University of North Alabama Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Estimated tuition and housing costs, plus what families actually pay
- Automatic scholarships and GPA/test score ranges that qualify
- Competitive and donor-based awards worth a look
- How to combine institutional aid with Alabama state grants
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 990–1220
- Average HS GPA: 3.5 (unweighted)
Source: UNA Common Data Set (2024–25) and Undergraduate Admissions page.
Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UNA at a Glance
Automatic merit is the main pathway for aid — most students qualify for some level of admission-based scholarship, and out-of-state students often pay in-state rates via the Advantage Waiver.
Last verified: October 23, 2025
The University of North Alabama offers generous automatic merit awards—especially for students with solid GPAs and test scores—but no confirmed full-tuition or full-ride programs. Out-of-state students often benefit most through the Out-of-State Advantage Waiver, which lowers their tuition to the in-state rate.
Use this guide to see how UNA’s automatic merit ranges stack up against other regional universities, and how to combine them with Alabama state aid or outside scholarships.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UNA remains test-optional through at least 2025. Test scores can improve automatic merit awards if submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 19–26 • SAT 990–1220 (Common Data Set 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? About $13,768 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2023).
Does this school offer full-ride or full-tuition scholarships? No. As of 2025–26, UNA’s largest awards are partial merit scholarships and tuition waivers.
Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–2026 grid): https://una.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
Out-of-State Advantage Waiver: https://una.edu/financial-aid/out-of-state-advantage.html
Common Data Set (2024–2025): https://una.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set.html
Honors College Overview: https://una.edu/honors/
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?101879-University-of-North-Alabama=
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Alabama
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits, flat rate) | $10,200 | $20,400 |
| Housing & Meals | $9,425 | $9,425 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,480 | $1,480 |
| Travel | $1,120 | $1,120 |
| Personal | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Total (before aid) | $23,825 | $34,025 |
• 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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excellence Scholarships (Opportunity, Vanguard, Academic, Valedictorian/Salutatorian) | $1,000–$7,000/yr typical, up to $10,000/yr for top recipients | First-time freshmen; awarded automatically on unweighted GPA and (if submitted) ACT Superscore; higher GPA, rigor, and/or ACT improve offer | No | Yes – maintain full-time and SAP | ~3.3–3.6 for entry-level; 3.7–4.0 with rigor and ACT 24+ for higher tiers (*estimate) | March 2 (priority) |
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|
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.
Why is the table blank? UNA’s main scholarships are automatic or tied to Honors or specific academic programs. Departmental leaders, faculty, and donors may also offer “competitive” scholarships with unique application cycles.
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.
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
🎖️ 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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Tuition Scholarship | $650 per semester (up to 8 semesters) | First-time freshmen admitted to the Honors College | No – automatic with Honors admission | Yes – maintain 3.25 GPA and Honors participation | Incoming Honors freshmen who maintain strong academics each year |
| Honors Housing Scholarship | $4,000/year for up to 4 semesters | First-time freshmen admitted to the Honors College | No – automatic with Honors admission | Yes – maintain Honors standing | Honors freshmen who live on campus and stay active in the program |
| In-State Tuition Classification | Pays in-state tuition rate (saves ~$10,200/year) | All domestic U.S. Honors College students, regardless of state | No – automatic with Honors admission | Yes – while in Honors | Out-of-state Honors students; halves the cost of tuition |
- 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)
- 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.
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.
- 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.
📎 Official Links
- University of North Alabama Homepage
- Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College
- Scholarships & Financial Aid