AFFORDABILITY TOOLKIT

In the 2023-2024 academic year, University of Alabama students received more than $415 million in need-based and merit-based aid, including scholarships and grants.

This toolkit explains how you can take advantage of these resources to make your UA education attainable and affordable.

Affordability Toolkit

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 TypesDescription
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 ScholarshipsBeyond 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

  1. Apply Early

    Some funds are limited, and you don’t want to miss out.

  2. Read instructions carefully

    Mistakes will delay financial aid and may affect eligibility.

  3. Respond quickly

    Respond to all requests from the Student Financial Aid office as soon as you can.

TYPES OF FEDERAL STUDENT AID

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.