How to win Alabama scholarships
Alabama is a unique and historical state that offers vibrant cultural traditions. With its deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama is home to many historical landmarks. Students can follow the Civil Rights Trail and visit the Rosa Parks Museum. Alabama is the perfect place to connect your love for history with your scholarship applications in order to make you the strongest candidate to win Alabama scholarships.
Additionally, Alabama is a beautiful state filled with beaches, mountains, and lakes. Writing scholarship applications that share a desire to conserve the beautiful Alabama environment can give you an edge over other applicants. Overall, it is important to combine your passions with the uniqueness of Alabama as a state. This will allow you to showcase your strengths while also proving that you can make a difference in the state of Alabama.
Resources to help win Alabama scholarships
Regardless of where you are in the scholarship search process, Scholarships360 has an abundance of helpful resources! Most scholarships require you to write an essay about yourself, but the most challenging part can be learning how to start a scholarship essay. Luckily, we have you covered! Be sure to also check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay, how to write a 500 word essay, and the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships.
Alabama student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Alabama residents owe $23.5 billion total in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe $37,137 each on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 50.3% of these loan borrowers are under the age of 35.
When looking for ways to fund your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow you to take fewer loans. Be sure to apply for as many as you’re qualified for. Keep on reading to learn more about top Alabama scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Alabama!
Merit scholarships at Alabama colleges and universities
Auburn University
- Eligibility: Applicants are assessed on academic achievement, including GPA, academic rigor, ACT or SAT test score reports, AP or IB test score reports
- Amount: $3,500 up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: December 1
Samford University
- Eligibility: Samford offers academic merit scholarships to incoming freshman and transfer students. Required ACT scores and GPAs vary based on scholarship applied for
- Amount: $1,000 up to $15,000 per year
- Deadline: December 1 or February 15 depending on the scholarship
The University of Alabama
- Eligibility: The University of Alabama offers merit scholarships for incoming first-years. Exact test score and GPA requirements vary based on level of scholarship, but range from 26 – 36 on ACT, 1200 – 1600 on SAT, and 3.0 – 3.5+ GPA
- Amount: $3,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: December 15 or May 1 depending on the semester
Tuskegee University
- Eligibility: Tuskegee University offers merit scholarships for incoming first-years. Exact test score and GPA requirements vary based on level of scholarship, but range from 20 – 32+ ACT, 1030 – 1420+ SAT, and 3.1 – 3.7 GPA
- Amount: $5,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: May 1
University of Alabama, Birmingham
- Eligibility: University of Alabama, Birmingham offers merit scholarships for incoming first-years. Scholarships are merit-based according to ACT/SAT and GPA, and open only to legal residents of Alabama
- Amount: $3,000 up to $10,000
- Deadline: March 1 or September 1
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition is the price that Alabama residents get to pay for Alabama colleges and universities. In-state tuition costs are often less than half regular tuition and can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Here are a few well-known Alabama universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
Auburn University
- In-state tuition: $6,262
- Out-of-state tuition: $16,954
University of Alabama
- In-state tuition: $11,100
- Out-of-state tuition: $31,460
How do you get Alabama in-state tuition?
In-state tuition reduces the cost of Alabama tuition significantly. Therefore, you are probably wondering how you can qualify for in-state tuition in Alabama. Everything starts with establishing in-state residency, so you will have to plan ahead if you know that Alabama is the place for you.
First, you must establish a “domicile,” which simply means that you intend to make Alabama your permanent residence. This involves obtaining an Alabama driver’s license, registering to vote in Alabama, and registering your vehicle in Alabama. In addition, you will need to physically reside in Alabama for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the beginning of the school year.
Take note that residency requirements vary from institution to institution within Alabama. Therefore, be sure to review the specific requirements of your desired Alabama schools to ensure you qualify for in-state tuition.
Does Alabama have tuition reciprocity?
Yes! Alabama is a member of the Academic Common Market which is a regional reciprocity agreement among select Southern states. However, the tuition reciprocity programs between Alabama institutions vary, so make sure to do your research!
Additional Alabama resources
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
The Student Financial Assistance section here is a useful resource for degree seekers who want to learn about financial aid resources, grants, and military benefits for Alabama residents.
Alabama Virtual Library
AVL provides ad-free, safe, and reliable information from databases for all Alabama residents 24/7 free of charge. What an amazing resource, and a model for all other states. Bookmark this one!
FAFSA Guide
Remember, the FAFSA opens up in October and the sooner you complete it, the better. The FAFSA deadline for Alabama varies according to the institution(s) you apply to. Make sure to keep on top of those deadlines! If you are looking for step-by-step guidance on the FAFSA, you can check out our FAFSA guide for assistance.
Keep on reading
There are many scholarships that focus on specific demographics such as women, high school seniors and Black students. Additionally, be sure to check out no-essay scholarships, which make a quick and easy application process. Scholarships360 is here to provide you with important resources and scholarship information to help you in your educational journey!
Frequently asked questions about Alabama scholarships
How can I find Alabama specific scholarships?
Can out-of-state students receive scholarships to attend Alabama colleges and universities?
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