University of Alabama Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Alabama state aid
Last Updated on February 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: 76%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22–30 (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1110–1360 (CDS 2024–25)
- Average HS GPA:3.68
Source: University of Alabama Common Data Set 2024–25 (Office of Institutional Research & Assessment). 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 →
UA at a Glance
🛑 Easy-to-Miss Traps at Alabama (UA)
- UA does not superscore for scholarship money. Only your student’s best single test date counts for automatic merit. A superscored “higher” composite won’t move them up a scholarship tier.
- UA automatic merit is “numbers + deadline.” Families lose money most often because official scores/transcripts arrive after the cutoff.
- Big competitive packages usually replace (not stack with) the automatic award. If your student wins a major competitive package, UA typically awards the higher package—not both.
- ASAM is the “second application.” Being admitted does not mean you’ve applied for departmental/alumni/continuing awards.
Alabama is one of the few flagships with truly predictable, high-value automatic merit. If your student has a 3.5+ GPA and solid test scores, the UA merit chart can knock out a big chunk of the out-of-state premium—and at the very top end, cover full tuition.
Parents like UA because the rules are posted in plain sight: apply by the priority date, send official test scores if you’re aiming for automatic merit, and use competitive and honors opportunities to stack more. Below we map out what it costs, who usually qualifies, and where the full-tuition awards live.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes for admission through Fall 2026; however, official ACT/SAT scores are required for UA’s automatic merit scholarships and UA does not superscore for scholarship purposes. (UA Admissions & Afford UA, 2025–26)
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 22–30; SAT 1110–1360 (Common Data Set 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $27,800(NCES/IPEDS College Navigator — latest available).
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No broad statewide reciprocity; Alabama is not part of WUE or MSEP. UA primarily discounts OOS via automatic and competitive scholarships.
https://afford.ua.edu/scholarships/out-of-state-freshman/
https://afford.ua.edu/scholarships/faq/
https://oira.ua.edu/d/sites/all/files/reports25/CDS%202024-25%20FINAL.pdf
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/reported-data/100751
💰 Cost of Attendance at The University of Alabama (2026–2027)
📅 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 & Fees | $12,484 | $35,342 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,116 | $15,116 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $27,600 | $50,458 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to UA (tuition/fees and housing/meals). Other expenses are real but vary by family, so we list them here instead of adding them into the table: books (~$700), transportation (~$2,266 in-state / ~$3,330 out-of-state), and miscellaneous + loan fees (~$4,042). Your student’s actual spending may be higher or lower.
🏠 UA Housing Tip (Parents Miss This)
At some large universities, housing priority is influenced by how early you complete the housing steps. If your student is seriously considering UA, don’t wait until May to think about housing—start tracking the housing timeline early.
💸 Hidden Cost Warning (Non-Billed Expenses)
Some UA “college life” choices can add meaningful yearly costs (Greek life, parking, game-day travel, upgraded housing/meal plans). Merit can reduce tuition, but families should still budget for optional add-ons that don’t show up in the tuition table.
📉 Average Net Price (what families actually pay after aid)
Federal data suggests many UA families pay around $21,800 per year after grants/scholarships (your number will differ based on income and merit). For a personalized estimate, use UA’s Net Price Calculator. Learn how net price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) work in our guide: Net Price & SAI explained.
UA participates in select programs that can reduce costs for non-residents (availability varies by major and eligibility). Examples include the Academic Common Market (ACM) for approved majors via SREB state certification, plus competitive merit that can offset the non-resident portion. Always confirm the latest rules and deadlines on UA’s official sites.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at The University of Alabama
Why is the out-of-state total nearly double the in-state cost?
Out-of-state students pay a higher base tuition rate because they don’t receive Alabama’s state subsidy. However, UA’s generous automatic and competitive merit scholarships can significantly reduce this gap—especially for high-achieving students.
Are housing and meal costs the same for everyone?
No. The figures here reflect the average for traditional on-campus housing and a mid-range meal plan. Honors or apartment-style housing can cost more, while older dorms or commuter options cost less.
Why aren’t books and transportation included in the total?
Because they aren’t billed directly by UA. The university only invoices tuition, fees, and housing/meal plans. Indirect costs like books, travel, and personal expenses vary by student, so they’re kept separate for accuracy in aid calculations.
Can out-of-state students qualify for in-state tuition?
Not automatically—but there are pathways. UA participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for select majors, and many students reduce their cost through automatic or competitive merit scholarships that cover the non-resident portion.
Is the average net price really around $21,800?
Yes, that’s the federal average after grants and scholarships. Families with strong academics or financial need often pay less; those without aid may pay closer to the published total.
Does tuition stay the same all four years?
Typically no. UA’s tuition and housing rates may increase slightly each year. However, scholarship amounts usually remain fixed for up to eight semesters as long as renewal requirements are met.
https://afford.ua.edu/cost/
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/reported-data/100751
📅 UA Scholarship Timeline (Simple Version)
- Early December: Competitive/priority consideration window (many major awards live here).
- Mid-January: Automatic merit “paperwork must be in” deadline (application + required docs/scores).
- Late winter / early spring: Many continuing-student + department awards close (ASAM + departments).
Parent rule of thumb: treat the earliest scholarship deadline as your real deadline, even if your student is still college-shopping.
Automatic Merit Scholarships — University of Alabama
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Elite (In-State) | Full tuition + housing + stipend | 36 ACT & 4.0 GPA | No | Yes | Perfect ACT and GPA—very rare | Jan 15 |
| Presidential Scholar (In-State) | Full tuition | 30+ ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Top in-state admits with strong test scores | Jan 15 |
| Foundation in Excellence (In-State) | $9,000/year | 29 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | High GPA + near-30 ACT | Jan 15 |
| Collegiate (In-State) | $8,000/year | 28 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Solid GPA with ACT in upper 20s | Jan 15 |
| Capstone (In-State) | $7,000/year | 27 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Good students just below Collegiate tier | Jan 15 |
| UA Legends (In-State) | $6,000/year | 26 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Consistent 3.5+ GPA with mid-20s ACT | Jan 15 |
| Crimson Achievement (In-State) | $5,000/year | 25 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Strong grades with mid-20s ACT | Jan 15 |
| UA Recognition (In-State) | $4,000/year | 24 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Baseline GPA with ACT in mid-20s | Jan 15 |
| Presidential Elite (Out-of-State) | Full tuition + housing + stipend | 36 ACT & 4.0 GPA | No | Yes | Perfect ACT and GPA—extremely rare | Jan 15 |
| Presidential Scholar (Out-of-State) | $28,000/year | 32–35 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Top OOS admits in 30+ ACT range | Jan 15 |
| UA Scholar (Out-of-State) | $24,000/year | 30–31 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Competitive students with ACT 30–31 | Jan 15 |
| Foundation in Excellence (Out-of-State) | $15,000/year | 29 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | High GPA with upper-20s ACT | Jan 15 |
| Collegiate (Out-of-State) | $10,000/year | 28 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | High GPA, ACT in upper 20s | Jan 15 |
| Capstone (Out-of-State) | $8,000/year | 27 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Solid GPA, ACT 27 | Jan 15 |
| Crimson Legends (Out-of-State) | $6,000/year | 25–26 ACT & ≥3.5 GPA | No | Yes | Mid-20s ACT range with solid GPA | Jan 15 |
Note: Alabama does not superscore ACT/SAT for scholarships. Your highest single test date determines eligibility. Students receive the single highest-value automatic merit scholarship they qualify for — awards do not stack.
Automatic Merit — FAQs (University of Alabama)
When should I apply to qualify for automatic scholarships?
Apply by January 15 for full automatic-merit consideration. Test scores and transcripts must be received by this date.
Does Alabama superscore the ACT or SAT?
No. UA uses the highest single test date for awarding scholarships.
Are these scholarships guaranteed?
Yes — students who meet both GPA and test benchmarks and apply by the deadline are guaranteed the listed automatic award.
Can awards be stacked?
No. Students receive the single highest automatic scholarship for which they qualify. However, it can be combined with external, state, or departmental scholarships.
Are these renewable?
Yes. Automatic merit scholarships renew annually for up to four years with full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA (varies by tier).
Who usually receives UA merit awards?
Students with high GPAs (3.5+) and ACT scores in the mid-20s and up, with the largest awards reserved for top scores and early applicants.
https://afford.ua.edu/scholarships/out-of-state-freshman/
https://afford.ua.edu/scholarships/in-state-freshman/
https://afford.ua.edu/scholarships/faq/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at UA?
| Aid Type | Stacks with Merit? | UA Parent Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit | N/A | Students receive one automatic award (the highest one they qualify for). |
| Major Competitive Packages | Usually replaces | If your student wins a “big” competitive package, UA typically awards the higher package instead of stacking both. |
| Departmental / College Awards (ASAM) | Often yes | These are the “gap fillers” that can help with housing, meal plan costs, and fees—especially for majors like engineering, nursing, business, music. |
| ROTC / Band / Program-based | Often yes | These can stack in many cases, but always check the award letter for “replacement” language. |
| Need-based grants | Usually | Generally meant to fill gaps after merit—FAFSA timing matters. |
If your student is targeting highly competitive, essay-orchestrated scholarships (with interviews or nominations), UA is not a major contender compared to peer institutions. At UA, the largest awards tend to be automatic, with supplemental competitive awards layered underneath.
| Scholarship / Program | What’s Offered / Value | Who Is Eligible / Criteria | Selection Basis | # Awarded | Notes / Stackability | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UA Competitive Achievement Scholarship | Full tuition up to 4 years + $1,000/yr supplement + housing for 1 year | Freshmen meeting the December 5 priority date | Holistic review (academic + leadership + service) | Not published | Higher of automatic or competitive award; not stackable with full-tuition merit | Dec 5 (priority) |
| Alumni Association Scholarships | $1,000–$3,500/yr; some full tuition (e.g., Crimson, Alumni Honors) | Freshmen applying via ASAM; GPA renewal requirement | Holistic review (leadership, community service) | Varies | Some stackable; others replace merit award | Dec 5 |
| Academic Elite (Witt Fellows) | Full tuition + stipend + housing; top award adds research funding | Invited applicants; top academic profile | Holistic, with essay & interview | 7 total + 1 top scholar | Replaces lower merit; not stackable | Dec 5 |
| Current Student Competitive Awards | Varies by department | Continuing UA students | ASAM review + department input | Varies | Often stackable; small amounts | Mar 2 |
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
When is the deadline for flagship scholarships?
All competitive and flagship-level awards at UA use the December 5 priority deadline through the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM). Continuing-student awards usually close on March 2.
How many Academic Elite awards are given?
UA names seven Academic Elite Scholars each year, plus one top Witt Fellow who receives an enhanced package.
Can students receive both automatic and competitive scholarships?
Typically, UA will grant the higher package rather than stacking both. Some smaller alumni or departmental awards may stack.
Does Alabama offer a National Merit package?
Yes — UA’s National Merit Finalist package covers full tuition for up to five years, housing, a $4,000 annual stipend, and a $2,000 one-time research or study-abroad allowance.
What should students prepare for their applications?
Strong essays and activity summaries matter. Families can use our Essay Toolkit and Brag Sheet Builder to organize achievements and write standout responses.
Is UA a Stamps Scholarship partner?
No — the University of Alabama is not a current Stamps partner.
https://afford.ua.edu/scholarships/out-of-state-freshman/
https://ua.academicworks.com/
Honors College at the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama Honors College offers a community of high-achieving students focused on leadership, service, and research. Admission is not automatic — students must apply separately to join. While some high achievers are encouraged to apply, admission is competitive and selective.
- Typical Admit: ACT 30+ and GPA 3.5+
- Application Opens: August 1 (alongside the UA undergraduate application)
- Deadlines: December 15 for University Fellows and Randall Research Scholars consideration
Honors College Scholarships & Fellowships
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Fellows Experience | Full tuition, housing, and $8,000 enrichment fund | Incoming freshmen; essays and interview required | Yes — Fellows application | Yes (4 years) | ~25 students annually with ACT 33–36, GPA ≥3.9, and exceptional leadership/service | December 15 |
| Randall Research Scholars Program | Full tuition + research funding | Students with strong research background and STEM interest | Yes — Randall application | Yes (4 years) | ~25 admits per year; typically ACT 32–35, with prior research experience | December 15 |
| Blount Scholars Program | Partial housing scholarship + interdisciplinary seminars | Open to all majors; focus on liberal arts and discussion-based learning | Yes — Blount application | Yes (maintain standing) | ~100 admits per year; typically ACT 28+, GPA 3.5+, strong writing/essays | February 1 |
*Award amounts and admit profiles reflect recent cohorts. Actual cutoffs and availability vary by year based on applicant pool and funding.*
- Biology & Pre-Health: Departmental scholarships begin sophomore year.
- Engineering: First-year and continuing student awards through the College of Engineering.
- Music: Audition-based awards that can stack with academic merit.
- STEM Teaching: Noyce/APEX awards up to $16,000 per year with teaching commitment.
Honors College — FAQs (University of Alabama)
Is Honors admission automatic?
No. Students must submit a separate Honors College application, which includes essays and academic credentials. Admission is competitive and space is limited.
Can students apply to multiple programs?
Yes. Eligible students may apply to multiple opportunities, such as University Fellows, Randall Research Scholars, and Blount Scholars, using separate applications.
Do Honors programs guarantee scholarships?
No — but programs like University Fellows and Randall include full tuition and enrichment funding for selected students.
Can out-of-state students apply?
Absolutely. Many Randall and Fellows recipients come from outside Alabama and also qualify for UA’s automatic merit awards.
Are Honors courses harder?
They focus on depth and discussion, not added workload. Courses encourage critical thinking and are often taught by top faculty in smaller classroom settings.
https://honors.ua.edu/apply/witt-university-fellows-program/wufp-application-information/
https://rrsp.ua.edu/admissions
https://blount.as.ua.edu/apply/
https://afford.ua.edu/timeline/
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Alabama is the state’s flagship public research university and a nationally recognized R1 research institution. While many families first associate UA with size and school spirit, its academic reputation is anchored in a handful of standout programs— especially business, law, engineering, and its long track record of producing nationally competitive scholars.
Culverhouse College of Business — One of the most visible business programs in the Southeast, Culverhouse is AACSB-accredited and consistently ranked among the top public business schools. It offers strong pipelines in finance, accounting, economics, and management, with notable outcomes for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- School of Law: Well regarded among public law schools, with strong bar passage rates and regional placement throughout the Southeast.
- Engineering: Broad undergraduate and graduate offerings, with particular strength in mechanical, aerospace, and chemical engineering.
- Honors College & National Scholars: UA is nationally known for recruiting high-achieving students and has produced Rhodes, Goldwater, Truman, and other nationally recognized scholars.
- Popular Undergraduate Pathways: Business, nursing, communications, finance, and social sciences attract large numbers of students with clear career pipelines.
🔗 Official University of Alabama Links
Use Alabama’s official university resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship and aid policies, costs, and key data. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, award terms, and official institutional information.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
Undergraduate Admissions
-
Admissions Deadlines & How to Apply:
How to Apply
-
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information:
Scholarships
-
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
Cost of Attendance
-
Net Price Calculator:
https://afford.ua.edu/ -
Common Data Set (Institutional Data):
https://oira.ua.edu/reports/commonDataSet/