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Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are determined based on your performance in high school, or high school and college for a transfer student.

For students who apply as test optional, only GPA will be used to determine an academic scholarship. Updated GPAs and/or test scores are accepted through May 1. 

Scholarship amounts and average scores of recipients

These award details are for those starting at Calvin in Fall 2026 or later. 

Starting during the 2025–2026 academic year? Contact us for your academic scholarship details.

AmountScholarshipWeighted GPASATACTCLT
$22,000National MeritSelection determined by National Merit Corporation
$20,000Trustee's4.213503091
$18,000President's3.912002685
$16,000Provost's3.711602475
$14,000Dean's3.511002270
$10,000–$12,000Faculty's3.110002065

Opportunities for First-year Students

Find out more about the Knight Promise, our financial aid guarantee to incoming first-year students! In addition to academic scholarships, the Knight Promise includes grants for visiting, submitting the FAFSA, and more.

Learn more about the Knight Promise

Academic Scholarship Guidelines and Renewal

Calvin-sponsored National Merit Scholarships are awarded to students selected as National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Corporation who select Calvin as their first-choice university. This award is offered in addition to Calvin’s $20,000 Trustee's Scholarship.

  • Amount: $2,000 
  • Availability: 4 years 
  • Renewal Criteria: Recipient is making satisfactory academic progress. National Merit Finalists that require a fifth year of study will be eligible for the $2,000 Calvin National Merit Supplement.

Guidelines

  • National Merit Finalists are eligible to receive a National Merit Scholarship sponsored by one of the following organizations: National Merit Corporation, other participating corporations, or Âé¶¹Çø.
  • Finalists are only eligible for one National Merit Scholarship.
  • Finalists must select Calvin as their first-choice university with National Merit Scholarship Corporation to receive a National Merit Scholarship.
  • Finalists can change their first-choice university with National Merit before May 1. Undecided finalists have until May 31, to select a first-choice university.

Contact

National Merit Scholarship Corporation 
Telephone: (847) 866-5100 
Web: nationalmerit.org 
Fax: (847) 866-5115 
Letter: National Merit Corporation, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, IL 60201-4897

Starting at Calvin in Spring 2026: Scholarships are guaranteed through your sophomore year and are renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years with a cumulative Calvin GPA of 3.0 measured after the fourth semester.

Starting at Calvin Fall 2026 or later: Academic Scholarships renew automatically (for a total of five years) as long as you are making Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Academic scholarships are renewable based on your cumulative Calvin GPA. The Financial Aid Office will provide instructions to students who are eligible to appeal.  Appeals are due by July 8.

Your appeal should explain why you were unable to meet the required GPA, and what you will do differently to achieve the required GPA in future semesters.

Appeal decisions are made in July. If granted, scholarships will be reinstated in the following academic year.