National Merit Semifinalist and Finalist packages
ListedCollege programFull tuition
- Award
- For 2027 high school graduates. Semifinalist: full tuition for four years, plus campus housing, meal plan and a one-time $500 educational allowance for the freshman year only. Finalist: full tuition for four years, campus housing, meal plan and a $1,000 educational allowance for four years, plus a one-time $4,000 study abroad scholarship.
- Timeline
- Mar 1, 2027For 2027 graduates: Semifinalists must be admitted by and accept in GO by May 1, 2027. Finalists must apply with documentation and first-choice designation by May 1, 2027
- Jul 1, 2027The program page requires acceptance by . A general FAQ instead lists August 15 for National Merit acceptance, so follow the earlier program date and confirm.
- How to apply
- Semifinalists need no separate application but must be admitted by March 1. Finalists apply in the Golden Opportunities (GO) system by May 1 and list USM as first choice with NMSC.
- Who can apply
- First-year, full-time freshmen entering in fall immediately after graduating high school in 2027 and named National Merit Semifinalists or Finalists; readmitted students are excluded. NMSC citizenship requirements apply to entrants attending high school outside the U.S.; individual award rules still apply.
- Good to know
- USM requires 15 credits each fall/spring and at least a 2.5 cumulative USM GPA for undergraduate scholarships; check the award stipulation agreement. Same-purpose tuition/housing scholarships cannot stack, and total aid is capped at cost of attendance. The 2027 program's July 1 Finalist acceptance date differs from the general FAQ's August 15 and the Class of 2027 counselor hub's general May 1 acceptance deadline.