Open data
Merit scholarships by college
How many first-year students got merit aid from the college, and how much on average. 83 colleges, from their own Common Data Sets.
No colleges match.
Common Data Set 2023–24 and 2024–25 and 2025–26, section H2A (first-time, full-time first-years without financial need). Cost of attendance from College Scorecard. A dash means the college did not publish that number.
How to read it
A college with a high share and a large average award is more likely to lower its price for a strong applicant without need. A college that reports zero gives its aid based on need, so the net price calculator on its website is the better guide.
Averages hide a wide range: some students get a small award and a few get full tuition. Each college’s page here links to its net price calculator.
Questions
Which colleges give the most merit scholarships?
By share of first-year students, LMU (55%), Miami (OH) (49%), Vermont (49%) lead this table. 4 colleges here report giving no merit aid to students without financial need; most of them give aid only based on need.
What counts as merit aid here?
Scholarships and grants from the college itself, given to students who had no financial need. It leaves out athletic scholarships counted separately, federal and state grants, and merit aid given to students who also had need.
Where do these numbers come from?
From each college’s own Common Data Set (2023–24 and 2024–25 and 2025–26), section H2A: the number of first-year and full-time undergraduates without need who received institutional non-need-based aid, and the average award.
Can I use this data?
Yes. Download the CSV and use it freely; please link back to this page.
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