AFFORDABILITY TOOLKIT

In the 2021-2022 academic year, students at The University of Alabama received more than $330 million in merit and competitive scholarships, grants and federal financial aid.

This toolkit explains how you can take advantage of these resources and more 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, visit the Undergraduate Scholarships webpage and select your student type to learn more.

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 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 ScholarshipsSome 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 ScholarshipsBeyond scholarships offered by UA and financial aid, there are hundreds of external scholarship opportunities from private donors, foundations, businesses and other sources.

STUDENT FINANCIAL AID

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 opens each December on the Federal Student Aid website. All federal aid programs require students to complete the FAFSA, so apply early for the best opportunities. 

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 recruiter on the Find My Recruiter webpage.