University of Alabama at Birmingham Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Figuring out UAB costs and scholarships shouldn’t require a decoder ring. This parent-first guide breaks down the real numbers and the awards your student can actually win—step by step, in plain English. If you live in or near Alabama, don’t miss our Alabama state aid guide, and use the College Scholarships Hub to compare UAB with other options.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Alabama at Birmingham
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (30 credits) | $11,310 | $28,140 |
| Housing (average) | $7,880 | $7,880 |
| Meal Plan (average) | $5,330 | $5,330 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Travel | $2,595 | $2,953 |
| Personal | $3,186 | $3,186 |
| Total (before aid) | $31,501 | $48,689 |
Average Net Price: According to federal data, families paid about $16,834 per year after grants and scholarships (no loans) — this is what students actually paid on average in the latest NCES cycle.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: The University of Alabama at Birmingham participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which lets eligible students from participating SREB states pay in-state tuition for select undergraduate and graduate programs not offered in their home state. UAB does not participate in WUE, Flagship Match, or other broad regional reciprocity programs. Non-residents who don’t qualify for ACM may still lower costs through UAB’s automatic scholarships.
Note: ACM is program-specific — not all majors at UAB are eligible. Students must be admitted into an approved program and certified by their home state to receive the in-state tuition rate.
COA & Reciprocity FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Alabama residents who meet residency guidelines receive in-state tuition automatically.
Are there regional discounts for nearby states?
No. Unlike some universities, UAB does not offer border-state waivers or regional tuition matches. Out-of-state students are best served through UAB’s merit scholarships.
Do students need to apply for the COA estimate?
No. The cost of attendance is a standard federal budget UAB uses when building financial aid packages. Families see adjustments only if their student lives off-campus or commutes.
✅ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Provost (In-State) | $8,000/yr | 27–29 ACT / 1260–1350 SAT; 3.5+ GPA OR 30+ ACT with 3.0–3.49 GPA | No | Yes | Solid GPA students with upper-20s ACT |
| Green & Gold (In-State) | $5,000/yr | 24–26 ACT / 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 |
| Blazer (In-State) | $4,000/yr | 22–23 ACT / 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 |
| Presidential Elite (Out-of-State) | $28,500/yr | 32–36 ACT / 1420–1600 SAT; 4.0 GPA | No | Yes | Top-of-class students; covers most of OOS tuition |
| Presidential (Out-of-State) | $22,500/yr | 32–36 ACT; 3.5–3.99 GPA | No | Yes | High scorers just shy of Elite level |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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, you must submit documentation in BSMART by the general scholarship priority dates (January 15 for in-state, May 1 for out-of-state).
⭐ 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).
🎖️ Honors College
UAB’s Honors College is designed for curious, driven students who want more out of their undergraduate years—smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and a community of peers who push each other forward. Admission is selective and requires a separate application through UAB’s honors portal.
What a Typical UAB Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.7+*, strong ACT/SAT (often 28+ ACT or 1300+ SAT*), AP/IB/AICE coursework, and evidence of leadership or service.
*Estimates based on published profiles; exact cutoffs vary by applicant pool.
Perks that Matter:
- Priority registration each semester
- Dedicated Honors housing and learning community
- Small seminars and interdisciplinary coursework
- Faculty mentorship and undergraduate research funding
- Capstone thesis or creative project support
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to UAB’s Honors College. Admission is competitive and selective.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. UAB structures Honors pathways to fit within a four-year plan while adding enrichment opportunities.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships?
UAB mentions research and project funding, but no published evidence of large standalone Honors tuition scholarships. Most students stack Honors perks with automatic merit aid.
When should I apply?
Applications open alongside undergraduate admissions, with priority dates in the fall and final deadlines in early spring. Families should apply early to maximize consideration.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
UAB may not dangle the huge “full ride” scholarships you’ll see at some flagships, but its generous automatic merit awards—especially for out-of-state students—can still make a big difference. Pair that with Alabama’s leading research hospital, nationally recognized health programs, and a supportive Honors College, and you’ve got a strong option in the heart of Birmingham. For first-gen and budget-watching families, the numbers here are clear and easy to plan around.
✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025