National Merit Scholarships

National Merit Scholars

To receive National Merit Scholarship support from Bowdoin, finalists must name Bowdoin College as their first choice institution. Finalists can report their college choice using the Online Scholarship Application.

For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2020: Bowdoin National Merit Scholars who are eligible for Bowdoin's institutional financial aid receive a renewable $2,000 award. This does not reduce eligibility for scholarships from Bowdoin. National Merit Scholars who are not eligible for Bowdoin financial aid receive a renewable $1,000 recognition award.

Beginning with Fall 2020, all new recipients will receive $1,000 annually regardless of need level. For students who are eligible for Bowdoin's institutional financial aid, which is determined annually, this does not reduce eligibility for scholarships from Bowdoin.

National Merit Foundation Scholars

All National Merit Foundation Scholars are offered a one-time $2,500 award.

For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2020: If the student is eligible for Bowdoin scholarship aid, they will also receive a $2,000 merit scholarship from the College in their remaining three years if demonstrated financial need persists. National Merit Foundation Scholars who do not qualify for Bowdoin scholarship aid will receive a $1,000 merit scholarship in their remaining three years.

Beginning with Fall 2020, all new recipients will receive $1,000 in their remaining three years regardless of need level. For students who are eligible for Bowdoin's institutional financial aid, which is determined annually, this does not reduce eligibility for scholarships from Bowdoin.

Corporate-Sponsored National Merit Scholars

Corporate-sponsored awards are of varying amounts and may or may not be renewable. The renewal of these awards and award amounts are determined annually by the corporation sponsoring the award and may vary from year to year.

National Merit Renewal

All official notification regarding any of the National Merit Scholarship programs will be sent to the student directly from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Scholars will receive detailed instructions for scholarship renewal from NMSC in the spring.