Alabama Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Alabama Scholarships & Grants

Alabama offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Alabama more affordable.

Key statewide programs include the Alabama Student Grant (ASGP/Act 90) and the Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP).

University of Alabama Scholarship Chart

The University of Alabama offers a transparent and detailed scholarship chart that allows prospective students to estimate their eligibility for automatic merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of high school GPA and standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and they are available to both in-state and out-of-state students.

The chart is updated annually and includes awards such as the Presidential Scholarship, Capstone Scholar, Collegiate Scholar, and more. For example, a student with a 4.0 GPA and a 32 ACT might qualify for full tuition, while those with slightly lower scores may still receive substantial partial awards. Out-of-state students can also receive competitive scholarships that significantly reduce non-resident tuition costs.

Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application to be considered for most of these awards. Instead, they must:

• Apply for admission to the University of Alabama
• Submit official transcripts and test scores (if not applying test-optional)
• Meet scholarship priority deadlines—typically by December 15

To view the most current University of Alabama scholarship chart, visit the official UA Scholarships page. This tool is especially helpful for high school seniors planning their applications, as it outlines exactly what is needed to qualify for specific financial aid packages.

Full-Ride Scholarships in Alabama

Alabama offers several competitive full-ride scholarships that can cover the entire cost of college, including tuition, fees, housing, and books. These awards are often based on academic excellence, leadership, athletic ability, or national recognition.

One of the most well-known is the National Merit Finalist Scholarship, which is honored at schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University. National Merit Finalists may receive full tuition, a housing stipend, and other benefits. Other full-ride options include athletic scholarships offered by Division I and II colleges across the state, covering student-athletes in sports such as football, basketball, softball, and track.

Additional competitive institutional scholarships—such as the University of Alabama’s Presidential Elite Scholarship—may also cover full tuition and include funding for study abroad and a technology stipend.

Scholarships in Alabama for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Alabama can apply for a variety of local and statewide scholarships that support their transition to college. These awards are often based on academic performance, community service, leadership, and financial need.

Some notable options include:

• Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship – Open to Alabama seniors with strong academics and financial need. Awards range up to $5,000 per year.
• Linly Heflin Scholarship – Available to female high school seniors in Alabama pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited Alabama institution. Award amounts can reach $28,000 over four years.
• CollegeCounts Scholarship – Open to Alabama high school seniors with at least a 2.75 GPA who demonstrate financial need. Offers up to $4,000 for four-year colleges and $2,000 for two-year colleges.

Students should also explore scholarships offered by individual colleges and universities within the state, as many schools offer automatic merit-based awards based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores.

Alabama Scholarships for Private School Students

Students attending private schools in Alabama are eligible for a number of scholarships through school associations, religious institutions, and private donors. These awards can support tuition at private K–12 schools or help graduating seniors transition to college.

The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to students attending its member schools. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, faith-based organizations and foundations such as the Catholic Foundation of North Central Alabama and the Baptist Foundation of Alabama offer scholarships to students attending private Christian schools or pursuing religious education.

Private school students should also inquire directly with their school’s administration about internal scholarships or nomination-based awards tied to alumni donors or community partners.

Auburn University Scholarships

Auburn University offers a robust selection of scholarships for both incoming freshmen and current students. These include automatic merit-based scholarships awarded upon admission, as well as departmental scholarships based on a student’s major, GPA, and extracurricular involvement.

Merit scholarships are awarded to students who meet certain GPA and standardized test score thresholds. For example, out-of-state students with high academic standing may qualify for the Auburn Freshman Scholarship for Non-Residents, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. In-state students can benefit from scholarships like the Auburn University Academic Scholarship.

Additional opportunities include scholarships offered through the Office of University Scholarships, college-specific awards (such as the College of Agriculture or the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering), and private donor-funded awards. Auburn’s scholarship application is accessible through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) portal, which allows students to apply for multiple scholarships with a single form.

University of Alabama Scholarship Requirements

The University of Alabama offers automatic and competitive scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students. To qualify for many of these scholarships, students must meet specific criteria, including:

• Minimum GPA: Generally 3.0 or higher (weighted or unweighted, depending on the scholarship)
• Standardized Test Scores: Some scholarships require ACT/SAT scores, although test-optional pathways may apply in certain years
• Application Deadlines: Many scholarships require students to apply for admission by December 15 or earlier

Scholarship programs include the Presidential Scholarship (covering full tuition for National Merit Finalists), the Capstone Scholar, and out-of-state merit scholarships that reduce non-resident tuition costs. Additional scholarships are available through specific departments and colleges at UA, such as the Culverhouse College of Business or the College of Education.

Alabama State Grant Application

Students seeking financial aid through Alabama state programs should complete the Alabama State Grant Application, typically administered through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA by the state’s priority deadline ensures eligibility for several need-based and merit-based state programs.

Completing the FAFSA also allows students to qualify for programs like the Alabama Student Grant Program and the Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP). Students should check with their school’s financial aid office to ensure any additional documents or state-specific forms are submitted as required.

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)

The Alabama Student Assistance Program is a need-based grant available to eligible Alabama residents attending participating in-state institutions. The program is designed to support low-income undergraduate students by helping cover tuition and mandatory fees.

Awards through ASAP typically range from $300 to $5,000 per academic year, depending on available funding and the student’s level of need. Students must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need to be considered. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alabama Student Grant Program (Act 90)

The Alabama Student Grant Program (ASGP), also referred to as Act 90, provides tuition assistance to eligible Alabama residents who are enrolled in undergraduate programs at qualifying independent (private) colleges and universities within the state.

Unlike ASAP, this program is not based on financial need and offers a set award amount—often up to $1,200 per academic year (amount may vary by funding). To apply, students must complete a short grant application (usually separate from FAFSA) and submit it to their school’s financial aid office each term.

This grant is a valuable resource for students attending private institutions such as Samford University, Faulkner University, Spring Hill College, and others approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE).