The effect of Rutgers University's merit-based scholarship program on attracting talented students, students' experiences at the university, and the provision of high quality education was studied. The university merit awards fell into four categories: Rutgers Presidential Scholar Award, five National Merit and five National Achievement Scholarships, and College Scholar Awards. A total of 204 scholarship recipients during 1980-1983, of whom 179 were still enrolled at Rutgers in spring 1984, were contacted, and a response rate of 73% was achieved. For 69% of the respondents, the scholarship offer was a very important or an extremely important factor in the decision to attend the university. The offer also had a favorable effect on the scholars' attitude toward the university. The majority of scholarship recipients had applied and been admitted to at least one other institution besides Rutgers. In general, the scholars were satisfied with their experiences at the university and more than half indicated that their opinion of Rutgers' academic quality had improved since enrollment. Differences in responses among the four types of scholarship recipients are also considered. (SW)