Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships are awarded to students based on the student's academic record. Course selection and performance are reviewed in the context of opportunity at one's high school. National Merit Scholars are selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Hope is proud to be a sponsoring institution.

Trustee Scholarship
$18,000 per year - Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record, standardized test scores, and demonstrated leadership abilities. Finalists are selected from the applicant pool by a faculty committee. Thirty Trustee Scholarships are available per class. Total Award Value: $72,000

National Merit Scholarship
$18,000 per year - Scholarships awarded to students designated as National Merit Scholarship Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The Corporation will allow Hope College to sponsor these scholars who notify them that Hope is their first choice college. Total Award Value: $72,000
National Merit Guidelines 

Presidential Scholarship
$7,000 - $16,000 per year - Scholarships awarded on the basis of overall high school record. Dominant factors in the selection of Presidential Scholars are grade point average, standardized test scores, and rank in class. Students presenting at least a 3.75 or 90 grade point average and an ACT composite score of 28 or combined critical reading/math SAT of 1240 will be considered for this scholarship. Total Award Value: $28,000 - $64,000

Distinguished Scholar Award
$5,000 - $6,000 per year - Scholarships awarded to students based on course selection, grade point average, class rank, and standardized test scores. Total Award Value: $20,000 - $24,000

Valedictorian Scholarship
$5,000 per year - Scholarships awarded to high school valedictorians who are not selected to receive one of the other Hope-sponsored merit-based scholarships. Total Award Value: $20,000

Alumni Honors Scholarship
$3,000 - $4,500 per year - Students presenting a high school grade point average of 3.75 or higher or who present a grade point average of 3.5 and one or more of the following: an ACT composite score of at least 24, combined critical reading/math SAT score of at least 1090, or a minimum class rank of 80th percentile will be considered for this scholarship. Total Award Value: $12,000-$18,000

Distinguished Artist Award
$2,500 per year - Scholarships awarded on the basis of artistic talent and academic record. Awards are given in the visual arts, dance, music, creative writing, and theatre. Audition or submission of appropriate materials is required.
Distinguished Artist Award Guidelines

  • All of these scholarships are 4-year awards provided appropriate renewal criteria are met.
  • With the exception of the National Merit Scholarship, the Hope College Application for Admission also serves as the application for these scholarships and awards. 
  • All documents required for scholarship selection must be received on or before February 15, 2014 to assure consideration. 
  • National Merit Semifinalists must follow guidelines of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 
  • Hope College Scholarships are limited to one per student with the exception of Distinguished Artist Awards, which may be combined with another scholarship. 
  • Recipients are also eligible for need-based financial aid consideration.