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When you apply to CMU, you are automatically considered for renewable merit scholarships.

Trustee Scholarship
$7,500

per year

Renewable
  • 74% of in-state tuition covered
  • Stackable with reduced out-of-state tuition rates
Total: Up to $30,000 over four years of study
Presidential Scholarship
$5,000

per year

Renewable
  • 49% of in-state tuition covered
  • Stackable with reduced out-of-state tuition rates
Total: Up to $20,000 over four years of study
Academic Achievement Award
$3,000

per year

Renewable
  • 30% of in-state tuition covered
  • Stackable with reduced out-of-state tuition rates
Total: Up to $12,000 over four years of study

Fall 2027-Spring 2028 First-Time Merit Scholarships

  • First-time degree-seeking students with 0-24 college credit hours earned after high school. (College credit earned during high school does not count toward the credit hour limit.)
  • Eligibility is determined using a combination of GPA and SAT/ACT scores (test optional offers available).
  • Recipients are offered the single highest merit tier for which they qualify.
  • Merit awards are renewable and may be used in combination with Western Undergraduate Exchange and Mountain & Plains reduced out-of-state tuition rates.

Scholarship

Annual Value

GPA

SAT/ACT Scores
Trustee $7,500 3.90 - 4.0+ 1200+ SAT or 25+ ACT

Presidential
$5,000

3.90 - 4.0+

3.50 - 3.89

SAT/ACT not required

1060+ SAT or 21+ ACT
Academic Achievement $3,000 3.20 - 3.89 SAT/ACT not required
  • Scholarship recipients are required to submit the enrollment form by May 1 for a summer or fall start.
  • The highest cumulative high school GPA, weighted or unweighted, will be considered.
  • The highest section scores from multiple SAT/ACT tests will be combined to create the highest possible score.
  • Eligibility will be automatically reconsidered if GPA or SAT/ACT results improve after admission.
  • International students and students with a prior baccalaureate degree are not eligible.

Calculate your scholarship eligibility

First-Time Student Merit Scholarship Calculator

Determine your eligibility for merit-based scholarships at CMU.

GPA Test Scores Result Done!

What is your GPA?

Must be 3.2+

Your test scores

Choose a test type



Enter your test score

SAT must range between 400–1600, ACT must range between 1–36 Or choose No Test Scores.

Hooray!

Transfer Scholarships

Transfer scholarships are available for qualifying transfer students to Colorado Mesa University.

Learn More

Distinguished Scholar Award

Please note that CMU will not be selecting a cohort of Distinguished Scholars for the 2027-2028 academic year.

Fall 2026-Spring 2027 First-Time Merit Scholarships

  • Merit scholarships for students starting at CMU the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 terms are awarded based on cumulative high school GPA (weighted or unweighted).
  • Degree-seeking students with 0-24 credit hours earned after high school.
  • International students and students with a prior baccalaureate degree are not eligible.
  • The deadline for Fall 2026 first-time merit scholarship consideration was May 1. If you have already been offered a merit scholarship, you may still accept your award. First-time students from Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Garfield and Eagle counties and transfer students remain eligible for consideration.

Scholarship

Annual Value

Criteria
Trustee $7,500 3.9 GPA
Presidential $5,000 3.5 GPA
Academic Achievement $3,000 3.2 GPA
Accepting Merit Scholarships

Students must accept merit scholarships in their financial aid offer in MAVzone.

  • Choose the academic year you will be attending
  • Click the "Award Offer" tab, then click "Take Action" to select your decision
  • Click “Submit”