The scholarship search can sometimes feel never ending. Merit based scholarships are financial aid gifts wrapped in profitable packages to high achievers who’ve worked hard for tremendous accomplishments. Many merit based scholarships are designed for academically gifted high school students at the top of their class. However, merit based scholarships could also reward high school seniors for:
- artistic talent
- athletics
- research
- community service
It’s the direct opposite of need-based college scholarships, which are awarded solely for financial means. Merit based financial aid usually doesn’t factor in income. So high school seniors from affluent backgrounds are just as entitled to apply for them to ease the financial burden of postsecondary education.
According to the NCES, 14 percent of American undergraduates receive merit based aid with an average award amount of $4,700. Below we’ve compiled 20 of the best scholarships offering large sums based on merit. If you’re in high school, you probably still have time to work on qualifying for some of these demanding scholarships. Don’t despair if your grades aren’t the best. Many of these merit scholarships really do prize things like community service, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities. There are many ways to pay for your college degree. There are loads of other articles right on this website to help with your scholarship search. These articles feature all kinds of scholarships for a variety of majors. There are plenty of ways to cover your higher education costs.
Ranking the Best Merit Scholarships for High School Seniors
1. ABA Academic Merit Scholarship
The American Bus Association (ABA) offers the Academic Merit Scholarship for $5,000. It’s awarded annually to two freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. They must be are studying majors related to transportation or travel. This includes hospitality management among other subjects. Eligible members and non-members must attend accredited four-year U.S. universities. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better. Other merit based funds are the Peter L. Picknelly Honorary Scholarship and Driving the Future Award.
Contact
ABA Academic Merit Scholarship
111 K Street NE 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 842-1645
abainfo@buses.org
2. Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986. It’s a competitive, merit based award providing up to $7,500 for sophomores and juniors. They must be majoring in mathematics, engineering, or the natural sciences. Eligibility criteria mandates students must be nominated by an accredited undergraduate school. They must also be U.S. citizens or resident aliens. They must show interest in research careers. They must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum 3.7 GPA. They will also submit an essay describing a scientific issue.
Contact
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
6225 Brandon Avenue Suite 315
Springfield, VA 22150
(703) 756-6012
goldh20@vacoxmail.com
3. Bryan Cameron Impact Scholarship
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation offers the Impact Scholarship. It covers full tuition up to $50,000 per year. It’s for meritorious high school seniors pursuing higher education who have maintained a minimum unweighted 3.7 GPA. A quarter of the funds are reserved for high school seniors intending to pursue public service careers. Eligible careers include education, government, healthcare, and the military. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. They must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program full time. They should demonstrate a strong work ethic. They should also participate in civic-minded activities.
Contact
Bryan Cameron Impact Scholarship
8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 110
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(917) 756-7798
admin@bryancameronef.org
4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship Program
Since 1999, the Davidson Institute has granted over $6.7 million to gifted people under age 18. These are high school seniors who primarily score in the 99th percentile on academic achievement tests. The Davidson Fellows Program provides $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 scholarships. These scholarships reward exceptional projects close to the college graduate level. United States citizens can apply in eight categories. STEM are the first four categories. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The last four are literature, music, philosophy, and outside the box.
Contact
Davidson Fellows Scholarship Program
9665 Gateway Drive
Reno, NV 89521
(775) 852-3483
DavidsonFellows@DavidsonGifted.org
5. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Annually, the Elks National Foundation hosts its Most Valuable Student Competition to award massive scholarships. The scholarships go to promising young scholars across the country. You do not need to be a member of the Elks to apply. The top 20 out of the 500 finalists receive a $30,000 scholarship. The other 480 finalists receive $4,000 scholarships. The merit based program considers high-achieving graduating high school seniors. They must have U.S. citizenship. They must enroll full-time at accredited universities. The top 20 Elks finalists are invited to an all-expenses paid Leadership Weekend in Chicago. High school seniors will participate in networking, and engage in service at a local veterans hospital. Attendance of the leadership weekend is mandatory to receive the $30,000 in scholarship funds.
Contact
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
2750 North Lakeview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-4732
Scholarship@elks.org
6. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is named after our country’s 40th President. It presents $10,000 over four years for $40,000 total to outstanding undergraduates. The scholarship is looking for high school seniors who embody ambition, integrity, and citizenship. Qualified applicants must be United States citizens. They must enroll full-time in baccalaureate study this Fall. They must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. And they must be nominated by eligible community leaders. The selection committee requires a Skype or telephone interview for semifinalists.
Contact
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 522-2977
info@reaganfoundation.org
7. Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund
The Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Education Department of Blumenthal Performing Arts. The Fund selects one recipient for $5,000 yearly. It’s for high school seniors, college freshmen, and sophomores from Greater Charlotte, North Carolina. They must be pursuing non-performing careers in the arts. These include music composition, choreography, stage management, costume design, and playwriting. Selection takes into account academic merit and artistic talent. Community involvement and theatrical accomplishment are also considered.
Contact
Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund
130 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 333-4686
president@ncbpac.org
8. Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
The Fannie & John Hertz Foundation offers a five-year, merit based Graduate Fellowship. It includes full-tuition coverage, $38,000 stipend, and cohort workshops. Chosen fellows must be earning PhD degrees in applied sciences. Eligible programs include aeronautics, computer science, and nuclear engineering. Quantitative biology, statistics, chemistry, and geoscience also qualify. These must be at participating U.S. schools. Recipients make a moral commitment to make their technical skills “available in times of national emergency.”
Contact
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
2300 First Street Suite 250
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 373-1642
askhertz@hertzfoundation.org
9. Irene and Daisy MacGregor Medical Scholarship
The Daughters of the American Revolution offers the Irene and Daisy MacGregor Medical Scholarship. It’s $5,000 to a graduate student holding a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Applicants must be enrolling full-time at an accredited medical schools for MD and DO degrees. Or they must be pursuing an advanced practice degree (MSN or DNP) for psychiatric nursing. The DAR’s other merit based scholarships include the Alice W. Rooke Scholarship and Richard and Elizabeth Dean Scholarship.
Contact
Irene and Daisy MacGregor Medical Scholarship
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 628-1776
MacGregorScholarship@NSDAR.org
10. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship is valued at $40,000 per year. It supports high-achieving high school seniors. It was created for high school seniors who’ve worked hard to attend the United States’ most prestigious four-year universities. At minimum, scholars must: earn a cumulative unweighted 3.5 GPA. The must achieve a composite SAT score of 1200 or ACT score of 26. They must have an annual family income under $95,000. Applications must include an academic transcript and standardized test scores. Applicants must also include two recommendations and a one-page personal essay.
Contact
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
44325 Woodridge Parkway
Lansdowne, VA 20176
(703) 723-8000
scholarships@jkcf.org
11. Jacob K. Javits Graduate Fellowship
During his 24-year tenure in the Senate, Jacob K. Javits created the merit based National Graduate Fellowship. It’s rewards graduate students of superior academic ability with $15,000 stipends and up to $10,375 in tuition coverage. It funds Master of Fine Arts or doctoral study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Students must attend accredited U.S. graduate schools. Acceptable fields include but are not limited to archaeology, linguistics, rhetoric, and creative writing. Also included are photography, sociology, psychology, and economics.
Contact
Jacob K. Javits Graduate Fellowship
1990 K Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 502-7542
ope_javits_program@ed.gov
12. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a long-standing competition. It selects the top three percent of high school juniors who score high on the Preliminary SAT exam. Index scores are calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math tests. The $2,500 scholarships mandate normal progression toward high school graduation. U.S. citizenship or lawful residency are required. High school students must intend to enroll full-time in accredited post-secondary education.
Contact
National Merit Scholarship Program
1560 Sherman Avenue Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 866-5100
ScholarshipAdmin@nmerit.net
13. Paul Tsongas Scholarship Award
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship Award is given to high school students who will attend select state universities. It is offered through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. The award waives full tuition costs for high academic achievers at nine state-funded universities. Qualifying schools include Fitchburg State, Salem State, Westfield State, and Bridgewater State. High schoolers must reside in Massachusetts for 12+ months. They must achieve a minimum secondary GPA of 3.75. They must also score 1200 or higher on the SAT. Applicants must also comply with Selective Service Registration if applicable.
Contact
Paul Tsongas Scholarship Award
454 Broadway Suite 200
Revere, MA 02151
(617) 391-6070
osfa@osfa.mass.edu
14. Ron Brown Scholarship Program
The Ron Brown Scholarship Program honors the first African American to serve as Secretary of Commerce. The program program awards $10,000 per year to gifted Black graduating high school seniors. Eligible recipients must be U.S. citizens or hold a visa. Excel academically and plan to attend an accredited four-year college. They must participate in community activities. And they must be public service-minded. There’s also a Guided Pathway Support program to help rising juniors and seniors of color navigate college admissions.
Contact
Ron Brown Scholarship Program
1160 Pepsi Place Suite 206
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 964-1588
info@ronbrown.org
15. Ruth K. Jacobs Memorial Scholarship
The Ruth K. Jacobs Memorial Scholarship is funded by the founder of Choristers Guild. The scholarship delivers merit based, renewable $1,500 awards to full-time college students pursuing vocations in Church music ministry. Qualified candidates must register for 12+ credits at accredited U.S. institutions. They must attain at least junior standing. They must major in music with a choral emphasis. And they must exhibit musical talent for Church service. Electronic applications must include references from an ordained minister and music professor.
Contact
Ruth K. Jacobs Memorial Scholarship
12404 Park Central Drive Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75251
(469) 398-3606
eyost@mailcg.org
16. SAPA Excellence in Education Scholarship
Each year, the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association awards $2,000 in scholarships. This is funded through its Excellence in Education Scholarships. The awards are made to meritorious high school seniors. High school students who will pursue bachelor’s degrees in the life sciences full-time. Interested candidates must be accepted at accredited four-year colleges. The must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens. They must possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.3. High school students must have achieved a SAT score of 2000 or ACT score of 30. Finally, they must show potential for contribution to the pharmaceutical industry.
Contact
SAPA Excellence in Education Scholarship
P.O. Box 282
Nanuet, NY 10954
(845) 639-1075
sapa_scholarship@yahoo.com
17. The Hungry to Lead Scholarship
The Hungry to Lead Scholarship bestows $2,500 to high school seniors or college undergraduates. The scholarship is for high school students pursuing degrees in food service or hospitality. The scholarships are based on academic merit. Judges seek applicants who have U.S. citizenship. Who attend accredited two or four-year colleges. Who display leadership ability and maintain a 2.5 GPA. And who score at least 1300 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT. There’s also the $2,500 Amana Leadership Scholarship.
Contact
The Hungry to Lead Scholarship
750 E. Covey Lane Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85024
(877) 995-8922
scholarships@professionalreps.com
18. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation in Arizona offers its Undergraduate Scholarship to 60 high-achieving college sophomores and juniors. It’s for $7,000 each year. Certain funds are reserved for Native American and Alaskan Native high school students. They must be pursuing careers in healthcare or tribal policy to improve Indian country conditions. Others go to diverse scholars who demonstrate keen commitment to environmental conservation. Unlike most merit based programs, grades matter less than community service and leadership.
Contact
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
130 South Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 901-8564
kbaker@udall.gov
19. Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship
The Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship is named after the Prime Minister who rallied British during World War II. These are lucrative, merit based scholarships for $50,000 to $60,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens interested in studying science, mathematics, or engineering. They will study at the University of Cambridge for nine to 12 months. Eligible college seniors must be finishing bachelor’s degrees at participating U.S. institutions. They must intend to pursue master’s study in STEM disciplines. They must attain a 3.7 GPA. And finally, they must contribute to scientific discovery.
Contact
Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship
600 Madison Avenue Suite 1601
New York, NY 10022
(212) 752-3200
info@churchillscholarship.org
20. YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund
Annually, the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund tops the industry by awarding merit with:
- four $30,000 scholarships
- four $10,000 scholarships
- over 200 $5,000 scholarships
The committee seeks the brightest college undergraduates who have chosen fashion-related majors. This includes apparel design, fiber science and marketing. It also includes merchandising, retail sales, and consumer science. Eligible candidates must attend an FSF-member college full-time. They must also sustain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must complete a case study on a fashion company seeking strategic growth.
Contact
YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund
1501 Broadway Suite 2302
New York, NY 10036
(212) 278-0008
info@ymafsf.org
College is a costly endeavor, even for high school students who come from families whose income doesn’t qualify for need-based financial aid like the Pell Grant. Luckily, merit based aid is available for top-ranking high school students who:
- maintain good grades
- score high on the SAT/ACT
- excel outside the classroom
These 20 merit based scholarships are quite competitive.
But don’t forget to ask your school’s financial aid office about merit aid opportunities, too. And while you’re at it, make sure you talk to your high school guidance counselor. They may have great financial aid resources for you to look into. Your school counselor can also be a great resource for hyper local scholarships.
Related:
- 20 Great Left Handed Scholarships
- 20 College Scholarships for High School Seniors
- 20 Easy Scholarships for College
- 20 Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees
This concludes our coverage of top merit based scholarships for high school seniors.