Lehigh University Merit Scholarship/National Merit Scholarship

The Lehigh University Merit Scholarship and National Merit Scholarship programs are designed to recognize and reward high-achieving students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and potential. These scholarships are part of Lehigh University's commitment to attracting talented students from across the United States and internationally. The Merit Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic excellence, standardized test scores, leadership qualities, and other achievements. The National Merit Scholarship is specifically aligned with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's recognition of high school students who perform exceptionally well on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. Recipients of these scholarships receive financial awards that contribute to the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The exact amount and number of scholarships awarded vary each year depending on the applicant pool and university budget allocations. These scholarships do not require a separate application; instead, candidates are automatically considered based on their admission application and National Merit status. Lehigh University encourages prospective students to maintain strong academic records and engage in extracurricular activities to enhance their eligibility. The scholarships are renewable annually, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress and enrollment status at Lehigh University. This financial support aims to reduce the economic barriers to higher education and promote a diverse and accomplished student body.

Lehigh University offers Merit Scholarships and participates in the National Merit Scholarship program to support academically talented students. These scholarships are awarded primarily based on academic merit, including high school GPA, standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, and for National Merit Scholarships, performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. The Merit Scholarships are competitive and aim to attract students who have demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits and potential for leadership and contribution to the university community. The National Merit Scholarship at Lehigh is part of a nationwide program that recognizes students who score among the top percentiles on the PSAT/NMSQT exam during their junior year of high school. Students who achieve National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist status may be eligible for scholarship awards from Lehigh University, contingent upon admission and other eligibility criteria. These scholarships are renewable each academic year, provided recipients maintain a specified minimum GPA and remain enrolled full-time. The amount awarded can vary significantly depending on the student's qualifications and the university’s available funding. While the scholarships primarily offset tuition costs, some awards may also assist with fees and other educational expenses. It is important to note that these scholarships do not require a separate application; students are automatically considered during the admissions process. Lehigh University encourages applicants to submit all required materials by the stated deadlines to be considered for merit-based aid. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on scholarship policies and renewal requirements. Overall, these scholarships are intended to reduce financial barriers for high-achieving students and foster a diverse and academically strong student body.