National Merit Scholarship package
ListedCollege program
- Award
- Out-of-state National Merit Finalists: competitive National Merit Scholarship package valued at more than $25,000 per year for four years. Florida residents who become Finalists: Benacquisto Scholarship plus Florida Bright Futures. Finalists can also get guaranteed admission to The Burnett Honors College (with application) and guaranteed on-campus housing.
- Deadline
- Name UCF as first choice with NMSC by May 31, 2027, the final deadline in the 2027 NMSC instructions. First referral group is reported before March 1, 2027.
- How to apply
- Be named a National Merit Semifinalist (considered for a scholarship upon admission), then advance to Finalist and designate UCF as your first choice with NMSC by May 31 for an increased award.
- What you'll need
- No separate application: you are considered when you apply for admission
- Who can apply
- Admitted National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists. Students attending high school outside the US must satisfy NMSC citizenship or permanent-residence rules.
- Good to know
- The award page is undated and still links a 2025 newsletter, so the Fall 2027 package needs confirmation. Current chart requires 12 UCF credits per fall/spring, 24 earned credits annually and 3.0 UCF GPA at spring evaluation, up to eight terms or graduation; a possible extension applies to degrees requiring 124+ hours. The chart distinguishes older entrants before Fall 2018 at 3.2, but the embedded FAQ still states 3.2 without that qualifier. Confirm the applicable award letter. The package includes scholarship and nonresident-waiver portions, a cost-of-attendance cap, and no summer funding.