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MeritPlaybook / Take-home research

Muhlenberg
Decision sheet

Pennsylvania · Research checked 2026-07-02 · School research, not an aid offer

The starting point

Muhlenberg considers every admitted applicant for a large automatic merit scholarship ($30,000-$46,000), but the award is frozen at a fixed amount and carries a rising renewal-GPA cliff (2.5 after year one, then 3.0 after years two and three).

Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.

Awards to discuss

First 3 of 4 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.

Merit Scholarship

$30,000-$46,000 · Published range

Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.

Eligibility: All applicants who submit a complete admission application are considered; based on academic performance, extracurriculars, and character. Test-optional applicants are eligible; admissions interview encouraged

Renewal: Renewable up to eight undergraduate semesters with good social standing, full-time status, and minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the end of year one and 3.0 at the end of years two and three. Fixed per-semester amount — does NOT increase. Any unused merit due to part-time status, withdrawal, or early graduation is forfeited.

Other terms: Considered automatically with admission, but amount is holistic (no published GPA/test grid). Determined at time of admission based on academic record and course rigor.

https://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions-aid/scholarships-and-financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarship/

Talent Scholarship (art, dance, film, music, theatre)

$1,000-$2,000 · Published range

Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.

Eligibility: Audition or portfolio review; open to majors and non-majors; may apply in no more than two disciplines; final deadline March 1

Renewal: Renewable for all four years based on academic performance, good campus standing, and continued participation in the arts.

Other terms: Amount is '$1,000-$2,000 total per year'; can be earned in addition to merit. Award reflected in initial aid offer only if audition/portfolio submitted by the application-cycle deadline.

https://www.muhlenberg.edu/admissions-aid/scholarships-and-financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/talent-scholarships/

Ask before you decide

  1. Which entering-year policy and residency category apply to us? What are the admission and scholarship deadlines?
  2. What grades and credits are required to renew, and for how many terms?
  3. How would other school awards or outside scholarships change the offer?

Recorded stacking policy: Outside scholarships only trigger an aid adjustment if total aid would exceed the cost of attendance (or the student's aid eligibility cap); below that ceiling, awards are not displaced.

Our unanswered questions / Family notes

Keep the sources with the decision

Full research, award details and source context: https://meritplaybook.com/colleges/muhlenberg-college/merit-aid

The research date is not a guarantee that a policy still applies. Confirm current amounts, deadlines and conditions with the school before making a financial decision.