University Merit Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Purpose 

This policy outlines the eligibility, renewal criteria, duration, and usage restrictions of the Merit Scholarship awarded to undergraduate students at St. Mary’s University. 

Scholarship Award 

• Students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance upon admission may be awarded a Merit Scholarship. The Merit Scholarship is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students throughout their undergraduate studies. 

Awarding Guidelines 

• The Merit Scholarship is renewable for up to four (4) academic years or eight (8) consecutive fall and spring semesters, whichever comes first. 
• The annual maximum amount of the Merit Scholarship will be determined and communicated at the time of the award and may vary based on institutional funding and the student’s original scholarship offer. 
• The scholarship is not available during the summer semester under any circumstances. 
• The annual maximum merit scholarship amount is fixed and will not be adjusted for students who complete their degree in fewer than four years or 8 semesters.
• Merit Scholarships are non-transferable and non-refundable. 
• Students enrolled in dual-degree programs, cooperative education, study abroad, or other academic programs must consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine their continued eligibility. 

Renewal Criteria 

• To remain eligible for the Merit Scholarship each semester, students must meet the following conditions: 
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each fall and spring semester. 
  • Maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) in an undergraduate degree-seeking program. 
  • Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university. 

Loss and Reinstatement 

• Students who fall below the required 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of any semester will lose eligibility for the scholarship. 
• There is no automatic reinstatement of the scholarship once lost. However, students may appeal for reinstatement after demonstrating sustained academic improvement and meeting all eligibility criteria. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. 
• Refer to the SAP policy for more details. 

Institutional Discretion 

The institution reserves the right to: 

• Replace all or part of your merit scholarship with a donor-funded scholarship (specialty, endowed, or restricted) of the same value. 
• Adjust the award amount if a student receives additional institutional or external funding, per university financial aid packaging guidelines.
• Modify this policy based on changes in Federal Law, Texas Law, or institutional funding