Search our National Scholarship Directory for merit award opportunities that fit your academic profile and aspirations. Be sure to note the type of application or nomination process required for each award, and pay close attention to application deadlines. Many awards demand up to a three-month commitment, and the more competitive awards often require a degree of work comparable to that of a three-credit course.

Merit Awards Advising

We encourage you to identify scholarship possibilities on your own and to schedule an initial advising appointment to answer questions about specific award opportunities. Additionally, we offer intensive mentoring to help you to consider scholarship opportunities as part of a larger process of academic and career planning.

To request our help in preparing your application essays for any of the award types listed above, please contact us well in advance of your deadline. Email meritawards@american.edu to schedule an appointment.

Application Procedures

University Nomination

The opportunity to compete for some prestigious awards, such as the Harry S. Truman Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship, is limited to a few nominees per university. The Office of Merit Awards facilitates the process of selecting AU's nominees for each scholarship. To be considered, you must complete an application for nomination by the campus deadline for the award that interests you. Requests for applications are sent out in the fall and spring semesters, depending on the award. 

Other scholarships that require a university nomination include the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program, Killam Fellowship, Morris K. Udall Scholarship, and scholarships that fund graduate study in the United Kingdom, such as the Marshall Scholarship.