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United States

United States

National Merit Scholarship Program

Applications closed Bachelor Partially Funded
Apply on official site Track with LetsTern
Award USD 50,000 / per year Paid per year. Confirm the latest figures on the official page.
Deadline October 11, 2025 Deadline passed
Duration 4 Years How long the scholarship support typically lasts.
Funding type Partially Funded Whether the award is fully funded, partial, merit-based, or similar.

About this scholarship

What this award covers and who it is designed to support.

o A prestigious merit-based competition recognizing U.S. high school juniors for academic excellence, using the PSAT/NMSQT as the qualifying exam SAT.
o Top ~50,000 scorers are recognized as Commended Students (~34k) or Semifinalists (~16k).
o Semifinalists submit an application; around 15,000 become Finalists.
o From Finalists, ~8,500 receive scholarships, including:
 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships
 Corporate-sponsored awards
 College-sponsored awards.
o Scholarship amounts depend on the sponsor; college-sponsored awards may be significantly higher, including full rides.

Scholarship details

Key facts about level, field, location, and institutions.

Study level

Bachelor

Field of study

Natural Sciences

Host country

United States

Competition

Medium

Opens

October 9, 2025

Eligibility

Who can apply and what academic or personal criteria you need to meet.

The eligibility criteria for this program is as follows:

Score in top state percentile to be named Semifinalist 

Application requirements

Documents and steps typically needed when you submit your application.

The requirements for this program is as follows:

Finalist selection includes endorsement by high school official and maintaining academic standards

What is covered

Tuition, living costs, and other expenses included in this award.

The scholarship includes coverage for:

College-sponsored Merit Scholarships: renewable awards from participating institutions, ranging from $500 to $10,000/year 

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The Horatio Alger Scholarship rewards high school juniors and seniors who have overcome significant adversity and demonstrate academic potential and financial need. The National Scholarship awards up to $25,000 to help students pursue a bachelor’s degree at accredited U.S. colleges. Recipients benefit not only from financial aid but also from personalized advising, mentoring, and wellness support as they transition to and through college. The aim is to foster resilience and help scholars achieve the American Dream.

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