Scholarships awarded for academic, athletic, or artistic achievement — not financial need.
Merit scholarships come from colleges themselves, private organizations, and state programs. They range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition. Many colleges automatically consider you for merit aid when you apply; others require separate applications.
Why it matters
Merit aid is the primary way strong students reduce costs at schools where they are above the academic profile. A student admitted to a school where their stats are in the top 25% is much more likely to receive merit money.
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