Merit-Based Scholarships For College Students
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, skills, talents, or other accomplishments, rather than financial need. These scholarships are a great way to help reduce the cost of higher education, and they are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Here’s a list of some of the most prominent merit-based scholarships for college students:
1. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most well-known merit-based scholarships in the U.S. It is based on performance in the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Students who achieve top scores on the PSAT are eligible for the scholarship.
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- Eligibility: U.S. students who take the PSAT in their junior year and meet specific academic requirements.
- Coverage: Varies by award, with some scholarships offering up to full tuition, while others provide a one-time award of $2,500.
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, community service, and academic excellence. It is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students.
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a strong academic record, leadership experience, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Coverage: $20,000 for college expenses, distributed over four years.
3. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes young students with extraordinary academic achievement in STEM fields, the arts, or humanities. This scholarship is aimed at students under the age of 18 who have demonstrated exceptional talent and achievement in their chosen field.
- Eligibility: Students aged 18 or younger who have made significant contributions or shown excellence in their field of study.
- Coverage: Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000 based on the level of achievement.
4. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers a highly competitive college scholarship for outstanding students with financial need. Although primarily focused on need-based awards, students are also selected based on academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
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- Eligibility: High school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
- Coverage: Up to $40,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study, covering tuition, books, and living expenses.
5. Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. This scholarship is intended to support students pursuing a college education and preparing for future success.
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have faced personal challenges and have a strong academic record.
- Coverage: Varies by scholarship, but awards can range from $10,000 to $25,000.
6. Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) offers scholarships to students who have demonstrated academic achievement and community involvement. RMHC has various scholarship programs designed to assist students with the financial costs of higher education.
- Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.7 and involvement in community service.
- Coverage: Varies by scholarship, but awards can be up to $2,000 for tuition and college-related expenses.
7. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is an extremely competitive, highly selective scholarship that awards full funding to students from low-income backgrounds. The scholarship is merit-based, taking into account academic achievement, leadership, and a desire to contribute to society.
- Eligibility: U.S. students from minority backgrounds who have a GPA of 3.3 or higher and demonstrate significant leadership potential.
- Coverage: Full tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the degree program.
8. Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students who show perseverance in overcoming obstacles and a strong desire to succeed in higher education. This scholarship supports students who have demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
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- Eligibility: High school seniors who have a GPA of 2.4 or higher, have overcome personal challenges, and plan to pursue a college education.
- Coverage: $20,000 over six years, as well as access to a network of mentoring and support.
9. National Achievement Scholarship Program
The National Achievement Scholarship Program is a merit-based program that recognizes African American students who achieve high scores on the PSAT. This scholarship is designed to support African American students in their pursuit of higher education.
- Eligibility: U.S. African American high school seniors who perform well on the PSAT.
- Coverage: Varies by award, but it can include a one-time $2,500 award or a scholarship from participating colleges.
10. Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
The Abbott and Fenner Scholarship is a merit-based award designed to help students pursue their educational goals. The scholarship is awarded based on an essay competition, which requires students to write a 500-1,000 word essay on a given topic.
- Eligibility: Open to all U.S. high school juniors and seniors, as well as college students, with an academic focus on leadership or future career goals.
- Coverage: $1,000 for tuition or educational expenses.
11. BigFuture Scholarships
BigFuture, powered by the College Board, offers various scholarships for high school seniors and college students who complete a set of college readiness tasks. This program rewards students who demonstrate commitment to their future success.
- Eligibility: High school seniors and current college students who complete tasks related to college applications, financial aid, and preparing for college life.
- Coverage: Scholarship amounts vary, ranging from $500 to $40,000.
12. Niche $25,000 Scholarship
Niche offers a $25,000 merit-based scholarship to students attending college in the U.S. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors, current college freshmen, and graduate students.
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- Eligibility: Open to all U.S. students who are attending or planning to attend a college or university.
- Coverage: $25,000 for tuition, fees, and other college expenses.
13. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation offers the Most Valuable Student Scholarship to U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, and financial need. This award is designed to support students pursuing a college degree.
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who exhibit academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
- Coverage: Up to $50,000 in total funding over four years.
14. Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award
Discover offers a merit-based scholarship to students who are applying for college. The scholarship is open to U.S. students and requires a simple application process with a focus on academic achievement.
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors or college students who have a strong academic record.
- Coverage: $5,000 for tuition and college-related expenses.
15. AES Engineering Scholarship
The AES Engineering Scholarship is a merit-based award available to high school seniors and college students pursuing a degree in engineering. Students are required to submit an essay based on a specific topic to apply for the scholarship.
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- Eligibility: U.S. and international students who are planning to attend college to study engineering.
- Coverage: $500 for tuition or other educational expenses.
