Amount: Full tuition, mandatory fees, room and board
Deadline: Priority - November 15 | Final - December 1
Audience: Undergraduate (Domestic) - First-Year, Undergraduate (International) - First Year

Overview

The Meridian Scholarship is the University's highest academic honor. Open to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, it recognizes proven achievement and the potential for future impact in academics, experiences, and civic engagement. Meridian Scholars receive:

• Full tuition for 8 undergraduate semesters
• Required student fees and course related fees
• On-campus housing and a traditional meal plan

 Meridian Scholars also become members of the John Martinson Honors Program and participate fully in its distinctive curriculum and co-curricular experiences.

Fall 2027 Criteria and Application

• Incoming first-year student beginning at SIUE in fall 2027
• Minimum 3.5 cumulative high school GPA
• Complete the SIUE application for admission
• Review the Meridian Scholarship website
• Complete the Meridian Scholarship application

Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: November 15
• Final deadline: December 1

Both the SIUE application for admission and the Meridian Scholarship application must be complete by the applicable deadline.

Selection Process

• Completed applications are reviewed following the final application deadline.
• Applicants selected to advance in the process are notified in early January.
• Virtual interviews are held in late January.
• Finalists are invited to SIUE for Honors Scholarship Day on Friday, February 5, 2027, with final scholarship selections made following the event. 

Contact

Undergraduate Admissions
admissions@siue.edu
800-447-SIUE
618-650-3705

Renewal

The Meridian Scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. To renew, you must maintain:

• Active participation in the John Martinson Honors Program
• Continuous enrollment with 12 credit hours or more
• 3.25 or higher cumulative GPA

27-28 Meridian Scholarship Terms and Conditions [pdf]
26-27 Meridian Scholarship Terms and Conditions [pdf]
25-26 Meridian Scholarship Terms and Conditions [pdf]
24-25 Meridian Scholarship Terms and Conditions [pdf]