Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships

by

The 25 Best Merit Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • Nancy Hall Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineAugust 14, 2025

The Nancy Hall Memorial Scholarship was created to offer financial aid to women who are pursuing careers in material handling, warehousing and heavy equipment. This scholarship is open to any students that are located within the United States and are either entering or are currently enrolled in college in the year the scholarship is awarded. The student must express an interest in pursuing a

  • 2

  • SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineAugust 31, 2025

The SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship encourages and empowers students to create significant value and countless new opportunities for society through their pursuit of higher learning, especially through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Scholarship Details Twelve (12) scholarship awards of $2,500 each per year Awarded to the

  • 3

  • 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

  • 4

  • QuestBridge National College Match

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineSeptember 26, 2025

QuestBridge’s National College Match is a combination college-scholarship application for academically distinguished high school seniors with demonstrated financial need. The maximum award is a 4-year scholarship to cover the entire cost of attending college. Scholarship Details You can apply to over 55 colleges for free with QuestBridge’s National College Match application. The application

  • 5

  • AAUW Educational Foundation International Fellowships

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

International Fellowships have been in existence since 1917. The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application

  • 6

  • Rhodes Scholarship

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 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

  • 7

  • Flinn Scholarship

  • Amount$135,000
  • DeadlineOctober 20, 2025

To be awarded the Flinn Scholarship, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) by the time of the application, and be an Arizona resident for two full years immediately preceding entry to the university. As a general rule, Flinn Scholarship applicants should also have a 3.5 GPA, rank in the top 5 percent of their graduating class (if the school reports

  • 8

  • Greenhouse Scholars Whole Person College Program

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineNovember 13, 2025

Becoming a Greenhouse Scholar is the first action in a series of positive events that will create change in you, your community, and the world. Through the innovative Whole Person Program, we offer comprehensive support encompassing personal, professional, and financial guidance over a transformative 5-year span during your undergraduate years. Scholarship Details Comprehensive 5-year

  • 9

  • Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

  • Amount$55,000
  • DeadlineNovember 14, 2025

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation 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.

  • 10

  • Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

  • Amount$55,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 7, 2026

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational expenses – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees – for the final two to three years

  • 11

  • Carson Scholars Fund

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 13, 2026

The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Named “Carson Scholars,” winners receive an Olympic-sized medal and a trophy for their school. Scholarship Details Award: $1,000 college scholarship. Grades Eligible: 4-11. Previous winners can reapply

  • 12

  • Bezos Scholars Program

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 21, 2026

There’s no experience like the Bezos Scholars Program—a transformative, year-long, no-cost leadership development program that amplifies youth voice, collaboration and action so young people with passion can start making a difference today. Each year, exceptional juniors, along with educators from each of their schools, are selected as Bezos Scholars. Student scholars receive leadership training

  • 13

  • Engebretson Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2026

The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship supports high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. This prestigious award provides $10,000 per semester for one year to help offset the cost of attending a four-year college. Scholarship Details One-year scholarship Open to high school seniors graduating from a U.S. high school Must be

  • 14

  • QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineMarch 23, 2026

For the most recent College Prep Scholars Program, we selected 3,657 high school juniors as College Prep Scholars based on their academic achievement, financial qualifications, and personal character. Scholarship Details Number of scholars selected: 3,657 Selection criteria: Academic achievement, financial qualifications, personal character Awards given to high school juniors

  • 15

  • Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMarch 26, 2026

The Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship is designed to make college more accessible for talented high school seniors with financial need. Each year, the foundation awards ten renewable scholarships to exceptional students who have demonstrated academic dedication, leadership, and a drive to succeed through personal goals or community involvement. Scholars are expected to be

  • 16

  • Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation Education Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2026

Each year, the Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation will award scholarships to graduating high school seniors and continuing education students seeking to continue their higher educational goals. The scholarships are allocated for the current school year. They must be utilized to assist with expenses related to attending college, vocational, or trade school of their choice for tuition, fees,

  • 17

  • Chi Changemaker Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 2, 2026

The Chi Changemaker Scholarship is an annual, merit-based award created to honor resilience, education, and leadership through the inspiring legacy of Guangqing Chi. Sponsored by a public servant and social impact leader, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a young changemaker who demonstrates strong academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to service. In addition to the monetary

  • 18

  • Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship

  • Amount$40,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2026

The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship, established in 1968, supports high school seniors, that demonstrate financial need, in their pursuit of a college undergraduate degree for up to four years. Scholarship Details Annual award up to $10,000, renewable for a maximum of four undergraduate years. May be applied towards tuition, room and board, books, and other educational expenses.

  • 19

  • Cameron Impact Scholarship

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineMay 21, 2026

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

  • 20

  • Daniel G Calugar Foundation Merit Scholarship Program

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 26, 2026

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

  • 21

  • ISNA Amana Mutual Funds Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 30, 2026

Amana Mutual Funds is committed to aligning investments with Islamic finance principles. In partnership with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Amana Mutual Funds offers a scholarship to support American Muslim students pursuing degrees in finance, economics, or mathematics. This scholarship reflects Amana’s commitment to building upon its principles and supporting the American Muslim

  • 22

  • The CAPTRUST Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2026

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

  • 23

  • USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineAugust 7, 2026

The USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards provide college scholarship awards to students who have shown a career interest in science or engineering with an emphasis on space research or space science education, and aeronautics-related sciences. Scholarship Details Up to five one-time $5,000 awards are presented each fall Scholarships honor influential figures in space science and

  • 24

  • Strive Foundation Stamps Scholars

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineVaries

Each year, approximately 360 Stamps Scholarship recipients join our diverse and talented community. Through partnerships with institutions across the nation (and into the U.K.), Scholars receive annual awards that range from $6,000 to $90,000 (four-year awards total an average of $24,000-$360,000) with additional funds for enrichment activities such as study abroad, academic conferences, and

  • 25

  • Robertson Scholars Leadership Program

  • Amount$323,092
  • DeadlineVaries

The Robertson selection process focuses on finding students committed to making systems level changes in the world around them, who believe in possibilities, and have the creative imagination to solve intractable problems. We seek to build a community comprised of individuals seeking to work and learn alongside equally inspired change agents with varied interests and passions. Scholarship

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:

  • Must be a senior in high school
  • Must be eligible for federal financial aid
  • Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher

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:

  • Must have a 3.7 GPA or higher
  • Must be a high school senior
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must plan to be a full-time student at a four-year institution

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:

  • Must be from Iowa
  • Must be a high school junior or senior
  • Preference given to those involved with the Iowa Games

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:

  • Must be at least 14 years old
  • Must be a legal resident of the U.S. or Canada
  • Must not live in Colorado, Maryland, North Dakota, Nebraska, Vermont or Quebec
  • Cannot be a former finalist

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

Do I need a 4.0 GPA or 1600 on my SATs to win a merit scholarship?

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.

Can I apply for merit scholarships if I had bad grades?

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.

Are merit scholarships available for all four years?

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.

Can international or DACA students apply for merit scholarships?

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.

Leave a Comment