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Merit Scholarships are available for all new freshmen that meet 2 of the 3 criteria listed for each award.

  • Students applying for admission to Colorado Mesa University will automatically be considered for the following scholarships and completing an additional application is not required.
  • First-year students may have up to 24 accepted college credit hours from another institution.
  • Students who have earned more than 24 college credits in high school will still be considered for these awards.
  • International students and students with previous baccalaureate degrees are NOT eligible.
Distinguished Scholar for Colorado residents is in-state tuition
Distinguished Scholar for out-of-state residents is $6,000
Presidential scholarship is $3,500
Academic Achievement Award is $1,250

The CMU Merit Scholarships are offered based on the application for admission. Your eligibility will automatically be reconsidered if your qualifying criteria improves after admission. To be reconsidered automatically, please send your updated document(s) to CMU. Updated transcripts must be sent directly to CMU from your high school in order to be considered official. 

There is a separate Scholarship Appeal form if you do not meet the criteria and wish to appeal. It can be found here https://www.coloradomesa.edu/admissions/resources/forms.html.

Please contact your Admissions Counselor prior to completing the Scholarship Appeal Form. Click here to find out who is your CMU Admissions Counselor. 

If you have any questions, contact the Admissions Office at 970.248.1875.

Accept your Merit Scholarship

Were you awarded a merit scholarship? View and accept your Financial Aid award

  • Choose the academic year you will be attending
  • Click the “Award Offer” tab and select your decision by clicking on "Take Action"
  • Click “Submit”

Renewal Information

The Merit Scholarships are renewable if the student continues to meet the minimum requirements.

  • Student must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester (not available during the summer session)
  • Available until the student earns a bachelor's degree or reaches a maximum of 120 attempted credit hours.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative Colorado Mesa University GPA based on the scholarship awarded.  The renewal minimum GPA is different from the initial award requirements. Be sure to view the Terms and Conditions for award specific renewal criteria.