Last updated on August 25, 2025

Top Merit-Based Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Access scholarships that are only available on Bold.org—apply easily for the best merit-based awards and secure your future funding now.

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  1. Cover image for $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

    $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

    By: Sallie

    Apply to Sallie Mae's monthly merit-based No-Essay Scholarship in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!
    All students are eligible
    $2,000
    Winners:1 monthly winner
    Learn More
    Hosted by a 3rd party
    Verified by Bold.org
    Sponsored
    1
  2. Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation
    This scholarship aims to encourage the next generation to combat bullying and to protect children and teens on the internet.
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Education Level: High school senior (Class of 2026)
    $1,000
    Deadline:Mar 01, 2026
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Mark A. Jefferson Teaching Scholarship

    Funded by
    mark jefferson
    This scholarship will support one extremely ambitious African-American in their studies to become an educator for the future.
    • Ethnicity: Black
    • Gender: Male
    • GPA: 2.8 or higher
    $2,080
    Deadline:Jan 14, 2026
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. $25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    The world will be shaped by the bold—the fighters, the risk-takers, the earnest overachievers who won’t take no for an answer. The $10,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.
    All students are eligible
    $25,030
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Aim Higher" Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bulkthreads.com
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are pursuing higher education in order to make a marked difference in the world.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    $515
    Deadline:Jun 16, 2026
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Alger Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lily Rannacher
    This scholarship aims to support students who display the qualities of stellar work ethic, dedication to volunteerism, and eagerness to excel academically.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • GPA: 3.5 or higher
    $550
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Mema and Papa Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Cheetah Fund
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are preparing to finish high school and embark on their pursuit of higher education.
    • Education Level: High school senior
    • State: Pennsylvania
    $600
    Deadline:Apr 12, 2026
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Ellen Melinda Smith Odeh Scholarship

    Funded by
    Adeeb Odeh
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Ellen Melinda by supporting students who share her passion for learning and helping others.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • State: Illinois
    $1,000
    Deadline:Nov 16, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Baby OG: Next Gen Female Visionary Scholarship

    Funded by
    Audrey Nuna
    This scholarship aims to further equity in education and the workplace by ensuring that all students are able to pursue their academic and professional goals.
    • Race: BIPOC
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Field of Study: STEM/innovation
    • GPA: 3.5 GPA or higher
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    $4,000
    Only 2 days left!
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Raja-Nee Keys
    This scholarship aims to support BIPOC students who are pursuing higher education so they can overcome the barriers they face and be an inspiration to those who follow them.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Race: BIPOC
    • Field of Study: STEM, business, finance, marketing, or medicine
    $500
    Only 3 days left!
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is perfect for current and prospective college students who are in search of funding.
    All students are eligible
    $500
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Conscious Consumer No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship exists to support students building financial literacy skills and looking to be more conscious of their financial habits.
    All students are eligible
    $1,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. 100 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 100 Bold Points.
    All students are eligible
    $1,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. 300 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 300 Bold Points.
    All students are eligible
    $3,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. 200 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 200 Bold Points.
    All students are eligible
    $2,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. 400 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 400 Bold Points.
    All students are eligible
    $4,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who has been invited by friends to join Bold.org, and who has the boldest Bold.org profile.
    All students are eligible
    $5,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. 1000 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 1000 Bold Points.
    All students are eligible
    $10,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. 500 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 500 Bold Points.
    All students are eligible
    $5,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This exclusive no-essay scholarship is for anyone thinking through how to pay for college.
    All students are eligible
    $10,000
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Surveys and Savings No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who are looking for free and easy opportunities to improve their finances.
    All students are eligible
    $500
    Only 4 days left!
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Niche College No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is perfect for students interested in college and grad school tips and resources.
    All students are eligible
    $1,000
    Only 5 days left!
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Lynch Engineering Scholarship

    Funded by
    Austin Lynch
    This scholarship aims to support smart, self-driven, ambitious, kind, and generous engineers so they can pay for their college tuition.
    • Education Level: High school senior planning to pursue a four-year degree or a current four-year undergraduate student
    • Financial Background: Low-income
    • Field of Study: Engineering
    $1,000
    Only 11 days left!
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. Neal Hartl Memorial Sales/Marketing Scholarship

    Funded by
    BeaconMedaes
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Neal Hartl by supporting students who are pursuing higher education and careers in business.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Field of Study: Business management, sales, or marketing
    $3,000
    Only 15 days left!
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship Fund

    Funded by
    Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship Fund
    This scholarship seeks to support African students who are struggling financially so they can fund their education and achieve their dreams.
    • Race: African
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Migrant from Africa or the child of African migrants
    $1,000
    Only 15 days left!
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Eric W. Larson Memorial STEM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Leslie Larson
    This scholarship aims to honor Eric Larson’s commitment to equality in the sciences by supporting women of color who are pursuing STEM despite the challenges they face.
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Race: BIPOC
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Background: Financially disadvantaged
    $10,000
    Only 18 days left!
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. Ismat's Scholarship for Empowering Muslim Women

    Funded by
    Tariq Aslam and Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Ismat by keeping her dreams alive and empowering Muslim women to not give up on their educational journeys and to do their part to make this world a better place!
    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Religion: Muslim
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Financial need
    • States: TX, FL, GA, AL, NC, DE, IL, NV, PA, VA, DC, OH, CA, MS, MD, NJ, NY
    $3,000
    Only 18 days left!
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. FIAH Scholarship

    Funded by
    Daleth Estrada
    This scholarship aims to make college more accessible by supporting students who want to further their education in order to make the world a better place.
    • Education Level: Class of 2025 high school senior or current undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Background: Involved in sports, arts, or community service during high school
    • Location: Texas
    $2,000
    Only 28 days left!
    28
  29. Alberta Bean Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Breanna Lee
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Alberta Bean by supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue college degrees.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: First-generation college student
    • State: Missouri
    • GPA: 3.0 or above
    $1,000
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarship

    Funded by
    Autel U.S.
    This scholarship aims to lessen the financial burden of college for hardworking and gifted students who have shown their desire to make a future for themselves in the automotive repair industry.
    • Education Level: 2025 high school graduate, enrolled in trade school
    • Field of Study: Automotive repair
    $25,000
    Deadline:Oct 05, 2025
    30
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Apply for these merit scholarships, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to turn your good grades into financial aid and graduate debt-free. Every award is fully vetted by Bold.org, with no extra accounts or hidden fees. Millions of students trust Bold.org to fund their degrees because we provide real aid to real people.

We've helped students in every field of study find merit awards, including scholarships for biology, English, mathematics, physics, and more. Bold.org has already distributed over $30 million in direct aid to academically gifted students of all types—now let us help you.

Odds of Winning a Merit Scholarship

If you think you don't need to apply for scholarships, or it's not worth your time, think again. Scholarships are competitive, but not all merit scholarships have impossible odds if you pick the right ones. Plus, funding may be more available than you realize. According to the Education Data Initiative:

  1. Each year, private and federal programs provide over $100 billion in scholarship money.
  2. The average scholarship winner at a public 2-year institution earns $4,100.
  3. The average undergraduate scholarship winner at a 4-year college earns $15,750.

Here's how Bold.org helps you win merit scholarships:

Bold.org emphasizes a student-first approach to scholarships. Students trust us to prioritize their experiences and provide them with actionable resources to help cover the costs of school. In this guide, we'll review:

  1. How to find merit-based scholarships
  2. Exclusive list of the top merit scholarships
  3. Actionable tips to increase your chances of winning a merit scholarship
  4. Other organizations that reward academic excellence with money:
  5. Gates Scholarship
  6. National Merit Scholarship Program

Here at Bold.org, you can apply for exclusive scholarships. Sign up here and check which scholarships you are eligible to apply for right now.

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Best Merit-Based Scholarships

Other scholarships might award money based on community service or leadership skills, while athletic scholarships look for physical ability. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. In contrast, merit scholarships are typically awarded based on academic performance.

1. Academic Scholarships

Many different types of merit scholarships seek to help talented, hardworking students afford the costs of a college education. The amount varies for each merit award, ranging from $500 to $75,000, but even small awards can make a difference and are worth considering.

2. Full-Tuition Scholarships

Full-tuition scholarships cover the total cost of attendance at the university you're enrolled in. However, these scholarships often receive a very high volume of applicants, so be sure to apply for other scholarships with less competition as well.

3. Essay Scholarships

Many merit scholarships are essay scholarships, meaning you'll need to write a short personal statement to apply. The essay should include your key takeaways from your education and show how what you've learned will help you make a positive impact on society moving forward.

4. The Gates Scholarship

Created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship aims to enable outstanding high school seniors to pursue a college education without financial obstacles. This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and transportation.

It is worth noting that the Gates Scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 300 scholarships awarded annually out of thousands of applicants. Nevertheless, with a rigorous selection process focusing on academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement, this scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for deserving students striving to make a difference.

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Merit Scholarships by Major

1. Political Science Scholarships

Students interested in government work, administrative community service, and similar positions can apply for political science major scholarships.

2. Chemistry Scholarships

You'll need a high GPA to succeed in an academically difficult field like chemistry. Find merit scholarships that reward your hard work to support your interest in STEM!

3. Healthcare Scholarships

Nurses, physicians, and medical assistants are necessary for public health. These occupations allow you to help others while making a living, and can sometimes be quite lucrative as well.

4. Psychology Scholarships

If you're interested in supporting the mental health of those around you, a degree in psychology might be for you. Use your training to counsel and guide others through difficult times in their lives with these psychology scholarships.

5. Engineering Scholarships

Engineering is another difficult subject that not everyone can succeed in. Merit scholarships can help fund your engineering degree if you're able to maintain a high GPA in this competitive field.

6. Computer Science Scholarships

Find merit-based scholarships for your computer science degree with this curated list. Coding, software development, and cybersecurity are all in high demand, though you'll face tough competition as well.

Merit Scholarships for Higher Education

1. Graduate Student Scholarships

Students who are driven to earn good grades may also be inclined to pursue higher degrees, such as a master's or PhD. The above scholarships are intended for college students interested in furthering their education beyond a bachelor's degree.

2. Graduate Student Scholarships for Women

These scholarship opportunities help support women pursuing advanced or terminal degrees. Whether your dream is to become a lawyer, doctor, or astrophysicist, these grad student scholarships are for you.

3. Law School Scholarships

Law school typically takes three years, which can be a strain on your wallet if you don't budget properly. These law school scholarships help you save up for your J.D. degree.

4. Medical School Scholarships

Aside from federal financial aid, medical school scholarships can also help you get through the long, arduous medical school process. Attending any medical school will be costly, but attending one of the top colleges for medicine could break the bank if you're not careful.

Scholarships Based on GPA

  1. Merit-Based 2.0 GPA Scholarship
  2. Merit-Based 2.5 GPA Scholarship
  3. Merit-Based 3.0 GPA Scholarship
  4. Merit-Based 3.5 GPA Scholarship

One way you can demonstrate academic excellence is through your grade point average. For high school students who haven't yet taken any standardized tests, leveraging an impressive GPA can be critical in earning merit scholarships. Many merit scholarships will ask for a certain GPA when you apply.

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How to Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships

1. Find Merit Scholarships

Many scholarships target specific fields of study, demographics, or regions, so make sure to tailor your search accordingly. Take note of specific criteria, application deadlines, and any supporting documents needed.

Check with the following organizations to find more scholarships:

  1. Online scholarship platforms like Bold.org
  2. Your school's financial aid office
  3. Extracurricular activities and organizations

Foundations and nonprofits like The Gates Foundation, for example, often reward students who excel academically and try to meet the financial needs of students who win their awards.

2. Prepare Documents for the Eligibility Requirements

Once you have identified the scholarships that resonate with you, start gathering the necessary application materials. These typically include your:

  1. Academic transcripts
  2. Standardized test scores
  3. Letters of recommendation
  4. Personal statement or essay
  5. Documentation of demonstrated financial need

When preparing your scholarship application, pay attention to the details. Ensure that your transcripts are up to date and accurately reflect your academic achievements. Request letters of recommendation well in advance, giving your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and compelling letters.

3. Writing the Scholarship Essay

Do Some Self-Reflection

Every scholarship will have a different prompt. Most merit scholarships will ask you about the field you've chosen to study and what inspires you to succeed in school.

With that in mind, be sure to consider why you want to study what you're studying. Try to use a personal experience or anecdote to highlight why you are pursuing the field you've chosen. This can help the donor get to know you as a person, as well as understand what motivates you.

Start the Essay with a Hook

Donors will be more likely to read and remember your essay if you spend some time on the structure. Be sure to answer the prompt of the essay—the question should inform the topic you are writing about.

Try to start with an engaging hook. This could be a snappy one-liner about why you chose this field, a short but defining moment in your academic life, or anything else that's applicable. The key is that you want the hook to do two things: 1) introduce the topic and 2) pique the reader's curiosity.

Key Takeaways: Demonstrating Worth to Society

In your conclusion, explain why you deserve to win merit scholarships. You need to show that you're a worthwhile investment—not only someone who can study and get good grades, but someone who can apply that knowledge outside the classroom.

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Tips for Applying for Merit-Based Scholarships

Applying for merit-based scholarships can be a time-consuming task, but you can enhance your chances of success by following these helpful tips:

1. Showcase Your Uniqueness

Highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. Emphasize your unique experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Scholarship committees are looking for individuals who demonstrate exceptional qualities and have the potential to make a positive impact on society.

Provide examples of leadership roles or unique skills you've employed during your time as a student. Other factors, like your personal storytelling voice and personality, can also help set you apart.

2. Seek Recommendation Letters Wisely

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your abilities, strengths, and potential. Provide them with any relevant information that will help them write personalized and impactful letters of recommendation. Remember to ask for recommendations well in advance to give your recommenders enough time to craft thoughtful letters.

3. Stay Organized

Keep track of application deadlines, documents needed, and any other requirements specific to each scholarship. Create a calendar or spreadsheet to stay organized and ensure that you submit your applications and other forms accurately and on time.

Additional Resources for Merit Students

1. National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program rewards students with outstanding PSAT and SAT scores. The process is competitive and has many tiers, including commended students, semifinalists, finalists, and finally, scholars.

Only those who are deemed outstanding students receive National Merit Scholarships, but commended students and finalists still benefit by reporting their status on college applications. Any eligible students should apply for a chance to win.

2. Fulbright Program

This international educational exchange program, sponsored by the U.S. government, is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. It offers scholarships for U.S. citizens to study, conduct research, and teach abroad, as well as for non-U.S. citizens to do the same in the United States. As it takes academic performance into account, it can be considered a merit scholarship program, though it's far more comprehensive than the average scholarship.

3. The Rhodes Scholarship

Founded in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most renowned international scholarship programs. Each year, this scholarship selects exceptional students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. Offering full funding for two to three years of study, the Rhodes Scholarship provides both financial support and an unparalleled academic experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions