National Merit Scholarship

USF National Merit Scholar Benefits

National Merit Scholarship Benefits

From lucrative scholarships to exclusive campus services and academic programs, USF offers an unbeatable combination of benefits for National Merit Scholars. 

Generous Scholarships and Financial Support 

Both Florida and non-Florida National Merit Finalists at USF have big-dollar scholarship opportunities.

Florida residents (as determined by the institution) 

  • Scholarship covering your full cost of attendance during fall and spring semesters as determined by the State of Florida Benacquisto Scholarship Program. This merit scholarship for high school graduates who achieve the National Merit® Scholar Finalist designation covers 100 percent of the cost of attendance, minus the amount that you receive from Bright Futures and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. If you qualify for this award, it will replace all other awards from the Office of Admissions, excluding the Tradition of Excellence National Merit Scholarship award

  • USF National Merit Tradition of Excellence Award ($20,000/$5,000 per year)

  • Scholarship options for study abroad (USF Passport Scholarship - $2,000)

NON-Florida residents (as determined by the institution) 

  • Scholarship covering your full cost of attendance during fall and spring semesters as determined by the USF Golden Achievement Program. This merit scholarship is for high school graduates who achieve the National Merit® Scholar Finalist designation (finalist who select USF as their first choice school with NMSC) and covers 100 percent of the cost of attendance, minus the amount that you receive from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. If you qualify for this award, it will replace all other awards from the Office of Admissions.

  • Scholarship options for study abroad (USF Passport Scholarship - $2,000)

Exclusive Campus Services

  • Automatic admission to the Judy Genshaft Honors College and its benefits, including Honors events, small classes, individual faculty mentoring and concierge academic advising; learn more about the automatic admission process 

  • On-campus housing option in our Judy Genshaft Honors College Living Learning Community (student must submit LLC application for consideration)

  • Research opportunities early in your enrollment at USF

  • Access to expert advising in the Office of National Scholars to prepare you to compete for prestigious national and international awards

  • A designated National Merit Scholars Coordinator (based on Tampa Campus) to support you throughout during your USF journey, who offers:

    • Individualized coaching and advising sessions (including prehealth advising) to help you determine and achieve your personal and professional goals
    • Exposure to resources, opportunities, faculty and staff to develop professional and personal skills for future career opportunities
    • Exclusive academic workshops to provide insight and guidance to prepare for life after USF
    • Exclusive social events to create a sense of community and belonging amongst scholars, and to help you make meaningful connections and life-long friendships
    • Annual fall banquet for first year National Merit Scholars to foster community and connect with university leadership
    • Annual spring banquet for sophomore through senior level National Merit Scholars to foster community and connect with university leadership