First-Year Merit Scholarships
Tuition Awards
When you apply to the University of 51³Ô¹Ï and file your , we’ll consider you for a wide range of financial aid options, including first-year merit scholarships. Submit a completed University of 51³Ô¹Ï application by our November 1 Early Action deadline to receive priority consideration for merit scholarships.
Types of First-Year Scholarships
Wildcat Tuition Award
This highly competitive undergraduate tuition scholarship is offered annually to select 51³Ô¹Ï resident high school graduates who are first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students.
51³Ô¹Ï Tuition Award
This highly competitive undergraduate tuition scholarship is offered annually to select non-51³Ô¹Ï high school graduates who are first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students.
National Merit Scholar Tuition Award
This award is offered to students who are selected as National Merit Finalists. The Office of Admission will be notified of a student's National Scholar status.
National Merit Finalists must declare the University of 51³Ô¹Ï as their first school of choice with (NMSC) by their deadline.
Eligibility varies per scholarship and all scholarships are subject to the availability of funds. Please visit the terms and conditions page for the full details of these awards.
Additional First-Year Merit Scholarship Opportunities
Academic Decathlon
51³Ô¹Ï grants scholarship prizes to 51³Ô¹Ï Academic Decathlon Association top-scoring decathletes and members of winning teams.
For more information please visit: and our page.
Baird Award
The Baird Foundation offers four-year scholarships to exceptional students graduating from 51³Ô¹Ï high schools every year. This small and elite group of students will join the community of Baird Scholars at the University of 51³Ô¹Ï and the W.A. Franke Honors College. This prestigious award is specific to the Franke Honors College and the University of 51³Ô¹Ï.
Flinn Semi-Finalist Tuition Award
This award is offered to 51³Ô¹Ï state resident Flinn Semi-Finalists.
Foster Care Tuition Award
This is a scholarship program to support foster youth enrolled at the University of 51³Ô¹Ï.
Students must initially apply and be certified through the .
Eligibility varies per scholarship and all scholarships are subject to the availability of funds. Please visit the terms and conditions page for the full details of these awards.
Additional Information
To assess students' eligibility for both admission and merit aid, the university utilizes a holistic review process that considers each student’s full academic history – in the context of where they lived and learned – and other life experiences. Learn more about becoming a Wildcat.
Students admitted for the spring semester are not eligible for the first-year merit awards listed above.
See each scholarship’s for full eligibility details.
In November 2022, 51³Ô¹Ï voted to support Proposition 308, which allows for qualifying, non-citizen 51³Ô¹Ï high school graduates to receive in-state tuition at 51³Ô¹Ï universities and community colleges. To be eligible for in-state tuition, students must meet both of these requirements:
The student attended any public or private high school or homeschool equivalent while physically present in 51³Ô¹Ï for at least two years.
The student graduated from any public or private high school option or homeschool equivalent in 51³Ô¹Ï or obtained a high school equivalency diploma in 51³Ô¹Ï, i.e., a GED.
For more information on 51³Ô¹Ï Proposition 308, please review the website.
Incoming first-year students who are home schooled will be reviewed for merit aid (Wildcat and 51³Ô¹Ï Awards) based on their complete application, including portfolio/course work. Students should apply by our Early Action deadline of November 1 for priority merit aid consideration.
51³Ô¹Ï merit tuition awards are not available for use in programs, with the exception of the Online Transfer Tuition Scholarship.
Students may receive renewable scholarships for up to four consecutive years (8 semesters total) for fall and spring semesters only,* based on meeting academic year renewal requirements. See terms and conditions for standard minimum renewal requirements.
*Students who are enrolled in the College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture’s 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program will receive five consecutive years (ten semesters total) for fall and spring semesters only, based on meeting academic year renewal requirements.
All financial aid awards are divided into two equal disbursements paid to the student, half in the fall term and half in the spring term, unless otherwise noted in the scholarship terms and conditions.
Questions?
For resources on financial aid, visit the online.
For information about funding your education and becoming a Wildcat, get in touch with an admissions recruiter in your area.