The University of Alabama (UA) Freshman Scholarships 2027 provide incoming first-year students with several opportunities to reduce the cost of an undergraduate education in the United States. The university offers automatic merit scholarships based primarily on GPA and standardized test scores, alongside competitive scholarships that consider academic achievements, leadership, service, honors and other accomplishments.
Admission for international and out-of-state students, the 2027 automatic merit awards range from $6,000 to $28,000 per year, with the highest automatic award, the Presidential Elite, offering tuition plus additional benefits to students who meet the required academic and test-score thresholds.
This publication explains the available freshman scholarships, eligibility requirements, award amounts, deadlines, application process and what international students should know when applying for the 2027 academic year.
University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships Facts & Quick Verification
| Scholarship Detail | 2027 Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Alabama |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Applicant category | First-time freshmen |
| International students | Eligible |
| Out-of-state students | Eligible |
| Automatic scholarship | Yes |
| Competitive scholarships | Yes |
| Automatic scholarship GPA | 3.50+ for out-of-state/international students |
| Test scores | ACT/SAT required for automatic scholarship consideration |
| Highest standard automatic award | $28,000/year |
| Highest award | Presidential Elite |
| Priority deadline for Summer/Fall 2027 | December 4, 2026 |
| Automatic scholarship deadline for admitted students | December 15, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 scholarship deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Application | University of Alabama undergraduate admission application |
The University of Alabama’s current scholarship page specifically lists the 2027 out-of-state and international freshman scholarship amounts and requirements.
University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships Coverage & Requirements
Out-of-State and International Freshman Automatic Scholarships
| Scholarship | ACT | SAT | Minimum GPA | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Legends | 25–26 | 1200–1250 | 3.50+ | $6,000 |
| Capstone | 27 | 1260–1290 | 3.50+ | $8,000 |
| Collegiate | 28 | 1300–1320 | 3.50+ | $10,000 |
| Foundation in Excellence | 29 | 1330–1350 | 3.50+ | $15,000 |
| UA Scholar | 30–31 | 1360–1410 | 3.50+ | $24,000 |
| Presidential | 32–36 | 1420–1600 | 3.50+ | $28,000 |
| Presidential Elite | 36 | 1600 | 4.00+ | Tuition + additional benefits |
These awards apply to qualifying out-of-state and international first-time freshmen. The ACT requirement refers to a composite score and the SAT requirement to a total score from a single test date.
Official Source of University of Alabama Freshman Scholarship Verification
The University of Alabama administers its freshman scholarship programs through its undergraduate admissions and financial-aid system.
The university divides freshman scholarships into two broad categories:
- Automatic merit scholarships
- Competitive scholarships
Automatic awards are based on qualifying GPA and standardized test scores, while competitive scholarships use a broader assessment of the student’s academic and non-academic achievements.
The university’s official scholarship information should be treated as the final authority because scholarship amounts, requirements and deadlines can change between admission cycles.
Official scholarship information: University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships
Step-by-Step Roadmap of University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships
Students planning to enter the University of Alabama in 2027 should approach the scholarship process as part of their admission application rather than waiting until after admission.
Step 1: Determine Your Student Category
First establish whether you are:
- An Alabama resident
- An out-of-state U.S. student
- An international student
The scholarship amounts differ according to student category.
Step 2: Review Your Academic Profile
For international and out-of-state freshmen, the automatic scholarship tiers require a minimum 3.50 GPA.
Your GPA is considered together with the qualifying ACT or SAT score.
Step 3: Take the SAT or ACT
A test score is required for consideration for the automatic merit scholarships.
Importantly, UA does not use superscores for scholarship purposes. It uses an official ACT composite or SAT total score from a single test date.
Step 4: Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Submit your University of Alabama freshman application and supporting documents.
Step 5: Submit Official Test Scores
If you self-report a score on your application, official scores must subsequently be sent by the testing agency for automatic scholarship consideration.
Step 6: Meet the Scholarship Deadline
For Summer/Fall 2027, the current priority deadline for application and official score reports is December 4, 2026.
Step 7: Apply for Competitive Scholarships
Students admitted by the appropriate deadline may receive access to additional competitive opportunities through the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM).
For Fall/Summer 2027, the competitive scholarship deadline is December 4, 2026.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application
Continue checking your UA admission and scholarship portals for decisions, requests for documents and scholarship notifications.
Supporting Academic Development
The University of Alabama’s scholarship system is designed to attract academically strong students while also recognizing leadership, service and other achievements.
Automatic scholarships provide a straightforward way for students with strong academic credentials and qualifying test scores to receive merit assistance.
Competitive scholarships take a broader approach, considering factors such as:
- Academic achievement
- Honors
- Leadership
- Community service
- Life experiences
- Professional or academic accomplishments
This means that students who do not qualify for the highest automatic award may still have opportunities to compete for additional funding.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
Most automatic merit scholarships are structured as annual awards and can provide support for multiple years of undergraduate study, subject to the university’s scholarship renewal requirements.
The exact amount depends on the scholarship received.
For example:
- Crimson Legends: $6,000 per year
- Capstone: $8,000 per year
- Collegiate: $10,000 per year
- Foundation in Excellence: $15,000 per year
- UA Scholar: $24,000 per year
- Presidential: $28,000 per year
The Presidential Elite Scholarship
The Presidential Elite is the highest automatic merit scholarship listed for out-of-state and international freshmen.
To qualify, students need:
- 36 ACT
- 1600 SAT
- 4.0+ GPA
The benefits include:
- Tuition for up to four years or eight semesters
- First-year on-campus housing at the regular room rate, subject to housing assignment
- $1,500 supplemental scholarship per year for four years
- A one-time $2,000 allowance for research or international study after completing one year at UA
This makes the Presidential Elite particularly significant for international students seeking substantial financial support for undergraduate study in the United States.
The Scholarship Mission
The University of Alabama uses scholarships to attract high-achieving students from Alabama, across the United States and internationally.
The university’s scholarship system recognizes that academic achievement can be demonstrated in different ways.
Automatic scholarships provide predictable awards for students who reach specified GPA and testing thresholds, while competitive scholarships provide additional opportunities for students with distinctive achievements and leadership backgrounds.
Eligible Courses
The freshman scholarships are generally not restricted to a particular field of study.
Students can pursue undergraduate degrees across many areas of the University of Alabama, including:
Business
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Marketing
- Management
- Business analytics
Engineering
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Aerospace engineering
Computer and Technology
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Cybersecurity
- Data-related programs
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Environmental sciences
Social Sciences
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Economics
- International studies
Humanities and Arts
- English
- History
- Communication
- Theatre
- Music
- Art
Students should confirm the specific admission requirements for their chosen degree because some programs may have additional requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The freshman scholarship program is intended for first-time undergraduate students entering the University of Alabama.
International and out-of-state students are eligible for the university’s published freshman merit scholarships.
Applicants should generally:
- Be applying for first-year undergraduate admission.
- Have completed or be completing secondary/high school education.
- Meet UA admission requirements.
- Meet the applicable GPA requirement.
- Submit a qualifying ACT or SAT score for automatic merit scholarship consideration.
- Submit their application and supporting materials by the relevant scholarship deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
1. First-time freshman status
The scholarships described here are for incoming first-year undergraduate students.
2. Academic achievement
For out-of-state and international students, a 3.50+ GPA is required for the automatic merit scholarship tiers.
3. Standardized test score
Students must submit a qualifying ACT or SAT score to receive consideration for automatic merit scholarships.
4. Official score submission
Official ACT composite or SAT total scores must be submitted by the testing agency.
UA does not use superscores for automatic scholarship purposes.
5. Complete application
Students must submit the University of Alabama admission application and required supporting documents.
University of Alabama Freshman Admission Requirements
Scholarship eligibility is separate from admission eligibility.
For freshman admission, UA currently lists minimum high-school coursework including:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of mathematics
- 3 units of natural sciences, including two courses with laboratory components
- 10 additional academic units, with UA recommending subjects such as social sciences, history, fine arts, computer literacy, additional mathematics/science and world languages.
For students entering in 2027, UA is also changing its standardized-testing approach. Students with a cumulative high-school GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an ACT or SAT score for admission, while students with a 3.0+ GPA can apply without a test score for admission. However, test scores remain necessary for automatic scholarship consideration.
This distinction is important for scholarship applicants.
International Student Requirements
The International students applying as freshmen must satisfy UA’s international admission requirements in addition to scholarship requirements.
International applicants should be prepared to submit:
- Official secondary-school transcripts
- Required immigration/visa documentation
- English-language proficiency evidence where applicable
- SAT or ACT scores for automatic scholarship consideration
UA states that students applying for a 2027 entry term with a cumulative high-school GPA below 3.0 must submit an ACT or SAT score for admission. Regardless of GPA, test scores are required for automatic scholarship consideration.
International students should also remember that receiving a scholarship does not necessarily mean that all remaining educational and living expenses are covered.
What Makes These Scholarships Attractive?
One of the biggest advantages of the University of Alabama scholarship system is the range of awards.
A student does not have to win a single highly selective full scholarship to receive meaningful funding.
Instead, the university provides several automatic tiers.
For example, an international applicant with a 3.5+ GPA and 1420 SAT may qualify for the $28,000 Presidential award, while a student with a 3.5+ GPA and 1300 SAT may qualify for the $10,000 Collegiate award.
This tiered approach makes UA particularly attractive to academically strong international students.
Competitive Scholarships
In addition to automatic awards, students can compete for scholarships through a more holistic selection process.
The university lists awards including:
UA Competitive Admissions Scholarship
This award is valued from $6,000 up to tuition for eligible out-of-state/international freshmen.
UA Competitive Achievement Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes entering students who have demonstrated significant achievements, including national distinction in their intended professional or academic area.
It can provide tuition plus housing and a $1,000 annual supplemental scholarship.
Other opportunities include:
- Academic Elite
- National Merit Scholarships
- National Alumni Association scholarships
- College and departmental scholarships
- External scholarships
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
Prospective students should be cautious when using social-media discussions and student forums to determine scholarship eligibility.
Individual students may describe receiving different scholarship packages depending on their year, residency, GPA, test scores and other factors.
The most reliable information is the University’s current scholarship table.
For 2027, the official UA information clearly shows that GPA and standardized-test performance remain central to automatic merit scholarship consideration, while competitive scholarships consider a broader range of achievements.
Therefore, students should not rely on old scholarship charts circulating online.
About the University of Alabama Offering the Scholarships
The University of Alabama is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
It is the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System and offers a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate programs.
For international students, the university provides dedicated international admissions and student support services.
UA’s scholarship system is one of the reasons the university attracts a significant number of high-achieving students from outside Alabama and from other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Alabama offer full scholarships to international students?
Yes. The university’s Presidential Elite award provides tuition plus additional benefits to qualifying international and out-of-state students. However, it is extremely competitive because it requires a 36 ACT or 1600 SAT and 4.0+ GPA.
What GPA do international students need for an automatic scholarship?
For the 2027 out-of-state and international freshman automatic scholarships, the minimum GPA listed is 3.50.
Is SAT or ACT required for scholarships?
Yes. A qualifying standardized test score is required for automatic merit scholarship consideration.
Does UA superscore the SAT or ACT for scholarships?
No. UA does not use superscores for automatic scholarship purposes. It uses an official ACT composite or SAT total score from a single test date.
What is the highest automatic scholarship?
The highest automatic award is Presidential Elite, available to students with a 36 ACT or 1600 SAT and a 4.0+ GPA.
How much is the Presidential Scholarship?
The Presidential award is $28,000 per year for qualifying out-of-state and international freshmen.
Can I receive a scholarship without submitting SAT or ACT scores?
You can remain eligible for competitive scholarships without submitting a test score, but a test score is required for automatic merit scholarship consideration.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The University of Alabama specifically publishes automatic scholarship information for international freshmen.
Can I combine automatic and competitive scholarships?
Some competitive scholarships are stackable with automatic merit scholarships, although this depends on the particular award and UA’s scholarship policies.
Current Application Deadlines for 2027
For students planning to enter the University of Alabama in Summer/Fall 2027, the important scholarship date is:
December 4, 2026 — Priority Deadline
UA states that applications and official score reports should be submitted by December 4, 2026 for Summer/Fall 2027 scholarship consideration.
The university also lists December 15, 2026 as the automatic merit scholarship deadline for admitted students.
For Spring 2027:
November 2, 2026 — application and official score reports deadline for scholarship consideration.
Students who miss the priority deadline may still be considered for scholarships on a funds-available basis, but UA advises students to meet the priority deadline to maximize their opportunities.
Contact Information for Applicants
The University of Alabama
Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
106 Student Services Center
Box 870162
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
USA
Telephone: 205-348-8201
Toll-free: 1-800-933-2262
For international undergraduate admissions, UA lists:
International Admissions: 205-348-5666
Email: intladm@ua.edu
How To Apply for University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships
Step 1: Choose Your Undergraduate Program
Visit the University of Alabama website and select the bachelor’s degree you want to study.
Step 2: Check the Freshman Admission Requirements
Confirm that your secondary-school qualifications and required coursework meet UA’s requirements.
Step 3: Calculate Your GPA
For international and out-of-state automatic scholarships, aim for at least a 3.50 GPA.
Step 4: Take the SAT or ACT
Choose the test that best suits your academic profile.
Remember that UA requires an official ACT composite or SAT total score for automatic scholarship consideration.
Step 5: Submit Your Admission Application
Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Alabama.
Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents
Send your official transcript and other required documents.
International students should also provide proof of English proficiency where required.
Step 7: Meet the December 4 Deadline
For Summer/Fall 2027, submit the application and official test scores by December 4, 2026 to maximize scholarship consideration.
Step 8: Apply for Competitive Scholarships
If eligible, access the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM) and complete the additional competitive scholarship applications.
Step 9: Monitor Your Scholarship Award
UA will notify eligible students about automatic merit awards and competitive scholarship decisions according to its scholarship timeline.
Step 10: Prepare for Enrollment
Once admitted and awarded a scholarship, carefully review the scholarship terms, renewal conditions, financial-aid package and remaining cost of attendance.
Concluding Remarks
The University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships 2027 provide a substantial funding opportunity for high-achieving students planning to pursue undergraduate study in the United States.
For international and out-of-state students, the automatic merit program currently offers awards from $6,000 to $28,000 per year, depending on GPA and ACT/SAT performance. The university also offers competitive scholarships that can provide additional funding to students with exceptional leadership, service, honors and other achievements.
The Presidential Elite Scholarship stands out as the most generous automatic award, offering tuition and additional benefits to students with a 4.0+ GPA and either a 36 ACT or 1600 SAT.
For students targeting Summer/Fall 2027, the most important date to remember is December 4, 2026, the priority deadline for submitting the application and official score reports for scholarship consideration.
International applicants should also remember that admission and scholarship eligibility are separate considerations. Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee an award, particularly for the competitive scholarships.
For the latest requirements, applicants should always verify their eligibility and deadlines directly with the University of Alabama before submitting an application.
- Official scholarship page: University of Alabama Out-of-State & International Freshman Scholarships
- Official freshman admission requirements: University of Alabama Freshman Requirements
- International freshman admission: University of Alabama International Freshman Admissions
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