National Merit Scholarship Finalists 2024. About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a national merit scholarship, earning the merit scholar® title. In 2024, about 130 corporations, company foundations, and businesses sponsored scholarships through the national merit program as part of their educational philanthropy.

About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a national merit scholarship, earning the merit scholar® title. A semifinalist must fulfill several additional requirements and advance to the finalist level of the competition before being considered for a national merit scholarship.