Nationally competitive, merit-based scholarships offer students and alumni the means to accomplish a variety of goals, including studying abroad, funding graduate education, and gaining high-level work experience. To begin exploring opportunities, search our directory of more than 500 national scholarships.

Advisors in the Office of Merit Awards help students to identify appropriate opportunities and partner with faculty to assist with the application process. Merit Awards staff also advertise scholarship opportunities campus-wide and organize special events and workshops. 

Undergraduates should keep in mind that many scholarships are intended for use after graduation, and that eligibility may be restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If you are a second-year student or transfer student and have at least a 3.7 GPA, you are eligible to join our Early Identification Program.

Alumni and graduate students at all levels are also encouraged to explore national scholarship opportunities.

With nearly 20 years of collective scholarship advising experience, Merit Awards advisors excel in helping candidates to compete. In 2008, more than 60 AU undergraduate and graduate students won recognition as national scholarship recipients and finalists. In 2006, the university was named a Truman Foundation Honor Institution for its years of success in nominating candidates for the prestigious public service scholarship.

The Office of Merit Awards is located in the McKinley 209 Suite. To schedule an appointment with a Merit Awards advisor, please call 202-885-1854.