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Your Two Primary Tools
Reducing the cost of your UA education starts with two things: maximizing scholarship opportunities and applying for federal financial aid. Understanding how each works is your first step.
Scholarships
The University of Alabama offers generous scholarship opportunities to qualifying students. Opportunities are based on your student type and residency. Learn about various scholarship types.
Federal Financial Aid
All three types of federal financial aid are available by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about federal financial aid.
UA’s net price calculator estimates your cost of attendance after scholarships and grants, and it takes about 10 minutes to complete.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Maximizing Your Scholarship Opportunities
UA offers scholarship opportunities at multiple stages of the admission and enrollment process. Maximize your award by pursuing opportunies you qualify for at each stage.
Automatic and Competitive Scholarships Through Your Admissions Application
The UA admissions application includes automatic merit scholarships and many competitive scholarships available to incoming students. Automatic awards are based on GPA and standardized test scores. Competitive scholarships are reviewed for all students who apply by the priority deadline and may consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership, service, work experience and other accomplishments.
Additional Competitive Scholarships via ASAM
Students who are admitted before the priority deadline may apply for additional competitive scholarships through the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM). These scholarships require separate applications or additional information submitted in ASAM to be considered.
Scholarship Opportunities for Current Students
Additional scholarship opportunities are available to current students. These scholarships are supplemental in value to scholarships offering to incoming students and are intended to help defray costs. Current students can access the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM) which lists awards available throughout enrollment. Students are encouraged to check ASAM regularly for new opportunities that match their academic progress, major and background.
External Scholarships
Beyond UA awards and federal financial aid, hundreds of scholarship opportunities from private donors, foundations, businesses and other sources are available. Our best advice is to spend at least one hour each week looking for new opportunities. Ask your high school counselors for their recommendations for specific awards or scholarship search engines based on your achievements. Browse external scholarships.
FINANCIAL AID
Applying for Financial Aid
All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA makes you eligible for the three types of federal financial aid: grants, loans and work-study programs. More than 70% of UA students received financial aid after filling out the FAFSA last year. Students must complete the FAFSA each year to be considered for federal financial aid.
Apply Early
The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Some funds are limited, so apply as soon as possible for the best opportuntiies.
Read Instructions Carefully
Mistakes will delay financial aid and may affect eligibility. Take your time before submitting.
Respond Quickly
Respond to all requests from the Student Financial Aid office as soon as you can to avoid delays.
Grants
Grants are awarded to students who have exceptional financial need; however, not all applicants are guaranteed to receive them. Grants are gift aid provided by federal and state governments and do not have to be repaid. Learn about grants.
Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program provides part-time on-campus and off-campus employment to students. Eligibility for this program depends on financial need and availability of federal funds. Learn about work study.
Loans
Loans are available to assist with educational expenses and must be repaid. Learn about loans.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Reduce Your Cost Before You Arrive
Earning college credit before you arrive at UA can help you make faster progress toward your degree. Fewer remaining credit hours can reduce your overall cost and help you begin your career sooner.
What Counts Toward Credit
- Qualifying AP exam scores
- Qualifying dual enrollment coursework
- UA Early College courses (just $33 per credit hour; first course free)
UA Early College
High school students can earn college credit from The University of Alabama at a reduced tuition rate while still enrolled in high school. Courses are taught by UA faculty and count toward a UA degree upon enrollment.
- Open to qualifying high school students (completed 9th grade, 3.0+ GPA)
- Courses count as official UA credit upon enrollment
- Tuition is just $33 per credit hour ($99 for a typical 3-credit course)
- The required first course, UAEC 200 College Readiness, is free
- Credits can accelerate time-to-degree and reduce total cost
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Typical Questions About UA Affordability
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our team directly.
How much financial aid do UA students receive?
In the 2024-2025 academic year UA students received more than $400 million in need-based and merit-based aid. That figure covers scholarships, grants and federal aid, and more than 70% of students receive financial aid after filing the FAFSA. You can see what you might qualify for on the financial aid page.
What is the net price calculator?
The net price calculator estimates what you will actually pay after scholarships and grants. You answer a few questions about yourself and your family to get a personalized estimate. Get your estimate with UA's Net Price Calculator.
What scholarships are available to incoming UA freshmen?
Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores, along with competitive scholarships built into the admission application. Once admitted, you can apply for additional awards through the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM). Your options depend on your residency and student type. Learn how to apply for scholarships at UA.
Can AP or dual enrollment credits reduce my college costs?
Yes. Credits you earn before enrolling mean fewer semesters to graduate, which lowers your total cost. AP exams and qualifying dual enrollment coursework can count toward your UA degree, and high school students can take UA courses for $33 per credit hour through UA Early College. Confirm how specific credits apply with UA Admissions before you enroll.
When should I file the FAFSA?
File as soon as the FAFSA opens on October 1, because some funds are limited and early filers have the best opportunity to maximize aid. You will need to submit a new FAFSA each year you want federal aid. You can complete the FAFSA online.
How do I find external scholarships?
External scholarships come from private donors, foundations, businesses and other sources outside UA. Set aside about an hour a week to search, and ask your high school counselor for recommendations and reputable search tools. UA offers a starting point on its external scholarships page.
What types of federal financial aid are available at UA?
Filing the FAFSA makes you eligible for three kinds of federal aid: grants, loans and work study. Grants are gift aid you do not repay. Loans must be repaid after you leave school. Work study offers a part-time campus job based on financial need. You can read about each type of federal aid on the student financial aid page.