National Merit Scholarship
One of the most prestigious academic competitions in the US, the National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who score in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT. Winners receive a one-time $2,500 award and many qualify for additional corporate and college-sponsored scholarships.
Award Amount
$2,500
per year
Deadline
October 15
application due
GPA Required
3.50
minimum
Field of Study
Any
eligible majors
Eligibility Checker
Enter your information below to check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the National Merit Scholarship.
Requirements Checklist
Track your progress — check off requirements as you complete them.
0/4 completeApplication Tips
Start your application early
Get strong recommendation letters
Write a compelling personal statement
Highlight unique achievements and leadership
Scholarship Value Calculator
Annual Value
$2,500
per year
4-Year Total Value
$2,500
one-time award
Loan Interest Saved
$875
at 6.5% over 10 years
Pro tip: Every dollar in scholarship funding saves roughly $1.35 compared to borrowing the same amount through student loans at 6.5% interest over a 10-year repayment period.
Eligibility Details
| Eligibility | Students with outstanding academic records and a minimum 3.5 GPA |
| Demographics | All students |
| Field of Study | Any |
| Type | merit based |
| Renewable | No — one-time award |
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Merit Scholarships
Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship
$20,000/yr
3.0 GPA · October 31
Regeneron Science Talent Search
$25,000–$250,000/yr
3.5 GPA · November 15
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
$4,000–$50,000/yr
3.0 GPA · November 5
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
$40,000–$55,000/yr
3.5 GPA · November 18
Horatio Alger Scholarship
$25,000/yr
2.0 GPA · October 25
AXA Achievement Scholarship
$10,000–$25,000/yr
3.0 GPA · December 15
Ready to Apply?
Use our scholarship calculator to estimate your total financial aid package.