Yeah, New York University does provide scholarships based on merit. Here are some of them:

AnBryce Scholarships
Total Worth: Up to the cost of tuition
Eligibility: Up to the cost of tuition
Minimum Criteria: Academically-motivated and demonstrate financial need
Requirement for maintenance: Minimum GPA of 3.5 and must remain active in program activities
Separate application needed: No

Arch Scholarships
Minimum Criteria: Committed to having a positive impact on the world
Requirement for maintenance: Automatic renewal
Separate application needed: No

Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholarships
Minimum Criteria: Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the principles of community service, humanitarianism, and social progress
Separate application needed: No

New York University provides aids at an average of 35892 per student meeting 56% of students need. 98% of students with need receive financial aid at an average of 33324 need-based grant. They also provide other scholarships including Dean’s Scholarship and Nicholas and Angelica Romanelli Endowed Scholarship.