Merit & Premier Scholarships FAQs

There is no separate application required; applicants are automatically considered for an academic scholarship when they apply for admission to UM.

No, applying under the Early Decision I or II deadline is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage in the merit scholarship selection process.

However, to be considered for a Premier Scholarship (full tuition and total cost of attendance scholarships) you must apply by November 1st and be admitted under either the Early Decision I or Early Action admission plans.

Academic scholarships for both first-year and transfer students are determined at the time of admission decision, regardless of admission plan.

Premier Scholarship notifications vary by scholarship. You may review these dates on the Merit & Premier Scholarship page.

No, all of our scholarship decisions are final. If you find that your circumstances have changed and additional need-based financial assistance is needed, we recommend you contact the Student Financial Assistance and Employment Office to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.

Yes, a scholarship recipient may still qualify for need-based assistance. To apply for financial aid, complete and submit the required financial aid applications with any supporting documents by the stated deadline. Please note that merit scholarships are considered resources and may affect financial need per federal regulations and University policy. Visit our Terms and Conditions page for more information.

Most UM scholarships cover tuition only. Only a few select Premier Scholarships cover room and meals. If you have other tuition-restricted funds such as the Florida Resident Access Grant or Tuition Remission, then the total of all these funds combined is limited to tuition and fee expenses only.

Yes, you will be able to keep your merit scholarship. Bear in mind that you will need to reapply for need-based financial aid.

No, we do not match offers made by other colleges/universities, but we congratulate you on your academic achievements that have provided so many wonderful opportunities. 

No, the Office of Undergraduate Admission awards scholarships only at the time of admission. We encourage students to apply for outside scholarships for subsequent years. Visit our Donor Scholarships page for more information.  

No, we do not re-award scholarships that are not accepted by the original recipient.

Yes, National Merit finalists who are accepted, enroll, and then name the University of Miami as their first choice may receive a $1,000 or $2,000 college-sponsored National Merit Award. The $2,000 amount will be awarded only if the student has demonstrated financial need of at least $2,000. 

Premier Scholarships are full tuition and up to full cost of attendance awards. They are offered to the most academically competitive and well-rounded applicants, as determined by our holistic review process. You can learn more about our Premier Scholarships, including eligibility requirements, the selection process, and award details, on the Merit Scholarship page.

To be considered for a Premier Scholarship, you must apply and be admitted through either the Early Decision I or Early Action admission plan. There is no separate application outside of the Common Application to be considered for Premier Scholarships. *

*The George W. Jenkins scholarship has additional eligibility and application requirements. You may review these requirements on the George W. Jenkins scholarship page.

• Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship - US Citizens and Permanent Residents
• George W. Jenkins Scholarship - Residents of and graduating from a high school within AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, or VA
• Issac Bashevis Singer Scholarship – All first-year applicants
• Stamps Scholarship – All first-year applicants
• Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship – US Citizens and Permanent Residents

• Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship – With Early Action decision release
• George W. Jenkins Scholarship – No later than April 1^st
• Issac Bashevis Singer Scholarship – With Early Action decision release
• Stamps Scholarship – Early March
• Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship – With Early Action decision release

Premier Scholarship recipients are among the most academically competitive and well-rounded applicants, as determined through our holistic application review process. Selection criteria vary from year to year based on the strength and composition of the applicant pool. Each Premier Scholarship also has its own unique criteria and purpose. We encourage you to explore each Premier Scholarship page within the Merit Scholarship page to learn more about the individual awards and their selection process.___

Premier Scholars are automatically invited to join the Foote Fellows Honors Program, participate in exclusive high-impact programming and receive personalized advising through the Office of Academic Enhancement. Visit the Premier Scholar Initiatives page to learn more!