The Hampton University Merit Scholarships are designed to provide many awards to a vast number of students, as opposed to awarding a few large amounts to a smaller population. The deciding factor in the award amount is based largely on the standardized test score, which puts all applicants on a level playing field. Students who apply using the Test Optional Policy are not eligible for merit-based scholarships. Official scholarship offers are communicated to the recipient via written correspondence only and are mailed separately from the offer of admission.