University of North Alabama Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23
- Middle 50% SAT: 1100
- Average GPA: 3.5
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Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of North Alabama at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Scholarship of Distinction — Accounting & Scholarship of Distinction — Computing & Data Analytics)
Average Net Price
$13,768/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$12,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
19 opportunities
2 automatic · 9 competitive · 5 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 20+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Feb 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Scholarship of Distinction — Accounting & Scholarship of Distinction — Computing & Data Analytics
Honors College
Honors Program Available
This is one of those schools that can quietly make a college list work financially. North Alabama leans heavily into automatic merit, which means if your student hits certain GPA and test score ranges, the money isn’t a guessing game—it’s predictable. That’s a big deal for families trying to build a balanced list without relying on “hope scholarships.”
Students who do best here are the ones who want a smaller, more personal campus and are willing to use merit strategically—especially out-of-state families looking for a strong discount. If your student is solid academically but not chasing ultra-selective schools, this is the kind of place where you can lock in real value early and reduce stress later in the process.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of North Alabama is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 1100.
Average net price? About $13,768/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Alabama 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
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 (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$10,200 |
$20,400 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$9,425 |
$9,425 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$19,625 |
$29,825 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,768 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Special Tuition Programs at UNA:
• Border-County Rate: Residents of nearby Mississippi & Tennessee counties pay in-state tuition.
• $250 Scholarship Rule: Any nonresident awarded $250+ in UNA scholarships is reclassified to in-state rates.
• Honors College: All domestic Honors College scholars with an award pay in-state tuition.
Example: A nonresident paying $20,400 for tuition drops to $10,200 once classified as in-state—a savings of about $10,200 per year.
Who qualifies? Border-county residents, Honors College scholars, or any student with at least $250 in UNA institutional scholarships.
How much can you save? Around $10,000+ per year in tuition if reclassified as in-state.
Is it automatic? Yes—classification updates when residency or scholarship eligibility is verified.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Academic & Presidential Awards
📅 Deadline: March 2
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000–$12,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT👥 ~No fixed cap; awards are formula-driven from the published GPA and ACT grid and are subject to annual funding. winners/yrUNA specifies that only U.S. citizens are eligible for freshman scholarships. Homeschooled and dual-enrolled students are eligible under UNA's standard freshman rules.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Here is the good news for families: these awards stack with most other UNA and outside scholarships up to your billed cost of attendance, and there is a bonus baked in for out-of-state students. If your student earns $250 or more in institutional aid, they qualify for the in-state tuition rate, which can be worth roughly $10,000 a year on its own. Housing and athletic awards can have their own stacking rules, so always double-check the award letter.
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Strategic Detail
UNA's automatic freshman merit sits on a two-tier grid. Academic Awards cover unweighted GPAs of 3.00 and up paired with ACT superscores of 20 to 29 and range from about $2,000 to $8,500 per year. Presidential Awards start at ACT 30 and go up to 36, run from about $9,000 to $12,000 per year, and add a $4,000 per year residence-hall housing scholarship on top. UNA superscores the ACT, accepts scores through the April test date, and award amounts are subject to final funding each fall.
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Who Actually Wins
Any first-time, full-time freshman who applies on time with an unweighted GPA of 3.00 and up plus an ACT superscore of 20 or higher lands somewhere in the grid. Academic Awards run from around $2,000 to $8,500 per year, Presidential Awards from about $9,000 to $12,000 plus a $4,000 housing scholarship, and the exact tier is driven by where the GPA and ACT combo falls. Students with a 3.0 GPA and a sub-20 ACT should still apply through the General & Endowed Scholarship Application, because merit money is available there too.
Automaticgeographic
Tennessee Valley Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: March 2
✓ Renews
⚠ Only for freshmen with permanent home addresses in designated AL, TN, and MS Tennessee Valley counties.
👥 ~Automatic for all admitted freshmen in eligible counties; no fixed cap. winners/yrAward is triggered by permanent home address in a listed county at the time of admission and scholarship review.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This one stacks on top of Academic or Presidential Awards and most other UNA and outside scholarships up to billed cost of attendance, which is exactly what you want in a regional add-on award.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $1,000 per year stackable scholarship for freshmen from listed counties in the Tennessee Valley footprint. Eligible Alabama counties include Blount, Colbert, Cullman, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Walker, and Winston. Eligible Tennessee counties include Decatur, Giles, Hardin, Henderson, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Maury, McNairy, Perry, and Wayne. Eligible Mississippi counties are on the same regional list published on UNA's scholarship page.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Any admitted freshman whose permanent home address falls in one of UNA's designated Tennessee Valley counties. It is automatic if the address is on file at the time of admission review, so the biggest risk is a family not realizing they qualify. If you live in the Shoals region of Alabama, southern Middle Tennessee, or northern Mississippi, check the county list before writing off UNA on cost alone.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: UNA does not publish exact dollar tiers for the Excellence Scholarships. On average, institutional awards are around $4,700/year, with wide variance based on GPA, rigor, and test scores. Top automatic merit recipients may reach $8,000–$10,000/year, with renewal subject to year-to-year funding and student progress.
Do I need to apply separately? No, all freshmen are considered automatically for scholarships with their admission application by the March 2 priority date.
Does UNA superscore the ACT or SAT? Yes. UNA considers the highest sub-scores across test dates if you submit test results.
Can automatic scholarships stack with other aid? Yes, in most cases up to billed cost of attendance. Some housing/athletic aid has restrictions; check award letters.
Are there other automatic scholarship perks? Earning $250+ in merit scholarships automatically qualifies out-of-state domestic students (including Honors) for in-state tuition—a savings of ~$10,000 per year. Border-county residents in TN and MS also pay in-state tuition by rule.
Sources:
UNA Scholarships Overview — https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
UNA Academic Excellence Policy and Award Ranges — https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
UNA Freshman Priority Deadlines — https://go.una.edu/scholarships
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some scholarships at UNA require extra steps like applications, essays, or interviews and are limited to a smaller number of students. These awards are not automatic, and the competition means they typically go to students with strong academics, leadership, and service profiles.
App Required
Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 2
✓ Renews
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT👥 ~Limited; amounts and number of awards vary each cycle based on applicant pool and funding. winners/yrOnly U.S. citizens are eligible for UNA freshman scholarships. Home-schooled students remain eligible for the Leadership Scholarship (unlike the Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship).
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Leadership Scholarship stacks with UNA's Academic or Presidential Award and most other institutional and outside scholarships up to billed cost of attendance. Submitting the activity résumé is what unlocks review for both this award and the Leadership Housing Scholarship, so a strong résumé does double duty.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, then submit the UNA Leadership Scholarship application and a detailed one- to two-page activity résumé covering grades 9 through 12 by the March 2 priority deadline. Applicants who submit a Leadership résumé are also automatically considered for the Leadership Housing Scholarship.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic profile (GPA and ACT) plus documented leadership, volunteerism, service, and activities in grades 9 through 12.
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Strategic Detail
Competitive leadership award for entering freshmen. Award amounts vary by review of the applicant's academic profile and activity résumé, and are reset each cycle based on the applicant pool and available funding. Requires a separate leadership application plus a detailed one- to two-page résumé of 9th through 12th grade activities.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who can document real leadership on paper, not just club memberships. UNA reviewers reward officer roles, sustained volunteer service, school and community involvement, and a track record of stepping up, all captured on a tight one- to two-page résumé. A polished résumé matters more here than a slightly higher ACT score.
App Requiredpipeline
Boys/Girls State Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 2
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
⚠ Requires prior attendance at American Legion Alabama Boys State or Girls State.
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT👥 ~Not capped; available to any qualifying Boys/Girls State delegate who submits documentation. winners/yrRequires documented attendance at American Legion Alabama Boys State or Girls State prior to enrollment.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This one stacks with UNA's Academic or Presidential Award and most other institutional and outside scholarships up to billed cost of attendance, so a student who is both a Boys/Girls State delegate and a solid academic fit can layer meaningful money.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, submit the UNA Leadership Scholarship application and activity résumé by the March 2 priority deadline, and upload documentation of American Legion Alabama Boys State or Girls State attendance.
Selection criteria: Verified Boys/Girls State attendance plus leadership résumé and academic eligibility.
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Strategic Detail
Provides $1,000 per year, split as $500 per semester, renewable for up to four years for eligible Boys State or Girls State participants who enroll at UNA and meet renewal requirements.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Any admitted freshman who attended American Legion Alabama Boys State or Girls State and submits proof gets this award — no separate essay or interview beyond the Leadership Scholarship process. If your student earned the Boys/Girls State credential, do not skip this step; it is one of the most reliable four-year commitments UNA makes.
Automatic
Leadership Housing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 2
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT👥 ~Limited number of housing awards each cycle based on program funding. winners/yrRequires the same Leadership Scholarship application and activity résumé; recipient must live in an eligible on-campus residence hall to claim the award.
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Leadership Housing Scholarship stacks on top of Academic or Presidential Awards and most other UNA and outside scholarships up to billed cost of attendance, but UNA lets students hold only one housing scholarship at a time, so it will not stack with the Presidential or Honors housing award.
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Strategic Detail
A two-year, stackable $4,000 per year housing scholarship for Leadership Scholarship applicants. Applies to any on-campus residence hall; not applicable to apartments. Students can hold only one housing scholarship from UNA at a time.
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Who Actually Wins
Students whose Leadership résumé is strong enough to be selected but who are also planning to live in a UNA residence hall — this is not for students moving off campus. Because it is stackable with the main Leadership Scholarship and worth $4,000 a year for two years, it is one of the highest-value hidden benefits of just taking the time to build a good activity résumé.
App Requiredpipeline
Valedictorian & Salutatorian Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
⚠ Only for high school valedictorians and salutatorians with verifying rank letter; not open to home-schooled students.
✎ ~20 ACT👥 ~Available to every eligible val/sal applicant who submits verification. winners/yrHome-schooled students are not eligible for the Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship per UNA policy.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a rare one-time award, but it stacks cleanly on top of Academic or Presidential Awards and other institutional aid up to billed cost of attendance. Even as a one-year award, it is worth the two minutes it takes to route the rank letter.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, then have a high school official email a signed letter to ugalert@una.edu or the UNA admissions counselor verifying the student's rank as valedictorian (rank 1) or salutatorian (rank 2) of the graduating class. Because class rank is often finalized in the weeks before graduation, this scholarship does not have to follow the March 2 priority date.
Selection criteria: Verification of high school class rank (1 or 2) and minimum ACT 20; no holistic scoring.
💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
A $1,000 one-year, non-renewable, stackable scholarship for incoming freshmen who graduate as valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class. Home-schooled students are not eligible.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Any incoming freshman ranked first or second in their graduating class who can get their high school registrar or counselor to send a quick verification letter and hits at least an ACT 20. There is no essay, no interview, and no scoring rubric beyond confirming rank, so the only real risk is forgetting to send the letter.
App Requiredpipeline
National Merit / National Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 2
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
⚠ Only for National Merit or National Achievement Finalists/Semi-Finalists with official NMSC verification.
👥 ~Not fixed; award amount and any Honors participation requirement are set annually by UNA. winners/yrRequires an official NMSC verification letter of Finalist or Semi-Finalist status. Honors College participation may be required for the top award level.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This one is designed to slot into UNA's top Excellence tier and works alongside Academic or Presidential Awards, Honors benefits, and outside aid up to billed cost of attendance. National Merit recognition is one of the few credentials that can push a UNA offer into the highest bracket the university publishes.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission and submit the official documentation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or National Achievement program confirming Finalist or Semi-Finalist status to the UNA Office of Student Financial Aid. Admission to the Cole Honors College may also be required at the top scholarship level.
Selection criteria: Verified NMSC recognition tier drives placement inside UNA's top Excellence Scholarship bracket.
💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
Selection as a National Merit or National Achievement Finalist or Semi-Finalist qualifies students to be considered for one of UNA's top Excellence Scholarship awards. Exact award amount varies by tier and may require enrollment in the Cole Honors College.
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Who Actually Wins
Students formally recognized as National Merit Semi-Finalists or Finalists (or National Achievement counterparts) who submit their NMSC verification letter to UNA. If Honors is required at the top tier and your student is not planning to join Honors, expect the award to be scaled back — so it is worth applying to the Cole Honors College at the same time.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor
Scholarship of Distinction — Accounting
📅 Deadline: June 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
major-specific scholarship up to full cost (tuition, fees, room, board)
✔ Stackable
⚠ Only for U.S. citizen freshmen declaring Accounting as their intended major.
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT👥 ~Cohort-based; limited number of Scholarship of Distinction awards each year. winners/yrOnly Accounting majors are eligible. Switching to another Scholarship of Distinction eligible major (Computing, Data Analytics, IT, Engineering Technology, Occupational Health Science) preserves the award; leaving that group ends it.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is one of UNA's most generous awards, and higher tiers can bundle tuition, fees, and even room and board, so packaging with other institutional aid is subject to cost-of-attendance limits. If the student switches to another Scholarship of Distinction eligible major later, the award follows them; switching out of the qualifying major group ends the award.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, declare Accounting as the intended major, then complete the Scholarships of Distinction application at una.edu/scholarships-of-distinction and upload a résumé, a 3–4 minute self-recorded video answering the program's prompt, and a one-page recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, instructor, or advisor. Priority consideration for fall entry requires submission by June 1.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic profile, video responses, and recommendation letter within the Accounting program.
💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
One of UNA's Scholarships of Distinction for Accounting majors. Award levels vary; on-campus levels may include tuition, fees, room, and board, and off-campus levels may include tuition and fees. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
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Who Actually Wins
Students who are genuinely committed to majoring in Accounting at UNA, hit at least a 3.3 unweighted GPA and a 26 ACT, and can put together a thoughtful video plus one strong recommendation. The video does not need to be professionally produced — reviewers care about clarity of goals, why UNA, and why the major. Off-campus award levels usually cover tuition and fees; on-campus award levels may add room and board.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor
Scholarship of Distinction — Computing & Data Analytics
📅 Deadline: June 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
major-specific scholarship up to full cost (tuition, fees, room, board)
✔ Stackable
⚠ Only for U.S. citizen freshmen declaring CS, CIS, IT, or Data Analytics as their intended major.
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT👥 ~Cohort-based; limited number of awards each year across the Computing majors. winners/yrEntry threshold is a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA OR a 24 ACT composite. Priority deadline for fall entry is June 1 for Accounting, Computing, and Data Analytics tracks.
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Stacking & Combining
Higher tiers can bundle tuition, fees, and room and board, so packaging with other institutional aid is bound by cost-of-attendance rules. Moving between Computing majors (CS, CIS, IT, Data Analytics) preserves the award; moving out of the eligible group ends it.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, declare Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or Data Analytics as the intended major, then complete the Scholarships of Distinction application at una.edu/scholarships-of-distinction with a résumé, a 3–4 minute video, and a one-page recommendation letter. Priority consideration for fall entry requires submission by June 1.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic profile, video responses, and recommendation letter within the Computing and Data Analytics programs.
💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
One of UNA's Scholarships of Distinction for Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, and Data Analytics majors. On-campus award levels may include tuition, fees, room, and board; off-campus levels may include tuition and fees. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
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Who Actually Wins
Students who show up with either a 3.0 unweighted GPA or a 24 ACT (one of the two is enough at the entry level) and are genuinely aiming at Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or Data Analytics. The video and recommendation letter carry weight; reviewers want to hear a real reason for choosing UNA and the major, not a generic pitch.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor
Scholarship of Distinction — Engineering Technology
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
major-specific scholarship up to full cost (tuition, fees, room, board)
✔ Stackable
⚠ Only for U.S. citizen freshmen declaring Engineering Technology as their intended major.
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT👥 ~Cohort-based; limited number of awards each year in Engineering Technology. winners/yrRequires ACT Composite, Math, and Science sub-scores all at 25 or higher. Only U.S. residents may apply.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Higher award tiers can bundle tuition, fees, and room and board, and package sizes are limited by cost of attendance. Students who switch to another Scholarship of Distinction major keep the award; leaving the eligible major group ends it.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, declare Engineering Technology as the intended major, then complete the Scholarships of Distinction application with a résumé, a 3–4 minute video, and a one-page recommendation letter. Engineering Technology applicants must have a 25 or higher on the ACT Composite AND on the ACT Math and Science sub-scores.
Selection criteria: Holistic review with a hard floor on ACT Composite, Math, and Science sub-scores.
💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
One of UNA's Scholarships of Distinction for Engineering Technology majors. On-campus award levels may include tuition, fees, room, and board; off-campus levels may include tuition and fees. Requires ACT Composite, Math, and Science sub-scores each at 25 or higher.
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Who Actually Wins
Students who hit a 3.3 unweighted GPA AND a 25 or higher on the ACT Composite plus the Math and Science sub-scores, and are committed to Engineering Technology at UNA. Because the sub-score requirement is stricter than most UNA awards, families should look at the ACT math and science lines specifically, not just the composite.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor
Scholarship of Distinction — Occupational Health Science
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
major-specific scholarship up to full cost (tuition, fees, room, board)
✔ Stackable
⚠ Only for U.S. citizen freshmen declaring Occupational Health Science as their intended major.
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT👥 ~Cohort-based; limited number of awards each year in Occupational Health Science. winners/yrEntry threshold is 3.0 high school GPA OR 25 ACT composite; only U.S. residents may apply.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Higher tiers can layer tuition, fees, and room and board, so total aid is bounded by cost of attendance. Moving to another Scholarship of Distinction major preserves the award; moving out of the group ends it.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission, declare Occupational Health Science as the intended major, then complete the Scholarships of Distinction application with a résumé, a 3–4 minute video, and a one-page recommendation letter.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic profile, video, and recommendation letter within the Occupational Health Science program.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
One of UNA's Scholarships of Distinction for Occupational Health Science majors. Entry threshold is a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA OR a 25 ACT composite. On-campus award levels may include tuition, fees, room, and board.
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Who Actually Wins
Students who show up with a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA OR a 25 ACT composite and want to major in Occupational Health Science at UNA. The either/or entry threshold makes this one of the more accessible Scholarships of Distinction, so students with a strong ACT but a bumpy GPA (or vice versa) should not self-select out.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: UNA’s only major academic merit scholarships for freshmen are automatic (Excellence tiered awards). Competitive campus opportunities are routed through the Honors College, academic units, and the donor/foundation portal. If major new university-wide awards launch, this table will be updated.
Can freshmen apply for competitive scholarships? Yes, but these are through AcademicWorks, academic departments, or special status (e.g., Boys/Girls State, major-based scholarships), not a university-wide automatic or apply-once process.
Where should I look for more? Departmental sections in the UNA scholarship portal, the Honors College website, and the AcademicWorks donor catalog all post additional opportunities with their own eligibility and cycle windows.
Sources:
UNA Competitive/Departmental Scholarships — https://una.academicworks.com/
UNA Scholarships Overview — https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
Honors College — https://una.edu/honors/
College Ready Parent — https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-north-alabama-scholarships/
Endowed Scholarship List — https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic and competitive awards, UNA has a few programs that can make a big difference for certain groups of students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds or who take on service or ROTC commitments.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: October 27, January 19, and March 16 national boards; campus deadlines vary
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC tuition or housing/meal scholarship with book allowance and stipend
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA👥 ~Varies annually based on Army ROTC national and campus allocations. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ROTC scholarships can cover full tuition and fees or housing and meals, plus book allowance and monthly stipend. They may stack with some aid up to cost-of-attendance limits, but can also change how institutional aid is packaged.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through national and campus Army ROTC scholarship processes, then contract with UNA's ROTC program and meet academic, fitness, medical, and service requirements.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic performance, leadership, physical fitness, medical qualification, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
ROTC coverage may include full tuition and fees or housing and meals, plus book allowance and monthly stipend. Exact benefits depend on Army ROTC award type, year, student status, and contracting requirements.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who are serious about the Army ROTC path, not just students looking for another scholarship. The student needs academic readiness, fitness, medical qualification, leadership potential, and willingness to accept the service commitment.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Band Performance Awards
📅 Deadline: May 1 continuation application; rolling audition dates
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited; based on music department scholarship budget and ensemble needs. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Band awards generally stack with other institutional scholarships up to billed cost, but renewal requires continued ensemble participation and meeting program expectations.
📄
How to Apply
Complete a music department audition and any required scholarship or continuation forms to be considered for band performance awards.
Selection criteria: Awards are based primarily on musical ability, audition performance, ensemble needs, and continued participation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awards commonly depend on audition results, instrument needs, ensemble participation, and available music department funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians who audition successfully and actually participate in UNA marching or concert ensembles. This is performance and participation money, not general music-interest money.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Endowed & Departmental Awards
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies by endowed fund and annual earnings across departments. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
These awards usually supplement other institutional and external aid and can be combined up to cost-of-attendance limits, but terms vary by donor and department.
📄
How to Apply
Complete UNA's general scholarship application in AcademicWorks and any department-specific requirements by March 1 to be matched to endowed and departmental funds.
Selection criteria: Awards are made according to donor-specified criteria such as academics, need, major, involvement, and service.
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Strategic Detail
Umbrella row for endowed and departmental awards. Individual fund details, amounts, renewal terms, and criteria are listed inside AcademicWorks.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who match specific donor criteria, often by major, GPA, financial need, activity, or background, and complete the AcademicWorks application on time. This is the classic hidden-gem bucket: real money, but not one simple scholarship everyone qualifies for.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
First-Gen Student Current Use Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies with annual donor funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to supplement other aid for first-generation students and may stack with merit and need-based programs up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through UNA AcademicWorks and indicate first-generation college status and financial need. FAFSA should be on file for need-based review.
Selection criteria: Selection prioritizes first-generation status and level of financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Current-use donor-supported award for first-generation college students with need. Exact amount and number of awards may vary with donor funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students with financial need who complete AcademicWorks and have FAFSA information available. This is not broad merit money; it is targeted support for students whose family background and financial need match the donor intent.
App Required
Presidential Mentors Academy (PMA)
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (2.7 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$2,600/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~18 ACT👥 ~Cohort-based; limited number of new PMA scholars selected each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
PMA awards may be combined with automatic merit and other scholarships, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits and program requirements.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a PMA application through UNA's AcademicWorks or Presidential Mentors Academy process by February 1, in addition to the general admission and scholarship applications.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic preparation, leadership, background, and engagement potential in PMA activities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
PMA provides annual scholarship support plus book assistance and may extend limited funding into a possible fifth year when program and academic requirements are met.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who fit the PMA mission and are willing to participate in the program, not just students looking for another small scholarship. The best fit is a student who meets the academic threshold, brings leadership or potential, and will engage with mentoring, programming, and cohort support.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Service & Leadership Scholarships (LaGrange Society, Miss UNA, Ambassadors)
📅 Deadline: March 1 general leadership applications; individual campus deadlines vary
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited to number of leadership positions and titles available each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards may stack with other institutional scholarships up to billed cost of attendance, but role-specific benefits and housing awards may have additional restrictions.
📄
How to Apply
Apply, audition, or interview for campus leadership roles such as LaGrange Society, student ambassadors, or Miss UNA through the appropriate campus offices by posted deadlines.
Selection criteria: Selection based on leadership, service record, communication skills, and role-specific performance.
🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Composite row for role-based leadership and service scholarships. Some roles may provide larger awards than others, and requirements vary by campus office.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students selected for visible service and leadership roles at UNA. This is not general leadership money; it is tied to actually being chosen for roles such as LaGrange Society, ambassador positions, or Miss UNA.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Some award values and cutoffs reflect recent UNA postings; categories, amounts, and deadlines may shift by program and year, so always verify in AcademicWorks and with department liaisons.
- Campus organizations, Greek life, and dozens of endowed funds offer additional support; see the UNA AcademicWorks portal for live listings.
- FAFSA is required for all need-based and many donor-based programs.
Can these scholarships stack with automatic or Honors awards? Yes, but total scholarships cannot exceed billed costs. Housing/meal awards may not stack.
How do you apply? Most are through UNA’s AcademicWorks/Scholarship Portal in addition to admission. ROTC has national and campus application cycles. Some leadership scholarships require resume or verification of Boys/Girls State.
Are these renewable? Most are renewable if GPA, participation, or other criteria are maintained. PMA and ROTC may provide up to five years of support.
When are deadlines? PMA is Feb 1, Endowed/departmental is March 1. ROTC and Music/Performance scholarships have federal/national, rolling, and campus-specific timelines.
Sources:
Presidential Mentors Academy — https://una.edu/pma/
UNA General/Endowed Scholarships — https://una.academicworks.com/
Service, Campus Leadership, and ROTC — https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
Music/Band Scholarships — https://una.edu/music/scholarships.html
ROTC National Deadlines — https://rotcconsulting.com/rotc-scholarship-deadlines-board-dates/
Departmental Awards — https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
🎖️ Honors College
The Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College at UNA gives high-achieving students smaller classes, closer faculty mentoring, and scholarships that start automatically upon acceptance. Admission is competitive but holistic, with GPA, rigor, service, and leadership all taken into account—not just test scores.
What a Typical UNA Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA in the 3.7–4.0 range*, challenging coursework (AP/IB/dual enrollment), leadership or service record, and strong writing or interview skills.
*Test scores are optional, but ACT 24+ is considered competitive.
App Requiredhonors
Honors Housing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~No cap beyond Honors admission; every eligible Honors freshman in on-campus housing receives it. winners/yrRequires Cole Honors College admission before enrollment plus a signed on-campus housing contract. Students may hold only one housing scholarship at a time.
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Honors Housing Scholarship layers on top of Academic or Presidential Awards, Honors tuition dollars, and other outside aid up to billed cost of attendance. The catch: UNA only allows one housing scholarship at a time, so this cannot stack with the Presidential Housing or Leadership Housing awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to UNA, then submit a separate application to the Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College (essay and rigor review). Eligible first-time, first-year Honors freshmen who live in an approved on-campus residence hall receive the Honors Housing Scholarship automatically; there is no separate housing scholarship form.
Selection criteria: Follows Honors admission decisions; continued eligibility is based on 3.25 GPA and Honors engagement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
All first-time, first-year freshmen admitted to the Cole Honors College prior to enrollment receive a housing scholarship worth $4,000 per year for up to four semesters, provided they live in on-campus housing and maintain Honors standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen admitted to the Cole Honors College who decide to live on campus for at least their first two years. This is a substantial add-on, but do not include it in the aid picture unless the student is genuinely planning to accept the Honors admission and live in an approved residence hall.
App Requiredhonors
Honors Tuition Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~No cap beyond Honors admission. winners/yrRequires admission to the Cole Honors College and continued Honors participation.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Honors Tuition dollars stack with Academic or Presidential Awards and most other institutional and outside scholarships up to billed cost of attendance, so long as the student meets the 3.25 GPA and Honors engagement requirements each term.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to UNA and complete the separate Cole Honors College application, which includes an essay and holistic review of grades, rigor, service, and leadership. First-time, first-year freshmen admitted to Honors automatically receive $650 per semester for up to eight semesters, as long as they maintain Honors standing.
Selection criteria: Holistic Honors admission review considering GPA, rigor, leadership, service, and writing; scholarship follows Honors admission.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Incoming Honors freshmen receive $650 per semester (about $1,300 per year) for up to eight semesters, subject to maintaining a 3.25 GPA, making progress toward Honors requirements, and staying in good standing in the Cole Honors College.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students admitted to the Cole Honors College who stay active in Honors and hold the required GPA. On its own this is not a huge award, but it is dependable Honors add-on money that most families overlook when they focus only on the headline Academic and Presidential grid.
App Requiredhonorsgeographic
In-State Tuition Classification (Honors)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
⚠ Only for domestic out-of-state students admitted to the Cole Honors College.
👥 ~Not capped; applied to every eligible out-of-state Honors student. winners/yrOnly available to domestic U.S. students admitted to the Cole Honors College from outside Alabama; requires ongoing Honors standing.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is technically a tuition classification change, not a scholarship line item, but the annual savings versus non-resident tuition often exceeds any single scholarship UNA offers. It layers cleanly with Academic or Presidential Awards, Honors tuition and housing dollars, and outside aid up to billed cost.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be admitted to the Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College as a domestic U.S. student from outside Alabama. Honors admission automatically triggers in-state tuition classification for eligible out-of-state Honors students; no separate residency waiver application is required.
Selection criteria: Granted with Honors admission for eligible out-of-state domestic students; continued based on Honors standing.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UNA classifies domestic U.S. residents admitted to the Cole Honors College as in-state for tuition purposes, regardless of home state. The annual value equals the current out-of-state minus in-state tuition delta and should be refreshed each year against UNA's published tuition schedule.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Out-of-state domestic students admitted to the Cole Honors College who stay in good Honors standing. For non-Alabama families, this may be the single biggest reason to consider UNA — the in-state reclassification often saves roughly $10,000 per year compared with standard out-of-state tuition, on top of any other scholarships.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
- Experiential Learning Support: Scholarships and travel funding for Honors students on study abroad/study away/research projects (continuing students apply within Honors)
- Endowed Honors Scholarships: Additional donor awards available through UNA’s AcademicWorks portal (apply as a continuing Honors student)
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Priority registration and small Honors seminars
- Dedicated Honors housing and community space
- Faculty mentoring and thesis support
- Funding for study abroad and research experiences
- Special transcript and diploma designation
Is admission automatic? No; students must apply separately to the Cole Honors College.
Does Honors add extra time to graduation? No. Honors classes frequently substitute for standard core requirements.
Do I need to apply for Honors scholarships? No—all listed awards are automatic with Honors admission.
Can awards stack with other scholarships? Yes—up to direct billed cost of attendance. Only one housing award may be claimed at a time.
Sources:
Cole Honors College Overview — https://una.edu/honors/
UNA Honors College Scholarships — https://una.edu/honors/admissions-scholarships.html
UNA AcademicWorks — https://una.academicworks.com/
Tuition and Fees — https://una.edu/tuition
⭐ College Specialty
UNA may be a midsize public university, but it has carved out a strong reputation in a few fields that give students a clear edge after graduation. Whether your student is eyeing the music industry, healthcare, or business, UNA has programs with proven outcomes and statewide or national recognition.
Standout Program: UNA’s Entertainment Industry degree is one of the most established in the Southeast, offering hands-on training in professional recording studios and live-event venues. With a 50+ year history, the program has produced alumni working across Nashville, Muscle Shoals, and beyond.
- Business (AACSB Accredited) — Sanders College of Business & Technology is AACSB-accredited, placing it among the top ~6% of business schools worldwide.
- Nursing — Anderson College of Nursing & Health Professions posts some of the highest NCLEX pass rates in Alabama (98%+ in recent years).
- Education — Teacher preparation programs with strong placement across Alabama’s public school districts; consistently recognized for affordability and accessibility.
Final Thoughts
For families looking at the University of North Alabama, the takeaway is clear: this is a school where scholarships can really move the needle. Between automatic awards, special tuition reclassifications, the Presidential Mentors Academy, and the Honors College’s built-in benefits, many students will pay far less than the sticker price. If your student is willing to apply early, stay engaged, and look at hidden gems like leadership or band scholarships, UNA can be one of the most affordable paths to a four-year degree in Alabama.
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