National Merit Scholarship Program 2027

The National Merit Scholarship Program 2027 is an annual academic competition for high school students in the United States. Established in 1955, the program recognizes academically talented students and provides opportunities for college undergraduate scholarships.

The program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a nonprofit organization that operates without government assistance.

Students enter the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and meeting the program’s published entry and participation requirements.

Scholarship Overview

About the National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the longstanding academic competitions for high school students in the United States.

The program uses the PSAT/NMSQT as the initial screening mechanism. More than 1.3 million students enter the competition each year, according to the information provided by the program.

Students who meet the eligibility and participation requirements may compete for different types of National Merit Scholarships.

Scholarship Benefits

Students selected through the National Merit Scholarship Program may have access to:

• National Merit $2,500 Scholarships
• Corporate-sponsored scholarships
• College-sponsored Merit Scholarships

The specific scholarship and award conditions can vary depending on the type of National Merit Scholarship.

🚀 Before You Submit: Check These Scholarship-Winning Essays Templates

Eligibility Requirements

To enter the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, students must meet the program’s participation requirements.

A student must:

1. Be enrolled as a high school student, including a traditional or homeschooled student.
2. Be progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school by 2027.
3. Plan to accept admission to college no later than fall 2027.
4. Attend high school in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. commonwealths and territories, or meet the citizenship requirements applicable to students attending high school outside the United States.
5. Take the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT during the specified year of the high school program and no later than the student’s third year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade classification or educational pattern.

Requirements for Students Studying Outside the United States

A student attending high school outside the United States must meet the applicable citizenship requirement.

According to the provided program information, the student must either:

• Be a U.S. citizen, or
• Be a U.S. lawful permanent resident, or have applied for permanent residence and have that application not been denied, and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity permitted by law.

Application Deadline

Not Specified

The provided information does not state a single application deadline for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students should check the official National Merit Scholarship Corporation information for current dates and program requirements.

How to Apply

Students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the required PSAT/NMSQT and meeting the program’s published participation requirements.

Students should review the official National Merit Scholarship Corporation information for complete instructions, eligibility details, and current program dates.

Important Note

The National Merit Scholarship Program has specific entry and participation requirements. Students should verify their eligibility and review the latest information from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation before relying on this information for application planning.

Program Summary

Program: National Merit Scholarship Program 2027
Sponsor: National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)
Level: High School / Undergraduate
Eligible Country: United States
Scholarships: National Merit $2,500, corporate-sponsored, and college-sponsored scholarships
Deadline: Not Specified