High-achieving student scholarships are awarded to a limited number of incoming first-year students based on grade point average, class rank, standardized test scores, or similar criteria. Consideration for these awards is automatic, and no additional applications are required. The Merit Recognition Scholarship is available to a limited number of non-Michigan residents who are National Merit finalists and name MSU as their first-choice institution. This award includes $4,000 annually plus food and housing. Students with sophomore academic standing or higher who have lived for a minimum of one year in an MSU residence hall are eligible to live in an on-campus apartment and receive the residence hall double occupancy award plus the silver meal plan, based on space and class standing. Off-campus housing is not included in this award. Students may visit the scholarship's website or contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.