The University of Alabama offers generous scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students. Scholarships are awarded based on a range of factors, which may include academic achievement, standardized test scores, leadership, service, work experience and other accomplishments.
Below you can find full automatic scholarship information for out-of-state or international, first-time freshmen and an overview of competitive scholarships they may be eligible for.
Ready to apply? Visit How to Apply for Scholarships for a step-by-step guide to maximizing your scholarship opportunities.
Automatic Scholarships
Automatic merit scholarships are awarded based on standardized test scores and GPA. These scholarships are included in the UA Undergraduate App and do not require an additional application.
2027 Out-of-State and International Freshman Automatic Merit Scholarships
Scholarship values and names are identical for out-of-state and international students.
| Scholarship | ACT | SAT | GPA | Yearly Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Legends | 25–26 | 1200–1250 | 3.50+ | $6,000 |
| Capstone | 27 | 1260–1290 | 3.50+ | $8,000 |
| Collegiate | 28 | 1300–1320 | 3.50+ | $10,000 |
| Foundation in Excellence | 29 | 1330–1350 | 3.50+ | $15,000 |
| UA Scholar | 30–31 | 1360–1410 | 3.50+ | $24,000 |
| Presidential | 32–36 | 1420–1600 | 3.50+ | $28,000 |
| Presidential Elite | 36 | 1600 | 4.0+ | Tuition+ |
*Composite or Total Test Score from a Single Test Date
+Presidential Elite
A student with a 4.0+ GPA and 36 ACT or 1600 SAT will be selected as a Presidential Elite Scholar and will receive:
- Value of tuition for up to four years or eight semesters for degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate or law studies
- First year of on-campus housing at regular room rate (based on assignment by Housing and Residential Communities)
- $1,500 per year supplemental scholarship for four years
- $2,000 one-time allowance for use in research or international study (after completing one year of study at UA)
Competitive Scholarships
Competitive scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review of academic and non-academic information provided on a student’s admission application.
Premier Competitive Scholarships Awarded by Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
Student Financial Aid and Scholarships awards this set of competitive freshman scholarships based on academics, honors, leadership, service and life experiences.
Please note:
These scholarships may not be combined with each other — students are awarded the highest scholarship for which they qualify.
- UA Competitive Admissions Scholarship — Awarded to students evaluated holistically on academic and non-academic criteria; valued at $6,000 up to tuition.
- UA Competitive Achievement Scholarship — Recognizes demonstrated achievements of entering freshmen, including national distinction in a student’s intended professional or academic area; valued at tuition plus housing and a $1,000/year supplemental scholarship.
Additional Scholarships
- Academic Elite — Awarded to eight students per year who are accepted into the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program.
- National Merit Scholarships — For students recognized as National Merit Finalists or Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
- National Alumni Association — Scholarships awarded by the UA National Alumni Association.
- Academic Common Market (OOS students only) — Allows residents of certain southern states to enroll in out-of-state programs at in-state tuition rates if their home state does not offer that major.
- External Scholarships — Scholarship opportunities available from outside organizations.
Important Scholarships Information
Deadlines and Notifications
Review the Scholarship/Aid Timeline (https://afford.ua.edu/timeline/) for information relevant to your entry term.
Test Scores
Students must submit test scores to be eligible for automatic scholarships. Students who do not submit a test score remain eligible for competitive scholarships.
UA does not use superscores for scholarship purposes. Only official ACT composite scores or official SAT total scores submitted by the testing agency are accepted. Students who self-report test scores on their application must send official scores to be eligible for automatic merit scholarships.
Please review the Admissions Test Scores page (https://admissions.ua.edu/testing-requirements/) for admissions test score requirements according to your entry term.
GPA and Test Score Timelines
Spring 2027
Application deadline and official score reports due by November 2. GPA considered through end of junior year.
Summer/Fall 2027
Application deadline and official score reports due by December 4. GPA considered through end of junior year.
Students who did not meet the priority deadline may be considered for scholarships on a funds available basis. Students may appeal for additional consideration due to extenuating circumstances — visit UA’s Scholarship Policy to learn more.