Scholarship Package & Benefits
The National Merit Scholars Program at The University of Texas at Dallas combines a specially designed set of intellectual opportunities with an excellent financial package. The program works closely with UT Dallas’ interdisciplinary academic programs that promote academic achievement and celebrate the pursuit of knowledge.
National Merit Scholarship Program & Package
Starting Fall 2025 Cohort National Merit Scholars at UT Dallas receive:
- Complete coverage of UT Dallas tuition for up to eight semesters. (Four academic years following initial enrollment.) If scholarship is unused after completing undergraduate degree, it can be used toward graduate education at UTD.
- University Commons room (first-year dorms) or 4×2 apartment in on-campus housing (you can upgrade at your own expense).
- COMET 14 meal plan or equivalent (for scholars living on campus).
- Stipend for books and supplies.
- A generous study abroad stipend to support international education. An additional stipend is available for scholars studying abroad during a fall or spring semester.
- One-time summer research stipend.
- Admission into Collegium V Honors program.
- Access to honors lounge and free printing.
- Dedicated social events for National Merit Scholars.
Eligibility Requirements
- List The University of Texas at Dallas as their first-choice school through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation online portal before their deadline.
- Named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
- Admitted to UT Dallas.
Maintaining Eligibility
National Merit Scholarship recipients agree to meet the following academic requirements:
- Earn a 3.0 GPA or better each semester and a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better at each academic year’s conclusion.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress on a 4-year graduation timeline. This presumes 15 hours per semester and 30 hours per year. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual-credit coursework that applies to your degree may be used to maintain your 4-year pacing.
- Enroll as a full-time student (12 hours for undergraduate students, 9 hours for graduate students). This rule is only waived for last-semester seniors or for documented medical circumstances.
- Adhere to the UT Dallas Student Code of Conduct. The National Merit Scholars Program reserves the right to review violations of the UT Dallas Code of Conduct to determine National Merit Scholarship eligibility. Students suspended, expelled, or repeatedly not meeting the UT Dallas Code of Conduct will have their National Merit Scholarship terminated without the option of participating in a National Merit Scholarship probation program
- Attend How My Scholarship Works Information session each academic year.
Apply to UT Dallas
