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National Merit Scholarship Program

UCF is ranked among the top 25 colleges in the nation – 9th among public universities – and second in Florida for its number of enrolled National Merit Scholars. Our top-notch academic programs, competitive scholarship packages and exciting location attract some of the most talented and accomplished students from across the country.

Packages and Benefits

male ucf student sitting outside

You will be considered for a scholarship upon admission to UCF if you are named a National Merit Semifinalist. If you are a Florida resident, the scholarship will be awarded in addition to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.

If you advance to become a National Merit Finalist and you designate UCF as your “first choice” with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by the May 31 deadline, you can be considered for an increased UCF scholarship.

Out-of-state students are not eligible for Florida Bright Futures, but we have other scholarship opportunities available. These merit awards can also be combined with any state, federal or private funds for which you may be eligible.

National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists can apply for special privileges at UCF, including:

National Merit Finalists are also eligible to apply for guaranteed on-campus housing.

Visiting the Campus

female ucf student smiling and looking to the right, away from camera

The best way to learn about UCF’s campus and culture is to visit us. As a National Merit Semifinalist, you can schedule your visit year-round Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

When you set up your visit, tell us who and what you would like to see. As a National Merit student, you can:

Link to UCF Scholar Newsletter 2024

2024 National Merit Scholar Newsletter

Congratulations on being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist! At the University of Central Florida, we recognize and reward your type of talent. The UCF Scholar newsletter outlines opportunities available to you, provides answers to frequently asked questions, and gives you a checklist of things to do before classes begin.
Read the 2024 National Merit Scholar Newsletter

Hayden Lau

We’re Here to Help

We know that the college admissions process can be a bit daunting. That’s why we work one-on-one with National Merit students and parents to answer questions and help determine if UCF is the right fit.

Your contact for the National Merit Scholarship Program is Hayden Lau. Feel free to contact Hayden if you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit.

If you’d like to get the perspective of a current National Merit scholar, see our student section to read biographies of current UCF National Merit scholars.

Scholars Program Student Assistants

Each year, National Merit scholars from across the nation make the decision to join the UCF Knights family. With 340 National Merit students currently enrolled at UCF, you’re in good company. But don’t take our word for it. Our Scholars Program student assistants are happy to share their impressions of UCF with you. And when you visit campus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one of these students and hear about their experiences firsthand.

 

Thao-My Nguyen

thaomynguyen@knights.ucf.edu
Year
Sophomore
Hometown
Durham, North Carolina
Major
Health Sciences with a minor in Business
Future Goals
Attend Physician Assistant school and open my own business
Favorite Thing about UCF
UCF goes above and beyond to make sure you have all the resources you need. You’ll never be alone during your time here as a Knight.

 

Sanya Bansal

sanyabansal@knights.ucf.edu
Year
Sophomore
Hometown
St. Augustine, FL
Major
Double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Sociology
Future Goals
Attend medical school, become a pediatrician and own my own pediatric practice
Favorite Thing about UCF
I love the community here at UCF. Wherever I go on campus, I know this is a place where I belong.

Kellen Danielsen headshot

 

Kellen Danielsen

kellen.danielsen@ucf.edu
Year
Junior
Hometown
Kansas City, Missouri
Major
Computer Engineering with a minor in Intelligent Robotic Systems
Future Goals
Attend graduate school, work in the field of artificial intelligence or virtual reality, and eventually own a business in that sector.
Favorite Thing about UCF
The culture at UCF is really one to help you get where you want to be. With so many opportunities and helpful professors, you know you’re in a great place where you can succeed.