College Merit Scholarships for Average Students
Are you wondering if a high school student with average grades can get scholarships for college?
Yes! Incoming freshmen don’t have to have a perfect GPA and super high test scores to get merit scholarships for college. There are lots of college scholarships for average students.
The cost of college can be daunting. Many high school students and their families struggle with the question of how to cover the rising costs of tuition, fees, room and board, books, and transportation.
Scholarships are one way to reduce the financial burden of college expenses.
Fortunately, there are scholarships for average students. You don’t have to have perfect tests scores or grades to qualify for merit scholarships that will reduce the cost of college.
This post explores what merit scholarships are, how to find merit scholarships, what types of merit scholarships are available, and what average students can do to qualify for college scholarships
This information will help average high school seniors find colleges with merit scholarships. You’ll be surprised to learn how many colleges offer generous merit-based scholarships!
What is a merit scholarship?
A merit scholarship for college is a type of financial award given to students based on their individual achievements, rather than financial need.
That means that merit scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic achievement, community involvement, leadership skills, or personal accomplishments.
Merit scholarships are typically based on academic performance, such as high grades and test scores.
However, they can also be awarded for other achievements like excellence in arts, athletics, leadership qualities, community service, or specific talents.
Unlike need-based aid, college merit scholarships are given to students regardless of their financial need. (Financial aid or need-based scholarships are based on a student’s family’s financial status.)
Merit scholarships are grants. They do not need to be repaid. Usually merit scholarships will renew each year as long as you maintain a certain GPA in college.
Merit scholarships are awarded to first-year students just entering college or transfer students.
Many colleges give generous merit scholarships even to students who don’t have great ACT or SAT scores or a near-perfect GPA. There are plenty of college merit scholarships for average high school seniors. You just have to know what colleges to apply to to get merit scholarships.
Why do colleges give merit scholarships?
Colleges give merit scholarships to attract high-achieving students to their school or specific programs.
Merit scholarships are basically colleges giving students a discount on tuition so they will choose to attend that college.
Colleges need students to enroll, and they want to attract the best students they can.
Lots of colleges give merit awards to average students. So even if you don’t have a perfect grade point average or a resume full of leadership activities, you can still receive a merit scholarship.
College Scholarships for average students
Can a “B” high school student get merit scholarships from colleges?
Absolutely!
College scholarships for average students are an important and often overlooked aspect of college funding.
While it’s common to associate scholarships with high academic achievers or outstanding athletes, there are numerous opportunities available for students who might consider themselves to be more in the “average” range academically.
These scholarships recognize a variety of talents, interests, and qualities beyond just grades and test scores.
It’s crucial to understand that “average” doesn’t mean unremarkable.
Many organizations and colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals who contribute to their communities, demonstrate leadership potential, or have specific talents in areas like art, music, or technical skills.
These scholarships often focus on a student’s character, their personal journey, challenges they’ve overcome, and their aspirations. Merit scholarships can also be targeted towards students with specific interests, backgrounds, or career goals.
The first step is finding colleges that give merit aid to students with average grades.
How to find colleges that give merit scholarships to average students
When considering what college would be a good fit for you, the affordability of the college should be a top consideration.
By finding schools that give merit scholarships to students with your GPA and test scores, you’ll be able to make college more affordable.
When deciding where to apply for college, be sure to look up the eligibility requirements for merit scholarships at each college you’re considering.
Here are concrete steps you can take to find colleges that give merit scholarships to average students.
Merit scholarships by geographic region or state
If you know the area of the country you where you want to go to college, look up every single college and university in that region.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard of the school before. Many small colleges just don’t have the budget to advertise widely. They also might not have a sports team that you can follow or a wide alumni network talking about their school.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t get a great education at a school you’ve never heard of.
Learn about all the colleges in your local area or where you want to go to college. Make a spreadsheet to keep track of the different colleges, their deadlines, and the scholarships they offer.
Merit scholarships at directional public universities
Directional public universities are the universities that aren’t your state flagship.
Think Western (State) University or Southeastern (State) University. Check out all the public universities in your state—beyond the flagship university.
Regional state universities tend to be smaller than the flagship university, which often means they are cheaper. They may be less popular than the flagship university, so they may have trouble attracting students to enroll.
Merit scholarships at directional public universities in neighboring states
As with directional public universities in your state, directional public universities in neighboring states may be struggling to attract students.
These universities may offer significant cost savings over the state flagship. Many of these colleges offer discounts on tuition and special merit scholarships for students from nearby states.
Check the websites of these colleges to see what discounts might be available. Don’t just write them off as being more expensive because they’re out of state.
tuition reciprocity scholarships
Some colleges offer in-state tuition for out-of-state students. Sometimes this is for all students, and sometimes it is only for students earning certain degrees.
Surprisingly, tuition reciprocity agreements can apply across regions, states, cities, or even counties. Google your hometown, state, or region and see what tuition reciprocity agreements are in place.
If you can find out-of-state colleges that offer you in-state tuition, see if those schools also offer merit scholarships.
colleges that match state flagship tuition
Some private colleges and state colleges will match your state flagship’s tuition rates. If you can stack this tuition rate with a merit scholarship, you might get some significant savings.
Universities with automatic merit award charts
On the website of each college you’re interested in, look for their merit award chart.
Not all colleges give automatic merit. And not all colleges post what their requirements are for each level of merit award. However, it’s worth checking to see if the colleges you’re looking at give automatic merit.
Look for schools where you are in the top 25%
Check each college’s average GPA and ACT/SAT score. If you want a generous merit scholarship, you need to apply to schools where your GPA and test scores are in the top quartile of all applicants.
Every college is trying to attract the best students it can get. For example, if you have a 28 on your ACT, you probably won’t get much merit aid from a college where the top 25% of applicants have a 32 or higher.
But you will be a great contender for merit aid at a college where the top 25% of applicants have a 26 or higher.
Apply to colleges with high acceptance rates
All colleges admit more students than they expect to enroll. Colleges that have high acceptance rates admit a lot of students because they don’t have as many admitted students enroll as they would like.
But some colleges admit many, many more students than will enroll. If you are a top candidate for a college like this, the college might offer you significant merit aid to entice you to enroll.
Start at a community college
In many states, community colleges offer students a very affordable (sometimes even free!) way to start earning their college degree. An undergraduate student who does well in community college can often transfer into a public university with merit scholarships.
Potential transfer students should be sure to meet with an advisor at the community college and the college you hope to go to, to get all the details on how credits transfer.
It’s smart to also meet with an advisor at the university you might transfer to, so you know about any potential issues in advance.
Know what you can afford to pay for college
To find an affordable college, you must know what is affordable for you and your family. Early in the process, talk with your family and find out how much money is available for your college education.
You need to know how much you and your family can afford to pay for college. This will help guide every decision you make about college applications.
Decide if you (or your family) are willing to take out student loans. Think carefully about the choice to take out student loans versus look for a more affordable college. Think about the long-term consequences of college debt, and make the right choice for you.
Then, decide on the maximum amount you are willing to pay for your college education. Consider how much money you have saved, how much you can earn in the summers, how much your family is able to contribute, and how much (if any) you are willing to borrow.
Only apply to colleges whose Cost of Attendance (COA) after merit aid (and financial aid) is likely to fall within your budget.
What types of merit scholarships are available for average students?
Colleges and universities award generous merit scholarships for a variety of reasons. Some common categories for merit awards include:
Merit scholarships for grades
Colleges want to attract students who show evidence of academic excellence, typically as demonstrated by strong GPAs.
But don’t worry: you don’t need a 4.0! Many colleges award merit scholarships to students with GPAs of all levels.
If your grades need improvement, focus on your weaker subjects and consider getting extra help, like tutoring.
Small improvements in your GPA can make a big difference in how much merit you receive, even if your grades aren’t perfect.
Merit scholarships for test scores
As with grades, colleges recognize ACT and SAT scores when deciding how much merit aid to award.
But your test scores don’t have to be perfect to get merit scholarships—you just need to apply to schools where your test scores are higher than the average applicants.
Merit scholarships for athletes
Athletes at D1 and D2 schools can receive athletic scholarships AND academic scholarships. The NCAA sets requirements for student athletes.
If you’re being considered for an athletic scholarship, be sure to talk to the college coach about academic merit scholarships to see if you would qualify.
Merit scholarships for the arts
Many colleges give merit scholarships to students with significant artistic accomplishments.
This might be in fine arts, drama, band, orchestra, or other arts areas.
These college scholarships usually require an audition or the submission of a portfolio.
Merit scholarships for volunteering
Also, colleges reward community service and volunteering with merit scholarships.
Engaging in community service projects can significantly boost your scholarship chances. Scholarship committees often look for well-rounded individuals who contribute to their community.
A community service scholarship will usually require an extra essay, letter of recommendation, and an interview.
Merit scholarships for leadership activities
Some colleges give merit scholarships to students who have shown significant leadership in high school.
If you focused on leadership activities in high school, these scholarships might be a source of significant funding for you.
Merit scholarships for your major
Many colleges have departmental scholarships that incoming freshman can apply for. Your commitment to the major (as well as your grades and other experiences) will help you qualify for these kinds of scholarships.
Most importantly, just be sure to look for and apply for these scholarships. Major-based scholarships are often overlooked, so be sure to apply!
Once you’ve begun your higher education, ask if your college has departmental scholarships for current college students.
Other merit scholarships
Colleges have scholarships that must be awarded following the guidelines provided by the person who originally endowed the scholarship funds.
Examples of restrictions on these types of scholarships include that the funds must go to someone from a certain county, who has lost a parent, who is of a certain national or ethnic origin, or who has an interest in a certain career.
Be sure to ask your admissions officer if there are any other scholarships you might be eligible for and how you should apply for them.
If you plan to go to graduate school after completing your bachelor’s degree, ask for help finding scholarship programs for graduate students.
How “B” students can win merit scholarships?
If you are an average student, you might worry that you won’t have much luck applying for merit scholarships. Fortunately, many colleges give generous merit aid to “B” students. Here are some ways average students can improve their chances for getting merit scholarships.
Show steady improvement every year
Ideally, your grades will have improved over the course of high school. If a student got lower grades as a high school freshman and higher grades as a high school junior, colleges like to see that.
Use a supplemental essay to explain any challenges you may have faced throughout high school and how you are working to overcome them.
Show consistency
Colleges also like to see that a student is consistent. If your grades are pretty consistent throughout high school, colleges will expect your grades to be consistent in college too.
Demonstrate commitment
Students who can show evidence of their commitment to something outside of high school are appealing to colleges.
Admissions officers like to see that students have dedicated time to a job, helping their family, participating in sports, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities.
Write strong essays
If you are an average student and you want to make a good impression on the admissions office, you must write strong essays.
If you are applying for merit scholarships with an essay component, be sure to answer the question and write a compelling essay to make your application stand out.
Prepare for Interviews
If an interview is part of the scholarship process, prepare thoroughly. Practice answering common scholarship interview questions and speaking about your achievements and aspirations confidently.
Prepare questions of your own to ask at the interview.
Get outstanding letters of recommendation
Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or mentors who can speak to your personality, work ethic, or other personal traits.
College admissions officers are looking for well-rounded individuals to fill their incoming class.
Your letters of recommendation play a key role in telling the admissions office who you are (and why you deserve those merit scholarships)!
How Do I Apply for college merit scholarships?
The application process for merit scholarships can vary widely.
Some merit scholarships are awarded based on a student’s college application, with no extra application required.
However, many merit scholarships require a separate application and might also require essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
Merit scholarships can be highly competitive, particularly those that offer significant funding or are awarded by prestigious organizations or schools.
Before applying, check the selection criteria to see if your cumulative GPA, SAT or ACT scores, involvement with community organizations, or life experiences make you eligible to receive the scholarship.
How can average students get more college merit scholarships?
After you’ve researched your list of colleges, applied, and been accepted, you will have to weigh each college’s merit aid offer (and perhaps their financial aid offer) and decide where to attend.
Here are two ways to maximize the amount of merit scholarship money you receive.
Appeal for more merit aid
For most students, the largest scholarships they receive come from their colleges.
If you have decided on which school you would like to attend, but that college isn’t affordable, write a letter to your admissions officer telling the school why you want to attend.
Ask if there is any way you could receive more merit aid. Be willing to apply for departmental or other special scholarships. Be polite, but be persistent.
If the college gives you the money you are asking for, be prepared to attend. If they can’t give you enough scholarship money to make it affordable, at least you know you asked. The worst they can say is no.
Apply for local scholarships
A great deal of college scholarship money comes from local scholarships awarded by private organizations.
Local scholarships are usually less competitive than national awards and often value community involvement and personal qualities over academic prowess.
Local businesses, community organizations, and charities frequently offer scholarships to eligible students in their area.
Additionally, some scholarships are offered to local students planning to enter specific fields of study or industries, regardless of their academic standing.
Research what scholarships are available in your local area and apply for them. Your local library or your guidance counselor should have a list of local private scholarships.
It’s a good idea to begin researching private sources of merit scholarships during your junior year so you know when the deadlines are for each scholarship and you don’t miss any!
How much is a Merit Scholarship Worth?
Merit scholarship awards vary significantly. Merit awards can range from a small, partial scholarship to a full-tuition scholarship.
Some colleges even offer full-ride scholarships. Full rides are especially coveted as they cover not only tuition but also other costs like room, board, and textbooks. Full ride scholarships are very rare.
The average merit award can vary significantly between institutions, with selective schools sometimes offering smaller amounts because they have less need to entice students to enroll.
Public institutions also offer merit scholarships, though the amounts may differ from state to state.
Can I get Financial Aid if I get a Merit Scholarship?
Yes, it’s common for full-time students to receive a combination of both merit and financial aid.
For instance, a student might receive a merit-based scholarship along with need-based grant aid in their financial aid package.
Merit scholarships and financial aid awards are two distinct forms of financial support offered to students pursuing higher education in the United States.
Merit scholarships are financial awards given to qualified students based on their academic achievements, talents, or other abilities rather than their financial need.
These scholarships are often awarded by colleges, universities, and private organizations. A high-achieving student may receive a merit scholarship based on exceptional grades, test scores, or accomplishments in areas such as athletics, arts, or community service.
On the other hand, financial aid awards are primarily need-based designed to assist students whose family income and financial resources are insufficient to cover the cost of college.
The most common form of financial aid in the United States is federal student aid, which includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
To determine eligibility for these forms of financial assistance, students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assesses the student’s financial need.
One of the key components of federal student aid is the Pell Grant, a grant aid provided to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.
The financial aid package offered by colleges often includes a combination of grants, loans, and work-study, and it varies based on the student’s need and the institution’s resources. Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for federal student aid.
While merit scholarships focus on rewarding a student’s achievements and talents, financial aid aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent capable students from attending college.
Final thoughts on colleges that give merit aid to average students
There are so many college merit scholarship opportunities available for average students!
These scholarships recognize that potential and merit extend beyond academic grades and standardized test scores. They celebrate diverse talents, personal achievements, and the unique contributions that each student can bring to a college campus.
For many students, the key to receiving merit-based aid is to target the right schools.
Be sure to apply to these schools early to allow plenty of time to apply for admission and the scholarship program, so you can be considered for scholarships. Some schools award merit scholarships on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so applying early matters.
To keep track of all the colleges you are considering applying to, make a spreadsheet to note the admissions application deadline and scholarship deadlines. Stay organized and keep up with all the applications.
Be sure to apply to plenty of colleges where you have a good expectation of receiving significant merit aid so that you have several colleges to choose from in April of your senior year.
Remember that there are lots of college merit scholarships available to average students! Good luck!
