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
1250 SAT (any 2 sections combined) OR 29 ACT Composite

Egan Scholarships

Student must meet 2 of the 3 criteria

$12,000

3.5+ GPA
1210 SAT (any 2 sections combined) OR 27 ACT Composite
Top 10% or 1st decile of class

$11,000

3.25 – 3.49 GPA
1140 SAT (any 2 sections combined) OR 25 ACT Composite
Top 20% or 2nd decile of class

$10,000

3.0 – 3.24 GPA
1070 SAT (any 2 sections combined) 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 College by March 1, 2011
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