Incoming Freshmen | Colorado Mesa University

Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships are available for all new freshmen that meet two of the three 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

Scholarship	Annual Value	Criteria
Academic Achievement	$1,250	3.20 GPA (weighted) Top 20% of their Class ACT composite score of 22 or SAT combined score of 1110
Presidential	$3,500	3.50 GPA (weighted) Top 15% of their Class ACT composite score of 25 or SAT combined score of 1210
Distinguished Scholar (Colorado Resident)	Tuition (does not cover fees)	3.75 GPA (weighted) Top 5% of their Class ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined score of 1340
Distinguished Scholar (Out-of-State Resident)	$6,000	3.75 GPA (weighted) Top 5% of their Class ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined score of 1340

*Please note that fall 2020 eligibility also requires the following individual test score minimums (even if test scores are not one of the two criteria utilized for the award): ACT Math 19, English 18 and Reading/Social Science 17 or SAT Math 500 and Evidence Based Reading and Writing 470.

Scholarship	Annual Value	Criteria
Academic Achievement	$1,250	3.20 GPA (weighted) Top 20% of their Class ACT composite score of 22 or SAT combined score of 1110
Presidential	$3,500	3.50 GPA (weighted) Top 15% of their Class ACT composite score of 25 or SAT combined score of 1210
Distinguished Scholar (Colorado Resident)	Tuition (does not cover fees)	3.75 GPA (weighted) Top 5% of their Class ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined score of 1340
Distinguished Scholar (Out-of-State Resident)	$6,000	3.75 GPA (weighted) Top 5% of their Class ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined score of 1340

If you are an admitted incoming freshman and you would like to be reconsidered for a merit scholarship due to a change in your qualifying criteria, please visit the Admissions Forms site to submit the Scholarship Reconsideration form. There is also a separate Scholarship Appeal form if you do not meet the criteria and wish to appeal. 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.