National Merit Scholarship

USF National Merit Scholar Benefits

A USF National Merit Scholar smiling and holding up the Go Bulls hand symbol.

Become a National Merit Scholar at the University of South Florida to receive a high-value education at no cost to you! This page details the exclusive scholarships offered to National Merit Finalists at USF.

Become a National Merit Scholar at USF

National Merit Semifinalists

As a National Merit Semifinalist, you will be considered for generous scholarships upon your admission to USF. Apply now!

National Merit Finalists

If you advance to become a National Merit Finalist, follow these steps to receive a scholarship package covering your full cost of attendance.

  1. Apply to USF.
  2. Complete the admissions process by submitting your grades and test scores.
  3. Designate USF as your first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) by the May 31 deadline.

Joining the USF academic community as a National Merit Scholar will bring you extraordinary benefits in addition to a fully funded education at our leading research university.

Generous Scholarships and Financial Support

Both Florida and non-Florida National Merit Finalists have big-dollar scholarships waiting at USF — among the most comprehensive National Merit scholarships in the nation.

To qualify for these awards, you must be a high school graduate who achieved the National Merit® Scholar Finalist designation and selected USF as your first-choice school with NMSC.

Scholarship Benefits For Florida Residents (as determined by USF)

  • The State of Florida Benacquisto Scholarship
    • This merit-based award will ensure that 100 percent of your cost of attendance is covered during fall and spring terms.
    • Your Benacquisto Scholarship amount will be reduced by the amount you receive from the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, as well as any award received from the NMSC.
    • If you qualify for this award, it will replace all other awards from the Office of Admissions except the Tradition of Excellence National Merit Scholarship award (see below).
  • The USF National Merit Tradition of Excellence Award: ($20,000/$5,000 per year)
  • The USF Passport Scholarship for study abroad: ($2,000)

Scholarship Benefits For NON-Florida Residents (as determined by USF)

  • Scholarship from the USF Golden Achievement Program
    • This merit-based award will ensure that 100 percent of your cost of attendance is covered during fall and spring terms.
    • Your Golden Achievement Program scholarship amount will be reduced by the award amount you receive from the NMSC.
    • If you qualify for this award, it will replace all other awards from the Office of Admissions.
  • The USF Passport Scholarship for study abroad: ($2,000)

National Merit Guide

Access our NMS Guide below to review specific details you’ll need to decide on your future.

National Merit Guide