The University of Oklahoma has been dedicated to sponsoring National Merit Scholars since 1983 and we have seen over 3,500 scholars achieve success during their time at OU. Currently, our University serves as home to over 400 National Merit enrolled students. National Merit Scholars are an integral part of OU's commitment to academic excellence and research. During their time on campus, our scholars will receive the best possible educational experience through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.
OU’s National Merit Scholarship enables students to dedicate more focus toward their academics with a tuition waiver that extends to five years and can even be used towards graduate/professional programs after completion of an undergraduate degree.
Our students are surrounded by opportunities to gain tangible, real-world experience. You can engage in industry-leading meteorology research at the National Weather Center; assemble competitive race cars in the Rawl Engineering Practice Facility; develop architectural models in the Creating_Making Lab; generate a new business in the Integrated Business Core program; and take on clients with the Lindsey + Asp advertising and public relations agency. With OU’s community and resources, you have limitless potential.
Many National Merit Scholars currently call OU home, and OU is the only university in the nation—public or private—to produce a Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Goldwater, Truman, Fulbright, and National Security Education Scholar in a single year. You will be surrounded by students who share your passions, are committed to education, and welcome exciting challenges and discourse. We have 500+ student organizations to facilitate friendships and help our students get involved on campus. Visit the Office of Student Life webpage to learn more.
The Honors College at the University of Oklahoma is a small intellectual community nestled within the larger university. The Honors College provides ambitious, academically gifted undergraduate students with opportunities to develop their intellectual potential in challenging classes, research programs, and a social environment that fosters cross-disciplinary conversation. Students can experience smaller classes of no more than 22 students, research experiences starting your first year at OU, unique study abroad experience for Honors students at Oxford, early assurance programs for students interested in studying medicine or law, and the physical space, support, and staff dedicated to helping honors students.
At OU, our role as global citizens is an important component of higher education. OU offers study abroad opportunities in over 200 cities and 80 countries across the world, and study abroad programs can last anywhere from two weeks to a full year. Our students don't just sight-see, they immerse themselves in the world's diverse landscapes, languages, and traditions, allowing them to gain new perspectives, forge meaningful connections, and gain a profound understanding of our world.
Visit our education abroad page to learn more.
Admitted National Merit Semifinalists with a 3.5 GPA are automatically eligible for the National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship at OU. To qualify, students should apply to the University of Oklahoma by the priority scholarship deadline of December 15.
The Non-Resident National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship at OU for incoming freshmen is a $68,000 ($17,000 x 4 years) tuition waiver award.
To be eligible, students must be named a National Merit Semifinalist and have a 3.5 GPA. Students should apply to OU by the priority scholarship deadline of December 15th. Students who advance to Finalist standing and name OU as their college choice by April 30 are eligible to be upgraded to the National Merit Finalist package.
The Resident National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship at OU for incoming freshmen is a $16,000 ($4,000 x 4 years) tuition waiver award.
To be eligible, students must be named a National Merit Semifinalist and have a 3.5 GPA. Students should apply to OU by the priority scholarship deadline of December 15th. Students who advance to Finalist standing and name OU as their college choice by April 30 are eligible to be upgraded to the National Merit Finalist package.
The University of Oklahoma offers a very competitive scholarship for National Merit Finalists. To be eligible for OU’s National Merit scholarship package, you must apply to OU by December 15, be admitted, and name the University of Oklahoma as your college choice by the end of April deadline.
