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 | Many competitive scholarships are included in the application for admission, including competitive scholarships awarded by Undergraduate Admissions and other departments on campus. Students must apply by the priority deadline for their intended entry term to be considered for these scholarships. Students who are admitted before the priority deadline may apply for additional competitive scholarships via the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM). These gift and endowed fund scholarships require separate applications that must be submitted in ASAM to be considered. |
| 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. The FAFSA for students applying for Fall 2026 should open October 1, 2025. Students must complete the FAFSA each year the wish to be considered for federal financial aid.
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 advisor.