Scholarship Opportunity

Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship

Offered by New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

New York cost-of-attendance aid for eligible severely disabled service members and dependents of service members who died, became severely disabled, or went missing while performing military duties.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Student

Eligibility

  • Be an eligible severely and permanently disabled U.S. Armed Forces or state-organized militia member, or the child, spouse, or financial dependent of a member who died, became severely and permanently disabled, or is missing in action after eligible service.
  • The service member must have been a New York resident at the time of the qualifying event.
  • Enroll full-time in an approved program and remain in good academic standing.
  • No income limit. Remain out of default on federal/state student loans or NYS award repayment and satisfy prior NYS award conditions.
  • Disability must prevent any paid occupation and be medically verified; combat is not required. Standard enrollment is at least 12 credits per term.

Requirements

  • Complete FAFSA and TAP or the applicable DREAM Act application for annual payment.
  • Submit the signed HESC MERIT web supplement and required military, relationship, or disability documentation.
  • Payments generally cover two associate years, four bachelor’s years, or five in an approved five-year program.

How to Apply

  1. 1Apply through HESC's year-round MERIT supplement after completing applicable aid applications.
  2. 2Follow the supplement instructions for signing and submitting proof of eligibility.