Gold Scholar Award and National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship
ListedCollege program
- Award
- Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists: amounts vary, up to $10,000 per year for four years. National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship (college-sponsored): $2,000 per year for four years.
- Deadline
- Fall 2027 admission: complete application by November 1, 2026, December 1, 2026 or January 1, 2027 for full scholarship consideration. For the National Merit awards, NMSC's final first-choice receipt deadline is May 31, 2027.
- How to apply
- Apply for fall 2027 admission, become a National Merit Finalist, and declare UMN Twin Cities as first choice with NMSC by the final deadline.
- What you'll need
- No separate application: you are considered when you apply for admission
- Who can apply
- National Merit Finalists. The college-sponsored $2,000 award excludes students eligible for an NMSC corporate-sponsored or National Merit $2,500 scholarship. UMN university-wide academic scholarships require U.S. citizenship, permanent residence or Minnesota Prosperity Act eligibility, with limited separate international scholarships; confirm any National Merit exception. NMSC entry citizenship requirements apply to high schools outside the U.S.
- Good to know
- Gold Scholar is competitive, up to $10,000 annually for four years, with first-choice preference. The $2,000 award is college-sponsored and may be additional when eligible; NMSC requires full-time enrollment, good standing and the specific offer's conditions. Gold Scholar renewal GPA and credit conditions remain unconfirmed.