Michigan State University Special Merit Scholarship
Offered by Michigan State University
About this scholarship
The Michigan State University Special Merit Scholarship is a renewable award for a limited number of Michigan residents who are National Merit Finalists and designate MSU as their first-choice institution. It provides $4,000 per academic year for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters, creating a maximum scheduled value of $16,000 over four undergraduate years. The scholarship does not cover full tuition, fees, housing, food, books, or other living costs, so students should plan for the remaining cost of attendance and may pursue compatible financial aid. MSU does not publish a separate Special Merit application or a fixed annual number of recipients. Consideration begins with the first-year admission application and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation process. For Fall 2027, applicants should submit the complete admission application and all required items by November 1, 2026 and select Early Action for maximum scholarship consideration. They must also qualify as National Merit Finalists and report Michigan State University as first choice according to National Merit procedures. The linked official MSU Apply page is therefore the proper application starting point. Awardees must enroll for the original award semester, retain Michigan-resident status, complete at least 12 credits in each funded fall and spring semester, and remain in good academic standing. MSU may adjust its scholarship if a recipient receives other substantial university-funded merit awards.
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
- Be classified by MSU as a Michigan resident for tuition purposes
- Qualify as a National Merit Finalist
- Name Michigan State University as the applicant’s first-choice institution with National Merit Scholarship Corporation