UCF National Merit Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Central Florida (UCF) recognizes and celebrates the achievements of talented high school students through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Each year, a significant number of National Merit Scholars choose to become UCF Knights. With a large community of National Merit students enrolled, UCF stands out as a leading institution for these scholars. UCF is ranked among the top colleges in the nation for its number of enrolled National Merit Scholars.

Understanding UCF's Scholarship Opportunities

UCF provides access to a range of scholarship opportunities through its A2O (Access to Opportunities) platform. This platform helps connect students with scholarships from various colleges and departments across the campus. The application process typically opens in the early Spring semester for scholarships applicable to the upcoming aid year, which begins in the following fall. Some opportunities may also be available after the Spring semester.

Accessing Scholarship Information via A2O

To get started with UCF scholarship applications, students need to log in to A2O using their UCF NID and password. After logging in, students are required to complete a general application. This application is the basis for consideration for scholarships for which they may qualify, based on their responses and academic information. No further action is required for those scholarships. However, students may be prompted to provide additional information, such as a resume, essay, or documentation, for other scholarship opportunities.

Navigating Scholarship Options

Within the A2O platform, students can browse all scholarships awarded through the Office of Student Financial Assistance by selecting “Ours” under Opportunities. To view scholarship opportunities filtered based on their responses to the general application, students can click "Recommended" under Opportunities. It's important to note that recommended opportunities are only available after completing the general application and will only populate with current opportunities.

The “Deadline” column indicates the deadline to complete the application to receive consideration, not the deadline to accept the award. Students can also view a list of external scholarships by selecting “External” under the Opportunities sub-header. While efforts are made to vet these external opportunities, the Office of Student Financial Assistance does not assume responsibility for them or any information requested by external organizations.

National Merit Scholarship Details at UCF

UCF offers a comprehensive scholarship package for National Merit Scholars and Finalists, known as the Benacquisto Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to cover the full cost of attendance.

Benacquisto Scholarship Coverage (2024-2025 academic year example)

Tuition: The scholarship covers 100% of the resident tuition, which is the in-state tuition rate, regardless of whether the student is a Florida resident or not.
Housing Allowance: An annual $3,000 UCF housing allowance is provided, which may cover some, but not all, of the student's housing costs.
Additional Scholarship: A $15,000 UCF scholarship ($3,750 per semester) is included, which can be used towards books, living expenses, and other miscellaneous education costs.

Initial Consideration

You will be considered for a scholarship upon admission to UCF if you are named a National Merit Semifinalist.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

To maintain the National Merit Scholarship at UCF, students must meet specific continuation criteria.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must enroll full-time (a minimum of 12 UCF credit hours) each fall and spring semester. An exception to the full-time enrollment requirement can be granted during a student’s graduating semester. If a student enrolls in less than six UCF hours during their graduating semester, the exception must be reviewed by the UCF Scholarship Committee. Students should submit their request at least two months prior to the beginning of their graduating semester for a decision to be rendered before the tuition payment deadline.

Academic Progress

Academic progress is evaluated once per year after spring grades have been posted. Students must complete 24 credit hours between the previous fall and spring terms and earn the required minimum UCF cumulative GPA (at least 3.2) by the end of each spring term. As a National Merit Scholarship recipient, you are required to complete at least 24 UCF credit hours and earn a UCF G.P.A. of at least a 3.2 at the end of the spring semester.

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of 8 terms or until graduation, whichever is less. Students whose major requires 124 or more hours may receive a one-term extension. A letter (on letterhead) from the department verifying the number of hours required for the degree must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to the 9th term.

Scholarship Deferment and Appeals

Under certain circumstances, students may need to defer their scholarship or appeal decisions related to their scholarship eligibility.

Scholarship Deferment

Acceptable reasons to defer a scholarship include, but are not limited to: military service, documented medical conditions, internships/Co-Ops, religious missions, etc. At the time of deferment, the student must be meeting the renewal criteria for the scholarship. Students seeking a deferment must complete a State Programs and Scholarships Appeal Form and submit a letter indicating the reason for the request, along with supporting documentation.

Appealing Enrollment Requirements

If extenuating circumstances exist that prevent full-time enrollment, students may appeal to the UCF Scholarship Committee.

Taking Time Away from UCF

If a student needs to take time away from UCF, they must submit a Scholarship Appeal and letter stating the reason(s) for the absence prior to the term(s) they plan to be away. The UCF Scholarship Committee will review the request and render a decision. If a student leaves UCF without asking for the time off, they will not be reinstated to the scholarship program upon their return.

Out-of-State Students

For out-of-state students, the scholarship is comprised of two portions: a scholarship portion and a waiver portion. The scholarship portion of your award will serve for deferment purposes, and your waiver will be applied directly towards your tuition, but will not serve as a deferment. Only students who are enrolled full-time will receive the waiver. The waiver will be applied the week after the add/drop period has ended. The only exception to the full-time enrollment requirement is granted to students during their graduating semester.

Additional Opportunities and Considerations

Co-Ops and Internships

If a student wants to participate in a Co-Op or internship, they must notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance in writing which term they plan to participate prior to that term.

Repeat Checking

Repeat Checking refers to how the University treats classes that you have taken more than once. If you repeat a class, there are implications for your GPA and academic level (freshman, sophomore, etc). However, and normally, repeated classes do not result in additional credit counting towards the degree.

Citizenship Restrictions

Students who are classified as DACA, TPS, or undocumented, are not eligible for UCF scholarship funds.

Resources and Support

UCF offers various resources to support National Merit Semifinalists and Scholars.

Personalized Visits

National Merit Semifinalists have the opportunity to arrange a personalized, private visit to explore the UCF campus. When requesting a visit, students can specify who and what they would like to see and provide a few dates that work for them.

UCF Scholar Newsletter

The UCF Scholar newsletter is designed to inform students of opportunities, address common questions, and offer guidance on joining the UCF community.

Personal Contact

Hayden Lau is the personal contact for the National Merit Scholarship Program at UCF.

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