Scholarships •

April 4, 2023

Complete guide to the NHS Scholarship

The NHS Scholarship offers a one-time award to top students who are part of their school’s NHS chapter.

Image of the NHS logo

This guide will discuss everything that you need to know about the National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship, including its eligibility requirements, how you can apply, and how much financial aid you can receive.

We’ll also discuss some similar scholarships you might be eligible for.

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What is the NHS Scholarship?

The National Honor Society was established in 1921 to help schools elevate their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Since 1946, the NHS has awarded scholarships to students, with more than $19 million awarded in the years since the program’s founding.

The scholarship offers 600 prizes to students across the country. 

  • The top recipient earns $25,000

  • The 24 other national finalists earn $5,625

  • The 575 national semifinalists earn $3,200

How to apply for the NHS Scholarship

Here, we’ll cover how to apply for the NHS Scholarship.

Eligibility requirements

To apply, you must meet these requirements:

  • A high school senior

  • An active NHS member and in good standing

  • Currently enrolled at a school with an NHS chapter that’s affiliated with the official organization

  • Planning to enroll at a college or university in the fall after your senior year

The application

The NHS accepts applications through its website

  • Page 1. Describes the program and what it looks for in applicants

  • Page 2. Registration. You will create an account on the NHS website, which includes verifying your school information.

  • Page 3. The application. You’ll have to provide the following information.

    • Applicant information

    • Education information

    • Honors and awards

    • Extracurricular activities

    • NHS advisor certification

    • Letter of recommendation from someone who is able to speak to your commitment to the pillars of the NHS

    • Personal statement discussing your goals for your future education

Steps for a Scholarship Essay

Important dates to remember

Remember these important dates if you’re applying for the NHS Scholarship—however, these dates are subject to change each year, so you’ll want to verify the deadlines on the society’s website.

  • NHS Scholarship application process opens: October 1 at 9 a.m. (ET) each year.

  • NHS Scholarship deadline: Wednesday, December 1 at 1 p.m. (ET) each year.

  • Award selection notification: April each year.

  • Scholarship acceptance deadline: June 1 each year.

  • Scholarship disbursement: Early August each year.

Other scholarships like the NHS Scholarship

The NHS Scholarship is targeted at students with strong academic records who need help paying for college. Many organizations offer merit-based scholarships—including a lot of universities. If you know where you’d like to attend school, you should talk to the university’s financial aid office to learn more about their specific scholarship offerings.

If you’re looking for other types of scholarship programs, check out:

Mos can help you get started applying for both government financial aid and scholarships, like the NHS Scholarship. Join us now. 

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