Merit-Based Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know to Get College Funding – St. John's University
This guide provides you with essential information about merit scholarships, including the different types available, eligibility requirements, and where to find them.
Attending college represents a transformative journey filled with opportunities for growth, but the rising costs of higher education can be daunting. According to a report by the College Board called Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2024, the average annual tuition in 2024–25 at private universities now exceeds $40,000, while public institutions average over $11,610 for in-state students. As costs continue to rise year-over-year, merit-based scholarships offer a powerful solution to this financial challenge.
Merit-based scholarships recognize and reward your specific accomplishments, talents, and potential. Unlike need-based financial aid, which evaluates your family’s income and assets, merit scholarships focus entirely on what you have achieved and what you can contribute to a campus community.
Merit scholarships come in diverse forms designed to recognize specific types of excellence. Understanding these categories helps you target opportunities that align with your unique strengths:
Description: These awards recognize students with exceptional academic records, typically measured through grade point average (GPA), class rank, course rigor, and standardized test scores.
Example: 2025 St. John’s University Freshman Merit Scholarship
Description: These scholarships recognize outstanding performance in sports at various competitive levels.
Example: NCAA Scholarships
Description: These recognize exceptional talent in visual arts, performing arts, music, creative writing, or other creative disciplines.
Example: CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Music Composition
Description: These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated initiative, vision, and the ability to mobilize others toward meaningful goals.
Example: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Description: These recognize sustained, meaningful volunteer work and dedication to improving communities.
Example: Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Description: Offered by companies and professional organizations to support students entering specific fields or career paths.
Example: Generation Google Scholarship
Merit scholarships evaluate candidates based on different combinations of the following factors. Understanding these criteria can help you identify scholarships where you’re most competitive:
Finding the right scholarships requires a methodical approach. Explore these key resources to uncover opportunities that match your profile:
Getting a merit-based scholarship takes strategy and persistence. If you apply the proper strategy, you will be in a better position to impress, increasing your odds of earning the scholarship.
Related: 7 Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid: Fund Your Education in 2025
Tashna-Loy Drummond, who plans to graduate in May, came to St. John’s University from Jamaica with big dreams—and an Academic Achievement Scholarship helped her make them a reality. This financial support allowed her to focus on her studies, pursue leadership roles, and fully engage in campus life.
A Biology major with minors in Psychology and Chemistry, Tashna-Loy is passionate about science and hopes to enter the medical field, possibly in forensic pathology. Beyond academics, she has taken on leadership roles, mentoring fellow students through the R.I.S.E. Network and Project AIM, supporting international students, and serving as Vice President of the Caribbean Student Association.
Who is eligible for merit-based scholarships?
Scholarship eligibility depends on the scholarship and usually requires strong academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership skills, or a specialized skill.
How do I apply for a merit-based scholarship?
Since scholarships are usually focused, applications can include transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, portfolios, auditions, and occasionally even interviews.
Can international students apply for merit-based scholarships?
There are many institutions and organizations that provide merit-based scholarships for international students. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria.
Remember that scholarship success requires both preparation and persistence. Start early, apply widely, and present your authentic self. Your hard work has already brought you this far—now it’s time to ensure it receives the recognition and support it deserves.
Ready to explore merit scholarship opportunities? St. John’s University offers great scholarship opportunities to future college students. Take the next step toward making your college dreams financially accessible by exploring our scholarship options today.
Learn more about St. John’s University’s scholarships.
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