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 National Scholarship Directory.

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. High-performing second-year students or transfer students may be eligible to join our Early Identification Program.

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

With over 20 years of collective scholarship advising experience, Merit Awards advisors excel in helping candidates to compete. In 2012, more than 120 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 Letts Lower Level, Suite Six. To schedule an appointment with a Merit Awards advisor, please call 202-885-1854.