Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship
The Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces or state organized militia who at any time, while New York State residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while performing their military duties, whether in combat
General Information
MERIT provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces or state organized militia who provided eligible military service, while New York State residents and who:
- died or became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred while performing their military duties, whether in combat or not; or are classified as missing in action;
- A member of the United States Armed Forces or state organized militia who provided eligible military service, is considered severely and permanently disabled when a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, licensed to practice in a state, has determined that such person is unable to engage in any occupation for remuneration or profit due to a physical or mental impairment.
MERIT is also available to members of the United States Armed Forces or state organized militia who provided eligible military service at any time while New York State residents, and who became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred while performing their military duties, whether in combat or not.
Eligibility
Students must:
- Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State.
- Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a General Educational Development Test (GED), or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
- Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester.
- Be matriculated in an approved program of study.
- Be in good academic standing.
- Not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards.
Apply for MERIT here: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/msrs-scholarship.html