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Academics > Undergraduate Studies > Merit Scholarships

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At Lehigh, we have a focus on providing aid for students with demonstrated need; however, we also offer a limited number of merit-based scholarships, which are available to students with outstanding talents and extraordinary academic promise. When awarding merit aid, we take a holistic approach, looking beyond the numbers related to academic talent alone. We look at what a student contributes outside the classroom and also consider recommendations and personal essays.

Some of Lehigh's scholarships require an additional application; for others, all students are considered just by applying to Lehigh, so be sure to check the application checklist for a summary of steps you need to take in order to be considered.

In addition, it's important to note that students who receive merit awards, but also show demonstrated financial need, are indeed eligible to receive grant money to meet, but not exceed their calculated need.  What follows is a partial list of Lehigh's scholarships with basic overviews and descriptions.  Click here for more detailed information: www.lehigh.edu/meritaid.

Academic Merit Awards

Lehigh's most prestigious merit scholarship awards are given to students in the top tier of our applicant pool. The awards are valued at full or half tuition, and are renewable over a four-year period, provided recipients maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. No additional application beyond your application for admission is necessary. All admitted students will be considered by the Committee on Admissions.

Dean's Scholars

Students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership skills could qualify for these awards of $10,000 per academic year. These awards are renewable over a four year period, provided recipients maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. No additional application beyond your application for admission is necessary. All admitted students will be considered by the Committee on Admissions.

Lehigh Scholars

The Lehigh Scholars program is a need-based merit award given to students with high academic merit and demonstrated need. Students are required to maintain a 2.8 grade point average to maintain the benefits of this program. Complete and submit the FAFSA, CSS/PROFILE, and your family's 2008 federal tax returns. All admitted students will be considered by the Committee on Admissions.

Arts Merit Awards/Scholarships

Cutler-Sametz Choral Arts Scholarships
Talented singers are eligible for scholarships of $2,500 (renewable for four years).  Recipients also receive free vocal lessons. Scholars may major and minor in any subject, but they will be expected to join the University Choir, a 50-voice, auditioned ensemble that tours regularly throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. All students who receive a Choral Arts Scholarship must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average. A separate application is required. For more information, contact the music department at 610-758-3839 or visit the Department of Music's Web site for the online application. The scholarship application deadline is January 15.

Snyder Family Marching 97 Scholarships
Established in 2000 by alumnus Joseph Snyder and family, these scholarships are for students who demonstrate musical talent and leadership skills. The scholarship provides awards of $1,000 to $2,500. Recipients of this scholarship agree to participate fully in the Marching Band. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average. A separate application is required. For more information, contact the music department at 610-758-3839 or visit the Department of Music's Web site for the online application. The scholarship application deadline is January 15. 

Baker Gifted Arts Scholarships (in Orchestral and Instrumental Music)
These scholarships provide annual awards of $3,000 (renewable for four years) to students who demonstrate an outstanding talent in instrumental music or theatre. Established by Lehigh alumnus Dexter Baker, former CEO of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and his wife, Dottie. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average. A separate application is required. The scholarship application deadline is January 15. For more information on the Baker Gifted Arts Scholarship, contact the music department at 610-758-3837 or view the online application.

Performing Arts Scholarships in Instrumental Music
Open to students in any academic major or program, these scholarships recognize students with exceptional musical talent. These scholarships are renewable for four years and are valued at $3,000 each. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average. A separate application, due by January 15, is required. For more information on the Performing Arts Scholarship in Music, contact the music department at 610-758-3837 or email Linda Ganus at lcgc3@lehigh.edu.

Performing Arts Scholarships in Theatre
Open to students in any academic major or program, these scholarships recognize students with exceptional theatrical (including performance, design, technical, and playwriting) talent. These scholarships are renewable for four years and are valued at $3,000 each. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average. A separate application, due by January 15, is required. For more information on the Performing Arts Scholarship in Theatre, contact the theatre department at 610-758-3640 or email Professor Kashi Johnson at kkj2@lehigh.edu.

Athletics Awards/Scholarships

A limited number of athletics scholarships are available for students with exceptional athletic ability. No additional application beyond your application for admission is necessary.

Lehigh University Merit Scholarship (National Merit Scholarship Corp.)
Applicants who are National Merit Finalists will receive $1,000 or $2,000 from Lehigh University. No additional application is necessary.

President's Scholars
Enrolled Lehigh students who graduate with a 3.75 GPA or better can take a fifth year of courses without paying tuition. Upon being accepted into this scholarship program, some scholars use the opportunity to take courses that interest them, while others work toward a second bachelor's degree or even a master's degree. Any senior who graduates with a 3.75 or better GPA, has taken 90 credits at Lehigh, and attends at least four full-time regular semesters automatically qualifies for this program.

Air Products Scholars Program
This program provides scholarships that include an award of $10,000 per academic year, opportunities for paid summer internships, and mentorship by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. employees, for students of color at Lehigh enrolled in chemical and mechanical engineering. Students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average to retain the benefits of this program. Two scholarships per class are awarded for a total of eight per year.

Application information: Contact the Office of Admissions at (610) 758-3100.

Roy Eckardt College Scholar Program
The Eckardt Scholars Program is a university-wide honors program designed for students who show outstanding academic promise or unusual creativity. It is a highly selective program, restricted to a small number of especially qualified students, some of whom are enrolled at the time of admission to the university and the rest as first-semester sophomores. Entering freshmen may join the program at the invitation of the Eckardt Scholars Advisory Council. Applications from sophomores are evaluated by the Advisory Council on the basis of their academic records and written statements of educational goals, and recommendations from two faculty members.

The Program allows students to engage in scholarly work of an advanced nature. Participants are obliged to obtain the same number of credits as other members of their colleges, including at least two Eckardt Scholars Seminars, and pursue departmental or interdisciplinary majors. With the exception of students in some disciplines, they are released from distribution requirements and, if necessary, modifications may be made in major requirements. Responsibility for the student's over-all program lies with the director who cooperates closely with the major adviser. In the final two years, the student receives up to twelve credits for work with a faculty member, leading to a senior project of substantial dimensions. This can take whatever form is appropriate to the nature of the subject. Seniors present accounts of their projects at the annual Eckardt Scholars graduation dinner and are eligible for the George B. Lemmon Prize, which is presented annually to members whose academic performance has been outstanding. The award of Eckardt Scholars graduation honors is subject to the recommendation of the program director (Prof. Ian Duffy, 340 Maginnes Hall) and the chair in the major field.

In addition to the academic privileges of the program, Eckardt Scholars are offered a variety of extracurricular opportunities. These include invitations to meet visiting speakers, informal meetings with faculty members, dinners, lectures, plays, musical events, and other cultural activities in the Lehigh Valley and nearby cities. For a listing of courses and Advisory Council members, see the Eckardt Scholars Program entry, section V.