This directory lists over 1,200 merit and other no-need funding and scholarship programs open to students in college and students returning to college for their higher education in the United States. The programs are classified according to course of study in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, or any subject area. Programs reward…

The award of no-need or merit scholarships and the effect on college choice are discussed. No-need scholarships are increasingly being used to draw students to the teaching profession, provide financial aid, and to recruit students who are academically and athletically talented. When these awards attract bright students to campuses, they can help…

This study examined the relationship between students' socioeconomic characteristics and qualification for a merit scholarship in a new, state-run program. The Michigan merit award scholarship program provides scholarships of up to $2,500 for students who score at Level 1 or 2 of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program High School Tests.…

Many colleges award more merit-based scholarship money to athletes than to all other undergraduates combined. Critics say this sends disturbing messages about institutional priorities. Others claim athletic scholarships derive from sports-related income. Awarding of athletic scholarships based on need would partially alleviate the problem. (MSE)

This article proposes that governing boards must carefully consider the implications of the admission and financial aid policy of awarding merit scholarships, without regard for student financial need. Such tuition discounting is seen as particularly problematic for private colleges, misleading to students, and potentially disastrous for…

Louisiana's program of state merit scholarships, inspired by Georgia's HOPE Scholarship program, is over budget in its first year because lawmakers pushed to expand eligibility and data for estimating costs was inadequate. Critics find such programs often provide aid to families with little financial need. The program pays full tuition at state…

Reports on a $1 billion dollar grant from Bill and Melinda Gates to send 20,000 low-income minority students to college. The Gates Millenium Scholars Program will require students to demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in college. A list of the largest private gifts to higher education since 1967 is also provided. (DB)

J. Michael Thompson is the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at the University of Southern California. J. Michael has worked in higher education for more than 30 years in a variety of roles at small private and mid-sized and large public universities, and now at USC, a large private university. He has…

This guide advises students about college costs and how to pay them. The booklet explains financial aid and how it can help a student reach his or her educational goals. Merit-based and need-based aid programs are described, and the family's expected financial contribution is explained. The process of obtaining and completing the Free Application…

In 1993, the creation of Georgia's HOPE Scholarship Program accelerated interest in understanding the effects of merit-based student financial aid. This article compares a sample of "borderline" HOPE recipients (students just above the eligibility threshold) with similar nonrecipients to examine differences on four college performance outcomes.…

Financial assistance for individuals attending college has existed in this country almost as long as higher education itself. Institutions awarded many of the earliest scholarships based on students' academic merit, with consideration often given to financial need. This practice was carried into the twentieth century, largely by private elite…

This directory lists more than 1,000 merit and other no-need funding and scholarship programs open to high school students and recent graduates for their undergraduate education in the United States. The programs are classified according to course of study in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, or any subject area. Programs reward…

H.R. 996 is a bill to strengthen the science and technology base of the United States by providing opportunities for talented young people to pursue postsecondary education in science, mathematics, and engineering. The bill establishes a Congressional Scholarship Program at the National Science Foundation to provide undergraduate 2-year and 4-year…

This volume provides information on more than 1,300 merit scholarships and other no-need funding programs available specifically to students already in college or students who are thinking about returning to college. Programs listed in the guide make decisions based upon student academic records, research skills, writing ability, creative…

This study of 1993 Kansas National Merit Semifinalists (NMSFs) examines which colleges/universities students are attending during the fall of 1993 and provides related data concerning the chosen institutions. Information was gathered from 67 high schools concerning enrollments for 159 of the 169 NMSFs in the Kansas class of 1993. Data were…