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financial.aid@nau.eduNational scholars awards
Merit semifinalists, scholars, and programs information
The National Scholars Award applies to National Merit Semifinalists, Finalists, and Scholars, National Hispanic Scholars, and College Board National Recognition Programs. Please note that the qualifications for each award include the general criteria listed below the individual award descriptions.
The 2024-25 academic year is the last year that these awards are available for new incoming students. Continuing students who meet the renewal criteria below can continue to receive this award.
National Merit Semifinalists, Finalists, and Scholars
Amount: Covers 100 percent of tuition; does not cover fees or other expenses. A $1,000 Honors scholarship is provided each year for the first two years of attendance provided that the student is actively enrolled in the Honors curriculum. National Scholars Award winners also receive automatic entry into NAU Honors College.
Selection/How to apply: Be designated as one of the following by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and follow the necessary instructions for each award:
- National Merit Semifinalists must send an electronic copy of their National Merit Semifinalist Letter of Merit to National.Scholars@nau.edu.
- National Merit Finalists must designate Northern Arizona University as their first choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1 and should register their interest with the university by emailing National.Scholars@nau.edu.
- National Merit Scholars who have been awarded National Merit $2500 Scholarships or the corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship must designate Northern Arizona University as their first choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1 and should register their interest with the university by emailing National.Scholars@nau.edu.
Multiple scholarship awards: This award cannot be combined with other tuition scholarships.
National Hispanic Scholars
Amount: Covers 100 percent of tuition; does not cover fees or other expenses. A $1,000 stipend is provided each year for the first two years of attendance provided that the student is actively enrolled in the Honors curriculum. National Scholars Award winners also receive automatic entry into NAU Honors College.
Selection/How to apply:
- Be designated as a National Hispanic Scholar by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
- Send an electronic copy of their National Hispanic Recognition Program Certificate to National.Scholars@nau.edu.
Multiple scholarship awards: This award cannot be combined with other tuition scholarships.
College Board National Recognition Programs
Amount: Covers 100 percent of tuition; does not cover fees or other expenses. A $1,000 stipend is provided each year for the first two years of attendance provided that the student is actively enrolled in the Honors curriculum. National Scholars Award winners also receive automatic entry into NAU Honors College.
Selection/How to apply:
- Be designated an African American/Black or Indigenous student, or an attendee of a school in a rural or small town scholar by the College Board-National Recognition Program.
- Send an electronic copy of their designated College Board-National Recognition Program Certificate to National.Scholars@nau.edu.
Multiple scholarship awards: This award cannot be combined with other tuition scholarships.
General criteria
Required of all scholarships unless noted otherwise in individual award elements.
- First Degree: May only be used for a student’s first baccalaureate degree.
- Tuition Only: Covers 100 percent of tuition; they do not cover fees or other expenses. A $1,000 stipend is provided each year for the first two years of attendance, provided that the student is actively enrolled in the Honors curriculum. Additional tuition costs greater than the amount originally awarded that result from excess hours are the student’s responsibility. For example, students who come to NAU with dual enrollment credits may reach the 145-credit limit sooner and must pay the difference in tuition costs.
- Deadline: The offer of admission to the university must be accepted and the enrollment deposit must be paid for the following academic year. The award must be used beginning in the fall of the year following designation as a National Merit Semifinalist, National Merit Finalist, National Merit Scholar (NMSC or Corporate award), National Hispanic Scholar, or College Board-National Recognition Program.
Eligibility criteria
- Students are considered for these awards upon the submission of the appropriate documentation required by each specific award. NAU does not require a separate application for these awards.
- Students attending NAU at a statewide location or online are not eligible for these awards.
Renewal criteria
- Rewards are renewable for four consecutive academic years, applied to the fall and spring semesters only, provided the student meets the renewal criteria each year.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Maintain full-time course enrollment.
Reinstatement
- If you have circumstances preventing you from meeting any of the renewal criteria, submit a Scholarship Reinstatement Request by the priority date for the applicable semester. Submission of this request does not guarantee award reinstatement.
Education Abroad and Student Exchange
NAU National Scholars Awards may be applied toward tuition for most education abroad and exchange programs but cannot be used for faculty-led or provider programs. Contact us if you are considering studying abroad or participating in an exchange program.
In accordance with Arizona law, any person who is a citizen or legal resident of the US or who is lawfully present in the US may be eligible for specified financial aid from the university. Arizona Law classifies any person who is a US citizen or who has lawful immigration status and is an Arizona Resident as an in-state student for tuition purposes.
