UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
The University of Alabama offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the country. Opportunities are based on your student type and residency. Learn about various scholarship types below.
| Freshman Scholarship Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Merit Scholarships | Admitted students who have chosen to submit standardized test scores or are designated National Merit Scholars are eligible for these scholarships. |
| Competitive Scholarships | Admitted students who have met the priority deadline for their entry term are eligible for the UA Competitive Admissions Scholarship, other competitive scholarships awarded by Undergraduate Admissions and departments on campus, as well as gift and endowed fund scholarships. |
| Supplemental Scholarships | Some UA Gift and Endowed Fund Scholarships require a separate application. Once admitted to UA, you can apply for these through our Freshman Supplemental Scholarship Application through the priority deadline for your entry term. |
| External Scholarships | Beyond scholarships offered by UA and financial aid, there are hundreds of external scholarship opportunities from private donors, foundations, businesses and other sources. |
Visit the Undergraduate Scholarships webpage and select your student type to learn more.
FAFSA APPLICATION
To apply for federal financial aid, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More than 40% of UA students received federal financial aid after filling out the FAFSA. FAFSA opens each academic year. Students must complete the FAFSA each year they wish to be considered for federal financial aid, and they are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunities.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Apply Early
Some funds are limited, and you don’t want to miss out.
Read instructions carefully
Mistakes will delay financial aid and may affect eligibility.
Respond quickly
Respond to all requests from the Student Financial Aid office as soon as you can.
TYPES OF FEDERAL STUDENT AID
Grants are awarded to students who have exceptional financial need; however, not all applicants are guaranteed to receive them. Grants are gift aid provided by federal and state governments and do not have to be repaid.
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program provides part-time on-campus and off-campus employment to students. Eligibility for this program depends on financial need and availability of federal funds.
Loans are available to assist with educational expenses and must be repaid.
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Our best advice is to spend at least one hour each week looking for new scholarship opportunities. Ask your high school counselors for their recommendations for specific awards or scholarship search engines, based on your achievements.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
If you still have questions, contact us. Or reach out to your local admissions recruiter on the Find My Recruiter webpage.