Each year, many high school students apply for the National Merit Scholarship Program. About 7,500 students win a scholarship.
National Merit Scholars can get money for tuition, books, and other things.
It’s important to pick the right college or university.
Lots of schools offer the National Merit Scholarship, but not the most famous ones. Let’s take a look at the top 5.
5 Best Schools for National Merit Scholars
Here are 5 top schools for National Merit awards:
#1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers lots of majors. National Merit Scholars can get scholarships.
- Good for: Student life
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Type: Public university
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $11,618 (in-state) and $30,592 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Student body: 77,881
- Classes: Mostly under 20 students
- Faculty ratio: 18:1
- Average starting salary: $40,300 per year.
#2. Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University offers 54 degrees. National Merit Scholars get help with tuition.
- Good for: HBCU
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- Type: Public university
- Campus: City
- Tuition: $5,785 (in-state) and $17,725 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 35%
- Graduation rate: 27%
- Student body: 9,000
- Classes: Mostly under 20 students
- Faculty ratio: 14:1
- Average starting salary: $31,600 per year.
#3. Florida International University
Florida International University has many degrees. National Merit Scholars get help with tuition.
- Good for: Research
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Type: Public university
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $6,566 (in-state) and $18,964 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Graduation rate: 42%
- Student body: 56,732
- Classes: Mostly under 20 students
- Faculty ratio: 22:1
- Average starting salary: $38,500 per year.
#4. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers many degrees. National Merit Scholars can get scholarships.
- Good for: Food
- Location: Mississippi State, Mississippi
- Type: Public university
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $9,398 (in-state) and $25,444 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 36%
- Student body: 23,086
- Classes: Mostly under 20 students
- Faculty ratio: 17:1
- Average starting salary: $36,600 per year.
#5. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech is known for its party scene. It’s ranked as one of the top party schools in Texas and the U.S. Greek life is also popular, with 45% of students involved.
National Merit Scholars who choose Texas Tech as their top school get full coverage of expenses.
- Best for: Party school
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
- Type: Public university
- Campus: City
- Size: 1,839 acres
- Tuition: $11,852 (in-state) and $24,092 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Retention rate: 85%
- Graduation rate: 38%
- Student body: 40,542
- Classes: Mostly under 20 students
- Faculty ratio: 21:1
- Alumni average starting salary: $45,500 per year.