The Meridian Scholarship
SIUE's Most Prestigious Academic Award
For nearly 50 years, the Meridian Scholarship has represented the highest tradition of academic excellence at SIUE. Named for the 90th Meridian West, which runs through our campus, the award points toward a journey of discovery. At SIUE, it stands as a local marker, a global connection, and a reminder that the education you pursue here can begin in one spot and reach anywhere.
The Meridian Scholarship is open to high school students with a 3.5 GPA or higher who will begin their SIUE education full time in fall 2026. The scholarship supports up to eight full-time semesters of undergraduate education, including:
- Full tuition
- Most mandatory student fees and related course fees, excluding health insurance
- On-campus housing and a traditional meal plan
Each year, a select group of students is invited into this tradition. Becoming a Meridian Scholar means more than financial support. It is an investment in you and your future, with the expectation that you will rise to the challenge. Scholars are chosen not just for what they have achieved, but for their potential to lead, think critically, and contribute in ways that matter.
A perfect GPA, a high test score, or a long list of achievements may open the door. But what distinguishes a Meridian Scholar is the promise of what comes next: the drive to grow, the courage to take on responsibility, and the vision to make a lasting impact. To be named a Meridian Scholar is to claim a place in a community of thinkers, leaders, and engaged citizens.
- Priority Application Deadline: November 15
- Final Application Deadline: December 1
