National Merit Scholars
The University of Idaho is a first choice for aspiring leaders from around the U.S. In fact, we are a leader among schools in the Northwest and enroll more National Merit Scholars than all Idaho institutions combined.
The Idaho National Merit Scholar program guarantees a full-ride scholarship that covers university-defined educational costs for basic tuition and fees, room and board in a UI residence hall for four years to all National Merit Finalists who declare the University of Idaho their first choice institution.
How do I qualify for the National Merit Scholarship?
- Achieve Finalist standing with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
- Be admitted as a first year student entering direct from high school or home school.
- Submit a copy of your National Merit Finalist letter to the Financial Aid Office.
- Declare the University of Idaho as first school of choice with the by their deadline on April 30.
What is the Value of the National Merit Scholarship?
This award covers basic registration fees/tuition and the university-defined cost for room and board for a traditional undergraduate as long as you live in a UI residence hall. Fees/tuition are set by the state board of education in April. The value of this award for the 2018-19 academic year is $16,744 for Idaho residents. For non-residents a full non-resident tuition waiver (value $17,636) is also included. That's over $64,000 in cash scholarships plus a full non-resident tuition waiver for non-residents over four years. The best news is that the value of the scholarship increases at the same rate as costs increase.
Will the National Merit Scholarship cover all my expenses?
The fee portion of the scholarship covers basic registration/tuition fees only. You will be responsible to pay for special course and lab fees. The room/board portion provides an allowance if you live in a UI residence hall. The amount is the university-defined cost for a double room (not including the LLC Living Learning Center), and a standard meal plan for a typical undergraduate.
How do I continue to receive the National Merit Scholarship?
Maintain a minimum 3.3 cumulative UI GPA and enroll full-time each semester (a minimum of 12 credits). You may receive the award up to eight semesters.