Wisconsin | Not specified | Partners with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to offer college-sponsored Merit scholarships to select National Merit Finalists. For more information, visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s website. | Yes |
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