All incoming students are automatically considered for a UC Regents’ Scholarship and need not submit any additional information or applications. The UC Merced Regents’ Scholarship program is unique to the UC Merced campus and recipients cannot transfer their award to other universities.
Selection Process
The selection process may take into account each student’s academic performance, quality of essays submitted on the application for admission, the quality of the student’s extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal achievement rankings, life’s hardships and additional distinctive personal achievements. All entering students are automatically considered for the UC Regents’ Scholarship. Students do not need to apply separately for this scholarship.
Monetary Award and Tenure of Scholarship
- Entering freshmen are awarded a four-year scholarship (eight academic semesters); Entering transfer students are awarded a two-year scholarship (four academic semesters). There are no extensions of the scholarship.
- All Regents' Scholars are considered for a $7,000 honorarium regardless of financial need.
- If a Regents' Scholar has additional financial need beyond the $7,000 honorarium, the scholar will be awarded the maximum amount of university scholarships and/or grants to cover the remainder of the scholar’s in-state need. (Cost of Attendance minus Expected Family Contribution minus other financial aid equals need)
- The Regents' Scholarship need-based award is determined annually and is designed to supplement all federal and state awards as well as other outside scholarship awards. Regents’ scholars are required to report additional outside financial assistance and/or outside scholarship awards to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office so that awards can be adjusted appropriately.
Maintaining Eligibility
- Scholars must maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA to retain the Regents’ Scholarship.
- Scholars are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 units/semester during their tenure as a Regents’ Scholar and must make satisfactory progress towards a baccalaureate degree. Students must notify the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office of any change in academic status, such as taking less than the required 12 units per semester, dropping below a 3.25 or if they are planning to take an approved leave of absence.
- The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships performs an annual academic review of all scholars at the end of the fall semester.
Notification
Regents Scholars will be notified in March or April prior to enrollment at UC Merced.
