Merrimack College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~72%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27-31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1060-1250
- Average GPA: 3.5
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Merrimack College at a Glance
- Merit looks generous—but net price is still high: Merrimack offers automatic merit, but the average net price is still around ~$38K/year. Families sometimes focus on the scholarship amount and miss the final out-of-pocket cost.
- Early application timing matters for aid: With rolling admissions and a November priority window, students who apply later may still get in—but with less favorable scholarship offers.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Merrimack College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27-31; SAT: 1060-1250.
Average net price? About $37,899/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Engineering scholarships page: https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/engineering-and-computational-sciences/civil_engineering/resources/scholarships/
University application process page: https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/application-process/admission-options/
Financial aid catalog page: https://catalog.merrimack.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=540
Engineering scholarships page: https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/engineering-and-computational-sciences/scholarships/
University scholarship page: https://www.merrimack.edu/academics/engineering-and-computational-sciences/academic-programs/machs-scholars-program/
University scholarship page: https://www.merrimack.edu/wp-content/uploads/understanding_financial_aid.pdf
University scholarship page: https://catalog.merrimack.edu/content.php?catoid=22&navoid=595
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Merrimack College 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $51,080 | $51,080 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $23,884 | $23,884 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $74,964 | $74,964 |
Average Federal Net Price: $37,899 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Because Merrimack is a private college (one tuition rate for everyone), the biggest cost swing usually comes from timing and how your application is reviewed — not residency.
- Early Application Scholarship (deadline-driven money): Apply by Nov 15 to receive $3,000 (EA/ED I), or by Feb 15 to receive $2,000 (EA/ED II). Your application must be fully complete by the deadline to qualify.
- Test-blind (scores don’t help): Merrimack is test-blind for admission, scholarships, and Honors consideration — SAT/ACT scores are not used in review, even if submitted.
- Housing is a real cost factor: Most first-year students live on campus, so when you compare schools, make sure you’re comparing total billed cost (tuition + housing/meals) — not tuition alone.
Parent move: If Merrimack is on your list, treat Nov 15 like your “money deadline,” and don’t waste time/stress on test scores for scholarship purposes.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Merrimack College
Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Merrimack is a private college, so tuition is not subsidized by state taxes. All students pay the same base tuition and fees, regardless of residency.
Is the $75,000 total what most families actually pay?
No. That figure reflects the sticker price before aid. The average net price is closer to $38,000, and many students receive institutional grants or scholarships that reduce costs further.
Does Merrimack offer in-state tuition waivers or reciprocity programs?
No. Merrimack does not participate in WUE, ACM, MSEP, or regional tuition exchanges. Aid is awarded through institutional scholarships and need-based grants instead.
Are housing and meal costs fixed?
Housing and meal costs are shown as an average. Actual charges vary depending on residence hall type and meal plan selection.
How can families estimate their real cost?
The best way is to use Merrimack’s Net Price Calculator and compare financial aid offers carefully, paying attention to grants versus loans.
https://www.merrimack.edu/bursar/tuition-expenses/
https://www.merrimack.edu/aid/tuition/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166850-Merrimack_College
- High-need families: Often see large gaps between the ~$75k sticker price and aid-adjusted cost, especially when need-based grants combine with merit.
- Middle-income families: Merit + early-application bonuses + targeted awards (FIRST, music, departmental) often determine whether Merrimack competes with other private colleges.
- Near full-pay families: Merrimack’s value tends to come from program fit, internships, and outcomes rather than headline discounts.
These examples are illustrative, not guarantees — individual aid packages vary.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Merrimack College (2026–2027)
Merrimack awards several admission-based merit scholarships automatically — meaning most students don’t submit a separate scholarship application. These awards are typically based on a holistic review of your academic record and accomplishments.
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
Disclaimer: Award amounts and renewal criteria can change by year based on funding and policy updates. Some aid may be adjusted if your enrollment status, housing plan, or overall cost of attendance changes — always confirm details with Merrimack Financial Aid.
FAQ — Merrimack Automatic Merit Scholarships
Do I need a separate scholarship application for Merrimack merit awards?
Usually, no. Merrimack states that undergraduate applicants are automatically reviewed for institutional merit scholarships as part of the admission process.
Do SAT/ACT scores help increase Merrimack scholarships?
No. Merrimack is test-blind for admission and scholarship consideration, meaning test scores are not used at all — even if submitted.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, most admission-based merit scholarships renew as long as you stay full-time and maintain good academic standing. Merrimack also notes that changes to enrollment or housing/cost-of-attendance status can affect renewal/amount.
Is the Early Application Scholarship “automatic” too?
Yes — it’s essentially an early-filing incentive. If your application is complete by the deadline, you receive the stated amount (Nov 15 = $3,000; Feb 15 = $2,000).
What’s the single biggest tip to maximize Merrimack automatic aid?
Apply early with a complete file (especially by Nov 15). At colleges with rolling/early options, timing can matter for both admission review and institutional aid budgeting.
https://www.merrimack.edu/aid/types/grants/
https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/application-process/
https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/application-process/faqs/
https://www.merrimack.edu/aid/faqs/
https://www.merrimack.edu/aid/award-policies/awardpolicies/
- GPA ~3.7+ with strong rigor: Apply by Nov 15 to maximize Presidential/Merrimack merit and early-application bonuses; ask admissions whether any targeted awards may replace merit.
- GPA ~3.3–3.6, solid academics: Expect mid-tier merit plus Early Application money; focus on stacking with FIRST Robotics, music, or departmental awards if eligible.
- High-need STEM student: Prioritize early completion + inquire about MACHS Scholars and engineering donor scholarships that often appear after the first year.
🏆 Flagship & Competitive Scholarships at Merrimack College (2026–2027)
Some colleges advertise highly selective flagship scholarships — often full tuition or full ride awards that serve as major recruiting tools. Merrimack College takes a different approach.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Instead, Merrimack focuses most of its institutional aid on:
- Automatic merit scholarships awarded at admission
- Honors-based awards tied to selective academic programs
- Smaller competitive or departmental scholarships awarded later or by application
Families comparing schools should know that the largest and most reliable scholarships at Merrimack are automatic merit awards, not competitive flagship programs.
- See Automatic Merit Scholarships for the primary way Merrimack reduces cost
- See the Honors section for program-based scholarships and academic perks
- See Hidden Gem Scholarships for smaller leadership and departmental awards
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at Merrimack College
Does Merrimack offer any full-tuition or full-ride scholarships?
No. Merrimack does not advertise or award full-tuition or full-ride institutional scholarships.
Are there highly competitive scholarships I should still apply for?
Not in the traditional flagship sense. Competitive awards at Merrimack are usually tied to honors programs, leadership, or academic departments and are covered in those sections.
Where do most students actually get their scholarships?
Most Merrimack students receive aid through automatic merit scholarships awarded at admission, often combined with need-based grants.
Is Merrimack less generous because it has no flagship awards?
Not necessarily. Merrimack spreads aid more broadly across its student body rather than concentrating large awards on a small number of students.
https://www.merrimack.edu/aid/types/grants/
https://www.merrimack.edu/aid/faqs/
https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/
🎖 Honors at Merrimack College (2026–2027)
Merrimack does not have a traditional “Honors College” that every top applicant can simply opt into. Instead, honors-style benefits tend to show up through selective academic programs, faculty-led opportunities, and (for some students) additional merit tied to honors-level participation.
FAQ — Merrimack Honors (What Parents Should Know)
Is there a separate “Honors College” at Merrimack?
Not in the traditional public-university sense. Merrimack’s honors-style benefits tend to be tied to selective programs and cohort opportunities rather than a large standalone Honors College.
Is the Honors Scholarship extra money on top of merit?
Not always. At many private colleges (including Merrimack), honors-linked awards often replace part of the top merit package rather than stack on top. Families should compare the final award letter line-by-line.
Do students need test scores to be considered for honors?
No. Merrimack is test-blind for admission and institutional scholarship consideration, so SAT/ACT scores are not used for honors selection either.
Is honors worth it if the scholarship amount isn’t bigger?
It can be — if your student wants the academic structure, mentorship, and the type of cohort experience that can strengthen grad school or internship outcomes. If your student wants maximum flexibility, honors may feel like extra obligations.
What’s the best way to increase the chance of honors consideration?
Apply early (aim for Nov 15) with a strong transcript showing rigor, consistent grades, and meaningful involvement. Honors tends to favor students who look like they’ll thrive in smaller, higher-expectation coursework.
⭐ College Specialty
Merrimack College is a private, Catholic (Augustinian) institution in North Andover, Massachusetts, known for blending hands-on learning with close faculty mentorship. Families are often drawn to Merrimack for its engineering and STEM growth, but the college has also built strong reputations in business, health sciences, and teacher preparation—programs that emphasize internships, applied projects, and career readiness rather than theory alone.
- Engineering & Computational Sciences: A growing strength at Merrimack, with ABET-accredited engineering programs, strong industry partnerships, and donor-funded scholarships that support upper-division STEM students.
- Business (Girard School of Business): Known for practical, career-oriented business education with concentrations in accounting, finance, analytics, and entrepreneurship, plus strong regional employer pipelines.
- Health Sciences: Popular pre-professional pathways including nursing, health sciences, and allied health fields, supported by clinical placements and experiential learning.
- Education: Teacher preparation programs with deep ties to local school districts, offering early classroom exposure and strong licensure outcomes.
🔗 Official Merrimack College Links
Use Merrimack College’s official university resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award terms.
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Undergraduate Admissions:
Undergraduate Admission
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Application Deadlines & Early Options:
Application Process
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Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid:
Scholarships and Grants
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Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
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Net Price Calculator:
Net Price Calculator
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Common Data Set & Student Profile:
https://www.merrimack.edu/about/institutional-research/ -
Academic Programs & Majors:
Schools and Programs