Merit-Based and Other Scholarships

Merit Based and Other Scholarships

What are Merit-Based and Other Scholarships?

  • Merit-Based and Other Scholarships are not awarded based solely on financial need
  • Scholarships are typically awarded to students based on a special talent, achievement, skill or other qualifying factor.
    • Factors may include academic achievement, dramatic ability, athletic talent, leadership or other outstanding achievements or capabilities.
    • Different criteria such as where you live, your future plans, disability status or military service (you or a family member) may also considered

Who provides Merit-Based and Other Scholarships?

  • Colleges and Universities
  • Private Organizations or Foundations

How to get Merit-Based and Other Scholarships:

  • Start by filing your Free Application for Federal State Aid (FAFSA)! This is the best way to ensure you will be considered for all available aid.
  • Merit-based and other scholarships often require separate applications, so it is never too early to start looking for these funding opportunities. You can:
    • Talk to your high school counselor to learn about possible scholarships from foundations or other organizations in your community.
    • Contact the college or university you are considering to see if you are eligible to apply for their merit scholarships.
    • Sign into the SEAA Student Portal and apply to programs administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.



College Foundation (August, 2016) Merit-Based Scholarship. Retrieved from https://www.cfnc.org/paying/schol/info_meritbased.jsp