Freshman Scholarships

These scholarships are for students entering as freshmen only.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded by the Committee on Academic Excellence during the Application for Admission review process. Candidates must meet certain academic requirements as outlined below.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship
Student must meet both criteria

$15,000

• Top 1 or 2 ranking in high school class
• 1900 SAT OR 29 ACT Composite

Egan Scholarships
Student must meet 2 of the 3 criteria

$12,000

• 3.5+ GPA
• 1800 SAT OR 27 ACT Composite
• Top 10% or 1st decile of class

$11,000

• 3.25 – 3.49 GPA
• 1700 SAT OR 25 ACT Composite
• Top 20% or 2nd decile of class

$10,000

• 3.0 – 3.24 GPA
• 1600 SAT OR 23 ACT Composite
• Top 30% or 3rd decile of class

Performance-Based Scholarships

Performance-based scholarships are awarded by the individual coach (if a student-athlete) or faculty within the academic department (if interested in the arts).

Sister Angelica High School Art Scholarship

1st Place: $7,500
2nd Place: $6,000
3rd Place: $4,500

• Competition is based on 8-10 images of the student’s high school artwork. Images may be submitted in form of slides or digital images on CD.
• Students must be Offered Admission to Mercyhurst and major in Art Therapy, Art Education, Graphic Design, or Studio Art.

Dance/Music Scholarships

$750 and up/year

• Students must apply for admission and audition to the programs; dance – ballet-focused; music – vocal or instrumental.

Athletic Scholarships

• Student-athlete must meet NCAA eligibility requirements
• Awards determined by coaches

General and Region-Based Scholarships

General and Region-based scholarships include a number of scholarships based on a variety of factors as outlined below. Please review all of the specific criteria. These awards will be offered during the financial aid process.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award Scholarship (RYLA)

$15,000

• Attend and complete the Western PA RYLA Conference
• Submit a copy of your completion certificate to the Office of Admissions
• Apply to Mercyhurst by March 1st
• Have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA at the time of admission

NOTE: RYLA Scholarship will replace any previously-awarded merit-based scholarship.

Bishop Watson Scholarship

$1,000

• Students enrolling from a Mercy or Catholic high school

Sisters of Mercy Heritage Award

$1,000

• Students enrolling from a Mercy-sponsored, co-sponsored, or affiliated high school

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

$1,000

• Students are a dependent of a Mercyhurst alumnus