University of Alabama at Birmingham Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 5, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% ACT: 1150
- Middle 50% SAT: 25
- Average HS GPA: ~3.8 (entering class)
Source: UAB Institutional Data & BigFuture (2025 cycle). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UAB at a Glance
UAB offers a clear merit structure with separate pathways for in-state and out-of-state students. The top out-of-state award, Presidential Elite, can reach $28,500 per year. In-state students can earn strong automatic scholarships like the Presidential, Provost, and Blazer awards, with Honors and departmental supplements stacking on top.
Use this guide to understand how automatic merit, competitive awards, and special programs fit together — and when to apply for each.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UAB remains test-optional through Fall 2026 for both admission and merit.
What is the average net price? Around $17,413/year after grants and scholarships, per NCES.
Does UAB offer reciprocity or regional waivers? UAB participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for select majors; otherwise, no border-state discounts.
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/
https://www.uab.edu/financialaid/types/scholarships
https://www.uab.edu/honors/
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?101879-University-of-Alabama-at-Birmingham
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=101879
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Alabama at Birmingham
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $11,310 | $28,140 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,210 | $13,210 |
| Total (before aid) | $24,520 | $41,350 |
Note: We list only direct-billed costs (tuition, housing, meals). Other estimated expenses include Books: $1,200, Travel: $2,595 (in-state) / $2,953 (OOS), and Personal: $3,186. These vary by student.
UAB participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), allowing students from participating states to pay in-state rates for certain programs not offered in their home state. UAB does not offer WUE or border-state tuition waivers.
Note: ACM is program-specific; students must be admitted to an approved program and certified by their home state to qualify.
COA & Reciprocity FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Alabama residents automatically qualify based on residency guidelines.
Are there regional discounts for nearby states?
No general border-state waiver. Out-of-state students can offset tuition with UAB’s merit scholarships or ACM eligibility.
Do students need to apply for the COA estimate?
No. COA is the standard federal estimate UAB uses for financial aid packaging.
https://www.uab.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost
https://www.uab.edu/financialaid/types/scholarships
https://www.sreb.org/academic-common-market
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?101879-University-of-Alabama-at-Birmingham
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=101879
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UAB automatically considers admitted students for merit aid based on GPA and test scores. No extra application is required—just apply for admission by the priority deadline. Test-optional students are also eligible, though award ranges differ slightly.
Important: UAB does not superscore the ACT or SAT. Only a single composite score from one test date is considered for scholarships. Make sure your student sends their highest full test attempt.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential (In-State) | $12,000/yr | 30–36 ACT or 1360–1600 SAT; 3.5+ GPA | No | Yes | High-achieving Alabama students in the top ACT/SAT bands | Jan 15 (in-state) |
| Provost (In-State) | $8,000/yr | 27–29 ACT or 1260–1350 SAT; 3.5+ GPA OR 30+ ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | Solid GPA students with upper-20s ACT | Jan 15 (in-state) |
| Green & Gold (In-State) | $5,000/yr | 24–26 ACT or 1160–1250 SAT; 3.5+ GPA OR 27–29 ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | B+ students with solid but not top test scores | Jan 15 (in-state) |
| Blazer (In-State) | $4,000/yr | 22–23 ACT or 1100–1150 SAT with 3.5+ GPA OR 24–26 ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | Students with GPAs above 3.5 and mid-20s ACT scores | Jan 15 (in-state) |
| Presidential Elite (Out-of-State) | $28,500/yr | 32–36 ACT or 1420–1600 SAT; 4.0 GPA | No | Yes | Top-of-class students; covers most of OOS tuition | May 1 (out-of-state) |
| Presidential (Out-of-State) | $22,500/yr | 32–36 ACT; 3.5–3.99 GPA | No | Yes | High scorers just shy of Elite level | May 1 (out-of-state) |
| Provost (Out-of-State) | $17,500/yr | 27–31 ACT; 3.5+ GPA OR 30+ ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | Out-of-state students with upper-20s to low-30s ACT | May 1 (out-of-state) |
| Green & Gold (Out-of-State) | $9,500/yr | 24–26 ACT; 3.5+ GPA OR 27–29 ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | Strong GPA but mid-range test scores | May 1 (out-of-state) |
| Blazer (Out-of-State) | $7,500/yr | 22–23 ACT with 3.5+ GPA OR 24–26 ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | Students just above the admission minimums but with high GPA | May 1 (out-of-state) |
Note: GPA and test cutoffs are set by UAB; awards are fixed by band. Test-optional students with GPA ≥ 3.25 are considered for awards ranging $4,000–$12,000 (in-state) and $7,500–$28,500 (out-of-state).
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. UAB automatically considers admitted students for these awards.
Are test scores required?
No. Test-optional applicants with a 3.25+ GPA can still earn automatic merit, though the award ranges may be smaller than test-score applicants.
Does UAB superscore?
No. UAB does not superscore ACT or SAT results—only full composite scores from a single test date count toward scholarships.
Can these scholarships stack with other aid?
They generally cannot be combined with other admission-based merit. Students may still add need-based grants, Pell, or departmental awards.
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/costs-scholarships/scholarships/freshmen/in-state
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/costs-scholarships/scholarships/freshmen/out-of-state
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/apply/test-optional
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/apply/freshman
https://students.uab.edu/financial-aid-overview/scholarships/renewal/
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/faq/scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic merit, these awards require extra steps—such as naming UAB as your top choice with the National Merit office or submitting certificates through UAB’s scholarship portal. They’re limited in number and designed to recognize national achievement, so competition can be steep.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Finalist | $4,000/yr | National Merit Finalist; must designate UAB as first-choice school | Yes — via National Merit process | Yes | Students who earn Finalist standing and formally select UAB | By National Merit deadline |
| National Recognition Program Scholar | $2,500/yr | Recognized by College Board’s National Recognition Program | Yes — submit certificate in BSMART portal | Yes | Students acknowledged for academic excellence in underrepresented groups | Jan 15 (in-state) / May 1 (OOS) |
| IB or Cambridge AICE Diploma Holder | $2,500/yr | Earned full IB Diploma or Cambridge AICE Diploma | Yes — upload diploma in BSMART | Yes | High school grads with advanced international curriculum credentials | Jan 15 (in-state) / May 1 (OOS) |
| IB or Cambridge AICE Diploma Candidate | $1,000/yr | Participated in IB or AICE program without full diploma | Yes — upload candidate proof | Yes | Students who completed substantial IB or AICE coursework | Jan 15 (in-state) / May 1 (OOS) |
Note: Students are eligible for only one of these national/recognition awards—the highest one they qualify for. They can be stacked on top of automatic merit scholarships.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What makes these competitive?
They’re tied to external recognitions like National Merit or IB/AICE diplomas. Only students who achieve those distinctions qualify.
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. National Merit students must name UAB as first choice; other recognitions require uploading documentation in UAB’s BSMART portal.
Can these stack with automatic merit?
Yes. UAB allows you to combine one national/recognition award with your automatic merit scholarship.
When are the deadlines?
National Merit follows College Board deadlines. For IB/AICE and National Recognition Scholars, submit documentation in BSMART by Jan 15 (in-state) or May 1 (OOS).
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/costs-scholarships/scholarships/freshmen/in-state
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/costs-scholarships/scholarships/freshmen/out-of-state
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/faq/scholarships/
https://students.uab.edu/financial-aid-overview/scholarships/renewal/
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/apply/freshman
🎖️ Honors College
UAB’s Honors College is for driven students seeking challenging academics, a tight-knit peer community, and support on research, service, or creative projects. Admission is competitive and by separate application through the Honors College portal, with deadlines aligned to the undergraduate admissions cycle.
What a Typical UAB Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA typically 3.7+ in high school, often with 28+ ACT or 1300+ SAT (when submitted), AP/IB/AICE rigor, and a strong record of leadership or service projects.
*Estimates reflect recent recipient data; exact cutoffs depend on the year’s applicant pool.
- Priority course registration every term
- Honors housing with a built-in learning community
- Small honors seminars and interdisciplinary classes
- Faculty mentors for research, creative work, and thesis
- Unique funding for undergraduate research and capstone projects
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. You must submit a dedicated application (often including essays and a résumé); selection is holistic and competitive.
Is Honors a “fifth year” or extra credits?
No. Honors is structured to fit a standard four-year bachelor’s, supplementing required courses with enriched, flexible options.
Are there tuition scholarships for Honors?
UAB lists funding for research, study abroad, and senior projects—but not general, full-tuition scholarships exclusive to Honors students. Most UAB Honors attendees receive merit aid through UAB’s automatic scholarship grid.
When do I apply?
Honors College priority deadlines match general admissions—typically in the fall for early review, with a final spring deadline. Earlier is better for access to the full suite of opportunities.
https://www.uab.edu/honors/
https://www.uab.edu/honors/apply
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/costs-scholarships/scholarships/honors-college
⭐ College Specialty
UAB isn’t just another urban university—it’s a powerhouse in health care and research with a national reputation. Families who choose UAB are often looking for the blend of a strong medical center, cutting-edge labs, and a wide set of career pipelines right in Birmingham’s city core. As a public R1 research university, UAB attracts major federal funding and offers opportunities you’d usually find at a flagship campus.
Standout Program: Health Professions & Medical Research — UAB’s School of Medicine and School of Health Professions are nationally ranked, supported by one of the largest academic medical centers in the U.S. The university is consistently in the top tier of NIH funding, making it Alabama’s hub for future doctors, nurses, and health researchers.
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center — Alabama’s only NCI-designated cancer center; one of just 56 nationwide (NCI, 2025).
- Biomedical & Life Sciences — Ranked among the top public institutions for NIH research funding (UAB News, 2024).
- Engineering & Cybersecurity — Home to advanced cyber forensics labs with partnerships involving the FBI and Homeland Security; known regionally for computer science and information security.
- Public Health — UAB’s School of Public Health is nationally recognized, with graduate programs consistently in the top 20 (U.S. News, 2024).