An aspen forest during peak fall colors.

Merit Scholarships

What are Merit Scholarships?

Merit scholarships are awards based on academic achievements, such as high school or college GPA. These scholarships are automatically considered upon admission and do not require repayment. They are available to new and transfer full-time students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

How to Receive a Merit Scholarship

No separate application is required. All admitted students are automatically considered based on their GPA.

  • Eligibility for first-year students is based on their cumulative high school GPA.
  • Test scores (ACT/SAT) are not considered.
  • Transfer students are evaluated based on their cumulative college GPA.

In-State Merit Scholarship Levels

First-Year, In-State
Transfer Student, In-State
Mechanical Engineering, In-State

New, first-year admitted students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative high school GPA; test scores are not a factor in our merit scholarship calculation. First-year merit awards are renewable for four years.

High School GPA In-State Scholarship In-State Per Year
3.35 to 3.749 East Merit $2,500
3.75 to 3.999 Slate Merit $3,500
4.0 Taylor Merit $4,500

Renewal Requirements

A maximum of eight semesters of eligibility will be awarded to first-year students. To continue receiving a Merit Scholarship, students must:

  • Enroll and complete a minimum of 24 credit hours each year.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA.
  • Meet satisfactory academic requirements.

Note: If students are awarded a Merit Scholarship and fail to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, they will not default to their state’s tuition-discount program.

New students are evaluated as transfers if they have taken college courses after high school graduation. Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits AND a minimum 2.5 college GPA will be considered first-year students for merit awards – see above.

New admitted transfer students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative college GPA. Merit scholarships are renewable for up to three years.

GPA Scholarship In-State Award
3.0-3.49 GPA Advantage Award $2,500
3.5-4.0 Scholars Award $3,500
Two-Year College Honor Society Member Phi Theta Kappa $4,500

Renewal Requirements

A maximum of six semesters of eligibility will be awarded to transfer students. To continue receiving a Merit Scholarship, students must:

Note: If students are awarded a Merit Scholarship and fail to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, they will not default to their state’s tuition discount program.

Eligibility

Accepted to Western by:

April 15

Declared Mechanical Engineering Partnership Program major by:

April 15

Rady Merit Scholarships

High School GPA In-State Award
3.5-3.749 $3,500
3.75-3.999 $5,000
4.0 $6,500

Out-of-State Merit Scholarship Levels

First-Year, Out-of-State
Transfer Student, Out-of-State
Mechanical Engineering, Out-of-State

New, first-year admitted students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative high school GPA; test scores are not a factor in our merit scholarship calculation. First-year merit awards are renewable for four years.

High School GPA Out-of-State Scholarship Out-of-State Per Year
3.35 to 3.749 Basin Merit $8,000
3.75 to 3.999 Ridgeline Merit $9,000
4.0 Peak Merit $10,000

Renewal Requirements

A maximum of eight semesters of eligibility will be awarded to first-year students. To continue receiving a Merit Scholarship, students must:

  • Enroll and complete a minimum of 24 credit hours each year.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA.
  • Meet satisfactory academic requirements.

Note: If students are awarded a Merit Scholarship and fail to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, they will not default to their state’s tuition-discount program.

New students are evaluated as transfers if they have taken college courses after high school graduation. Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits AND a minimum 2.5 college GPA will be considered first-year students for merit awards – see above.

New admitted transfer students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative college GPA. Merit scholarships are renewable for up to three years.

GPA Scholarship Out-of-State Award
3.0-3.49 GPA Advantage Award $5,000
3.5-4.0 Scholars Award $7,000
Two-Year College Honor Society Member Phi Theta Kappa $8,000

Renewal Requirements

A maximum of six semesters of eligibility will be awarded to transfer students. To continue receiving a Merit Scholarship, students must:

Note: If students are awarded a Merit Scholarship and fail to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, they will not default to their state’s tuition discount program.

Eligibility

Accepted to Western by:

April 15

Declared Mechanical Engineering Partnership Program major by:

April 15

Rady Merit Scholarships

High School GPA Out-of-State Award
3.5-3.749 $9,000
3.75-3.999 $10,500
4.0 $12,000

FAQs About Merit Scholarships

Do I need to apply separately for merit scholarships?

Are merit scholarships renewable?

Can I combine merit scholarships with other financial aid?

What happens if I don't meet the renewal criteria?

What if my GPA drops—will I lose my scholarship?

What happens if I don't meet the renewal criteria?

How can I estimate my eligibility for a merit scholarship?

Tuition Discounts

​Western Colorado University offers tuition discount programs through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Central Plains (CP) initiatives, providing substantial savings to eligible students from 25 states across the West and Midwest. Additionally, students from the seven neighboring states to Colorado who demonstrate financial need may automatically receive an annual grant through the Neighboring States program. Students who qualify for a merit scholarship cannot receive WUE or CP discounts. 

Tuition Discounts

Financial Services

Contact Information

970.943.3085
finaid@western.edu
8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Taylor Hall 314
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231