merit money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merit money" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to financial rewards or bonuses given based on performance or merit. Example: "The company has decided to distribute merit money to employees who have exceeded their performance targets this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

4. Merit money: negotiate.

The New York Times

The profits will be shared equally by the three leagues involved, before merit money is allocated.

The Guardian - Sport

And the competition won't be throwing merit money at low scorers.

The New York Times

Providing the college with insights into a family's financial strength may also result in some merit money.

The New York Times

If we check off the box indicating that no financial aid is being requested, will my children still be considered for merit money from colleges and universities?

The New York Times

Robert J. Massa, until recently vice president for enrollment and college relations at Dickinson, in Carlisle, Pa., sees nothing hypocritical in requiring students who don't qualify for financial aid to produce scores to qualify for merit money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"The key to improving social mobility at the top is to open up independent schools to all pupils based on merit not money... as well as support for highly able students in state schools".

The Guardian

And in the private sector, developers and construction companies have often been reluctant to pay more and invest in the training of young engineers, because executives believe that new graduates do not contribute enough to merit more money or that they will leave for other jobs anyway.

The New York Times

Legislative decisions should be made based on merit, not money.

Huffington Post

I had recently talked to my college counselor about my school options, and he informed me that it was very unlikely I would receive a large amount of merit-based money from Madison.

The New York Times

With such a large monetary incentive, HFT traders are likely to keep investing to make marginal improvements in speed, if profitability merits spending money to achieve better performance.

Financial Innovation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In the context of colleges, consider if you want to use the more precise phrase "merit-based scholarship", which focuses specifically on scholarships awarded based on academic or other merits.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "merit money" will automatically renew annually. Colleges may have specific GPA or enrollment requirements to maintain the scholarship, so check the renewal criteria carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merit money" functions as a noun phrase that identifies financial aid or scholarships awarded based on a student's achievements rather than financial need. Ludwig confirms this, and examples highlight its use in discussions about college funding and financial aid strategies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merit money" refers to financial aid awarded based on achievement, rather than need. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct, though the phrase appears less frequently than alternatives like "merit-based scholarship". It's important to understand the criteria and potential renewal requirements associated with "merit money" offers from colleges. When used, it's most likely found in news articles or discussions relating to higher education funding. It is key to use this phrase clearly and precisely so as to avoid any misinterpretations regarding if the "merit money" is guaranteed or if it is a part of a financial aid package.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merit-based scholarship

Focuses specifically on scholarships awarded based on academic or other merits, often in an educational context.

performance pay

Highlights that the base remuneration varies based on performance levels.

performance-based bonus

Highlights the aspect of a bonus directly tied to an individual's or team's performance metrics.

incentive award

A reward or recognition granted as an incentive to encourage certain behaviors or achieve specific goals.

productivity bonus

A monetary incentive tied to increased productivity or efficiency.

achievement bonus

A sum of money awarded for a specific achievement.

achievement-linked reward

Emphasizes the connection between a specific achievement and the resulting reward or compensation.

bonus for achievement

A sum of money awarded for reaching a goal.

incentive payment

A broader term that refers to any payment designed to motivate or incentivize specific behaviors or outcomes.

reward for excellence

Focuses on rewarding superior performance or exceptional achievement in a particular area.

FAQs

What exactly does "merit money" mean in the context of college admissions?

"Merit money" refers to scholarships or grants awarded by colleges based on a student's academic, artistic, or athletic achievements, rather than financial need. It's essentially an incentive for high-achieving students to attend a particular institution.

How does "merit money" differ from need-based financial aid?

Need-based financial aid is awarded based on a family's financial situation, considering income and assets. In contrast, "merit money" is awarded based on a student's accomplishments and potential, regardless of their family's financial status.

What are some strategies for increasing my chances of receiving "merit money"?

Focus on achieving high grades, strong standardized test scores, and significant extracurricular involvement. Research colleges that offer substantial "merit-based scholarships" to students with your academic profile, and demonstrate interest in those institutions.

Is it possible to negotiate "merit money" offers from colleges?

Yes, it's often possible to negotiate "merit money" offers, especially if you have competing offers from similar institutions. Highlight your strengths and express your sincere interest in attending the college, while also mentioning your other offers. Providing insight into a family's financial strength may also result in more "merit money".