Are you an Alabama student dreaming of a college education but worried about the costs? Well, you’re in luck! Alabama offers a wealth of scholarships and grants that can help you fund your education. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of finding scholarships and grants in Alabama. So, let’s dive in!
Start Early with Your Alabama Scholarship or Grant Search
The early bird catches the worm, and the same goes for scholarships and grants. Many awards have deadlines early in the year, so start your search as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to apply.
Here are some great places to start for Alabama Scholarships:
- Alabama Student Grant Program – Provides need-based grants to undergraduates attending public colleges or universities in Alabama. Award amounts range from $300 to $5,000 per year.
- Alabama State Nursing Scholarship – Merit-based scholarship for nursing students attending one of the public two-year colleges in Alabama. Award amount is up to $3,000 per year.
- Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Program – For dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Covers tuition and fees at any public college or university in Alabama.
- Alabama Student Assistance Program – Need-based grants for undergraduates at independent colleges in Alabama. Award amounts range from $300 to $4,000 per year.
- Auburn University Scholarships – Auburn offers numerous academic, need-based, merit-based and special interest scholarships. Amounts vary.
- University of Alabama Scholarships – Alabama offers a wide variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduates. Award amounts vary.
- University of South Alabama Scholarships – USA provides academic, merit, need-based and talent-based scholarships. Amounts vary.
- Shelton State Community College Scholarships – Offers academic, need-based and program-specific scholarships. Award amounts vary.
Or, check out the available Alabama Grants programs available:
- Federal Pell Grant – Need-based grant from the federal government. Up to $6,895 per year for undergraduates based on financial need.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – Additional need-based grant for Pell Grant recipients, awarding $100 to $4,000 per year.
- Alabama Student Assistance Program – Need-based grants from $300 to $2,500 per year for undergraduates attending private colleges in Alabama.
- Alabama Student Grant Program – Need-based grants from $300 to $1,200 per year for undergraduates at public colleges and universities in Alabama.
- Federal TEACH Grant – Up to $4,000 per year for students agreeing to teach in certain schools and subjects after graduation.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant – Need-based grant for students whose parent died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. Award amount is equal to Pell Grant maximum.
Here is a comprehensive list of scholarships and grants available to Alabama students with eligibility, award amount, deadline, and application links:
| Scholarship/Grant | Eligibility | Award Amount | Deadline | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Student Grant Program | Undergrads at AL public colleges | $300-$5,000 | Varies | Link |
| Alabama State Nursing Scholarship | Nursing students at AL public 2-year colleges | Up to $3,000 | Varies | Link |
| Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship | Dependents of disabled/deceased veterans | Tuition & fees | Varies | Link |
| Alabama Student Assistance Program | Undergrads at private AL colleges | $300-$4,000 | Varies | Link |
| Auburn University Scholarships | Auburn students | Varies | Varies | Link |
| University of Alabama Scholarships | UA students | Varies | Varies | Link |
| University of South Alabama Scholarships | USA students | Varies | Varies | Link |
| Shelton State Community College Scholarships | Shelton State students | Varies | Varies | Link |
| Alabama Academic Excellence Scholarship | HS seniors, 3.5+ GPA & 28+ ACT | $4,000 | February | Link |
| UA National Merit Scholarship | National Merit Finalists at UA | Full tuition, fees, housing | Varies | Link |
| Alabama Power Foundation Scholarships | AL residents in specified majors | $2,000-$4,000 | April | Link |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | Hispanic heritage students | $500-$5,000 | Varies | Link |
| Alabama Foster Child Grant | Current/prior AL foster youth | Tuition & fees | Varies | Link |
| Federal Work Study | Undergrad/grad students with need | Part-time work | Varies | Link |
| Scholarship for Dependents of Blind Parents | Undergrads with blind parent | Tuition & fees | Varies | Link |
| AL Police Benevolent Fund Scholarships | Dependents of injured/killed police | $500-$2,500 | April | Link |
| AL Credit Union Scholarships | Members of AL credit unions | $1,000-$5,000 | Varies | Check local credit union |
| AL Law Foundation Scholarships | Law students at AL schools | Varies | Varies | Link |
| AL Golf Association Scholarships | HS golfers playing in college | Up to $2,500 | March | Link |
| AL Prepaid Affordable College Tuition | AL residents | Locked-in tuition rates | Varies | Link |
| AL Native American Scholarship | Documented tribal membership | Tuition & fees | Varies | Link |
Know Where to Look for Alabama Scholarship Opportunities
There are numerous places to find scholarships and grants in Alabama:
- Schools: Your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office is a great place to start. They often have information about local scholarships and grants that you may not find elsewhere.
- Online: Websites like scholarships.com and grants.gov provide extensive lists of scholarships and grants available in Alabama.
- Community Organizations: Local businesses, clubs, and civic organizations often sponsor scholarships. Don’t overlook these local opportunities!
Understand the Requirements
Every scholarship and grant has its own set of eligibility criteria. Some are based on financial need, others on academic achievement, and some on specific talents or interests. Make sure you understand the requirements before you apply.
Apply, Apply, Apply
The more scholarships and grants you apply for, the better your chances of receiving aid. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t win the first few you apply for. Keep applying!
Don’t Forget About Optional Alabama Grants
While scholarships often get the most attention, don’t forget about grants. Grants, like the Pell Grant, are a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. They’re an excellent way to fund your education.
Stay Organized
Keep track of the Alabama scholarships and grants you’ve applied for, including deadlines and requirements. Staying organized will help ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.
FAQs for Finding Scholarships or Grants within Alabama
How do you find scholarships I can actually get?
Start by looking at your school, community, and online resources. Understand the requirements and apply to as many as possible. Alabama scholarship searches for high school seniors should be done as early in the high school year as possible.
What scholarships do Alabama offer?
Alabama offers a variety of scholarships based on factors like academic achievement, financial need, and specific talents or interests.
How to get a grant for college in Alabama?
Apply through the financial aid office at your school or through the federal government’s FAFSA program.
What ACT score gets you a full ride at Alabama?
The University of Alabama offers the Presidential Scholarship, which covers tuition for students with an ACT score of 32-36.
