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Unlike need-based scholarships, merit scholarships do not take into account a student’s financial background. Instead, they award students for their achievements. Students win merit scholarships for having excellent grades and leadership skills.
Many schools award incoming freshmen with merit scholarships. They do this to attract strong and talented students to their schools. Of course, some schools offer better merit scholarships than others.
Read on to find out which colleges offer the best merit scholarships.
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Check for scholarshipsColleges With the Largest Merit Scholarships
The following list includes ten colleges that offer the largest merit scholarships to students.
| School | % of freshman receiving merit scholarships who aren’t receiving need-based aid | Average award amount |
| Duke University | 6% | $74,447 |
| Washington and Lee University | 11% | $45,742 |
| Swarthmore College | 3% | $43,252 |
| Hollins University | 100% | $35,233 |
| Wesleyan University | 2% | $35,118 |
| Beloit College | 100% | $34,507 |
| Bard College | 6% | $33,601 |
| Albion | 100% | $32,013 |
| Hartwick | 96% | $31,302 |
| Clarkson University | 89% | $30,928 |
As you see in the chart, the percentage of students who receive merit scholarships differs a lot. At Hollins University, 100% of students receive merit scholarships. But, at Wesleyan, only 2% of students receive a merit award. While the awards are high at both schools, you are much more likely to come away with a merit scholarship if you get accepted to Hollins University.
Even if you don’t have a perfect 4.0 GPA, you can still win merit scholarships. How? Apply to the right schools! Let’s look at other colleges and universities (aside from the ones mentioned above) that offer merit scholarships to a high percentage of students.
| School | Percentage of students receiving merit scholarships | Average award amount |
| Cooper Union | 51% | $24,338 |
| Trinity University | 49% | $20,549 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 36% | $24,787 |
| DePauw University | 39% | $20,562 |
| Case Western Reserve University | 33% | $23,582 |
| John Brown University | 50% | $15,114 |
| Centre University | 37% | $22,457 |
| Denison University | 41% | $21,862 |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | 28% | $22,283 |
Where Is the Best Place to Find Merit Scholarships?
If you are searching for schools that award the most merit scholarships, forget the Ivies. These schools get tons of applicants with impressive credentials.
To find merit-based scholarships, turn to less selective colleges and universities, like those listed in the second chart. These schools want to attract high-achieving schools to increase their rank. Your chances of winning merit scholarships are higher.
What Do You Need to Win a Merit Scholarship?
Merit scholarships are competitive. Here are some of our tips on winning a merit scholarship.
- Keep those grades up. Of course, you’ll need good grades to win a merit scholarship!. Focus on maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA. If you’re struggling in a class, get extra help from your teacher.
- Get involved with extracurriculars. Many schools award merit scholarships to students involved in their school and community. Get involved with a project that is meaningful to you and stay involved. Colleges love seeing that you are dedicated to a cause.
- Show your potential to be a leader. Colleges want to see students who show leadership. Take on a leadership position in your school or community.
- Apply to schools where you are at or above the 75th percentile for GPA and test scores.
- Target private schools. Private colleges award more merit scholarships because they have bigger endowments.
- Get a killer letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are super important to scholarship applications, especially for merit scholarships. Trust us, having somebody reputable vouch for your potential will make a huge impact on your application.
- Stand out in your personal statement. What do you possess that makes you unique? Take these 6 steps to write a fantastic personal statement.
Final Thoughts
Merit scholarships are a great way to make college more affordable. If you want to win merit scholarships, apply to schools that award the best merit scholarships. Schools like Hollins University and Beloit College award big merit scholarships to 100% of incoming freshmen who aren’t receiving need-based aid. Your best bet is to go for less selective schools to win the most merit-scholarships.
Remember, keep your grades high and get involved in your community. Extracurriculars and a high GPA are the key ingredients to winning big scholarships that can pay for your education.
