Michigan State University National Merit Scholarship
Offered by Michigan State University
About this scholarship
The Michigan State University National Merit Scholarship is MSU’s college-sponsored award for eligible National Merit Finalists who designate Michigan State as their first-choice institution. It provides $1,000 per academic year. The award is distinct from the broader National Merit Scholarship Program and from MSU’s larger Merit Recognition and Special Merit packages, which have their own residency and selection rules. A finalist who has already been offered another scholarship funded through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation cannot also receive this MSU-sponsored National Merit award. There is no separate public MSU scholarship form. Students must apply for first-year admission, complete the National Merit competition requirements provided through their high school and the National Merit system, advance to Finalist standing, and report MSU as first choice according to National Merit procedures. For Fall 2027, applicants should submit the complete MSU admission application and all required materials by November 1, 2026, selecting Early Action for maximum university scholarship consideration. The official Apply page linked below provides the university’s own application plus its accepted Common Application and Coalition with Scoir routes. Recipients must enroll at MSU, continue to satisfy the applicable National Merit and university rules, complete the required full-time academic load for university scholarships, and remain in good academic standing.
Eligibility
- Apply to Michigan State University as an incoming first-year undergraduate student
- Submit the complete Fall 2027 admission application and required materials by November 1, 2026 for maximum scholarship consideration
- Enroll at Michigan State University for the semester in which the scholarship is first awarded
- Complete at least 12 credits each fall and spring semester while receiving the award
- Remain in good academic standing at Michigan State University
- Qualify as a National Merit Finalist through the National Merit Scholarship Program
- Name Michigan State University as the applicant’s first-choice institution with National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- Have no offer for another scholarship sponsored through National Merit Scholarship Corporation