Understanding the University of Arizona National Merit Scholarship Requirements
The University of Arizona offers various scholarships, including the National Merit Scholarship, to attract and support outstanding students. This article outlines the eligibility rules, application deadlines, and key considerations for the National Merit Scholarship at the University of Arizona, drawing comparisons to similar programs at Arizona State University (ASU). It is important to note that the rules and requirements detailed below apply to scholarships offered for the 2025-2026 academic year.
National Scholar Status and Eligibility
National Scholar status is a key determinant for this scholarship, and it's based on performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) taken during high school. It is offered to National Scholars who qualify by taking the PSATs in high school. The Office of Admission will be notified of a student's National Scholar status.
For students who are named National Merit Finalists, it is crucial to designate the University of Arizona as their first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) by NMSC’s deadline. The University of Arizona National Scholars Tuition Award encompasses college-sponsored, corporate-sponsored, or NMSC-sponsored awards in the total offered amount. Students must respond to NMSC by their established dates to accept these awards.
Scholarship Award Amounts
The scholarship amount varies based on residency. Arizona residents will receive $18,000 per academic year. For non-Arizona residents, the scholarship includes the value of the original Arizona Tuition Award plus a $3,000 National Scholar Award.
Application Deadlines
Meeting application deadlines is critical for scholarship consideration. Non-resident (out-of-state) applicants should apply by the priority date of December 2, 2024, for maximum scholarship consideration, pending available funds. Resident applicants have a priority date of May 1, 2025, for maximum scholarship consideration, also pending available funds.
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Usage of Remaining Merit Tuition
If a student completes their bachelor’s degree in fewer than eight consecutive semesters, they may be able to apply any remaining semester(s) of merit tuition toward graduate tuition at the University of Arizona. This applies in the semester immediately after graduating, provided the student is admitted to an Arizona graduate program and enrolled full-time. Students entering certain professional programs that do not require a bachelor’s degree, such as the PharmD program, may also qualify to use remaining semesters toward that professional program after completing undergraduate coursework and being admitted to the professional program.
Important Notes on Eligibility
It's important to note that summer enrollment immediately before the first fall term at the University of Arizona does not affect eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship. Similarly, dual enrollment (college courses taken while in high school) and participation in non-credit programs during or after high school do not impact eligibility.
Seeking Clarification
To clarify specific eligibility or to confirm next steps, students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) or the Office of Admission.
ASU National Scholar Awards: A Comparison
Arizona State University (ASU) also offers National Scholar awards, providing an interesting point of comparison. For Arizona National Merit Finalists, ASU offers the New American University National Scholar award of $15,000 per year, renewable for an additional three years, totaling $60,000 over four years. To receive this award, students must select ASU as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1. ASU will then upgrade the award, replacing any previous New American University merit scholarship.
ASU also recognizes College Board National Recognition Program Awardees with the New American University National Scholar award of $10,000 per year, renewable for an additional three years, worth $40,000 over four years.
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For nonresident National Merit Finalists, ASU offers a $17,500 national scholar award, provided the student selects ASU as their first choice institution with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1 and is admitted to and enrolls in Barrett, The Honors College at ASU. This award replaces any previous New American University award and is not stackable with other New American University awards. Nonresident National Recognition awardees are also eligible for ASU’s New American University National Scholar award of $17,500 per year, with the same conditions of admission and enrollment at Barrett, The Honors College.
Barrett, The Honors College at ASU is widely considered “the gold standard” in honors education, attracting bright students from around the nation. ASU is ranked as the most innovative school in the nation, emphasizing a culture of innovation among its students, faculty, and staff.
The Michelle Brown-Hollin Scholarship at Barrett, The Honors College
Barrett, The Honors College also offers the Michelle Brown-Hollin Scholarship. Michelle Brown-Hollin and her husband, Ken, have a long history of service to ASU and Barrett, dedicating their careers to working with students.
Key Differences and Considerations
The University of Arizona's National Merit Scholarship and ASU's New American University National Scholar awards have distinct eligibility criteria and award amounts. The University of Arizona's program offers different amounts based on residency, while ASU's awards often depend on factors like enrollment in Barrett, The Honors College.
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