The UA Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships is now open to all interested applicants who wish to apply for the scholarship. The University of Alabama offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the country for qualifying students. Complete the steps below to maximize your scholarship and aid opportunities.
The University of Alabama offers out-of-state and international freshmen several scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of undergraduate study. Eligible students can qualify for automatic merit scholarships based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores, while competitive scholarships consider academic achievements, leadership, service and other accomplishments.
For the 2027 entry year, eligible students can receive automatic merit awards ranging from $6,000 to $28,000 per year, with the Presidential Elite Scholarship offering a tuition-based award to students who meet its exceptional academic requirements.
If you plan to apply, this guide explains the available scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements, application process and important deadlines.
UA Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships Deadline 2027
The University of Alabama has different priority deadlines depending on when you intend to begin your studies.
- Spring 2027: November 2, 2026.
- Summer/Fall 2027: December 4, 2026.
Applicants should submit their admission application and all required supporting documents by the relevant deadline to maximize their scholarship opportunities. Students who miss the priority deadline may still be considered for some automatic merit awards if funds remain available, but late consideration is not guaranteed.
Always confirm the requirements for your intended entry term on the university’s official financial aid timeline.
Types of University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships
The University of Alabama offers two main routes for freshman scholarship consideration: automatic merit scholarships and competitive scholarships.
1. Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic merit scholarships are awarded according to qualifying academic credentials, including high school GPA and standardized test scores. Students do not need to submit a separate application for these awards because consideration is included in the UA undergraduate admission application.
Applicants must meet the GPA and test-score requirements for the relevant award. Official ACT composite scores or SAT total scores must be submitted by the testing agency for automatic merit scholarship eligibility.
2. Competitive Scholarships
Competitive scholarships are awarded through a broader review of a student’s application. Depending on the scholarship, the university may consider academic performance, honors, leadership, community service, work experience and other achievements.
Some opportunities may require additional applications through the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM) after admission. Students should review the university’s instructions and submit any additional materials before the applicable deadline.
University of Alabama Out-of-State Freshman Merit Scholarships 2027
The following table shows the published automatic merit scholarship awards for eligible out-of-state and international freshmen entering in 2027.
| Scholarship | ACT Score | SAT Score | Minimum GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential | 32–36 | 1420–1600 | 3.50+ | $28,000 |
| UA Scholar | 30–31 | 1360–1410 | 3.50+ | $24,000 |
| Foundation in Excellence | 29 | 1330–1350 | 3.50+ | $15,000 |
| Collegiate | 28 | 1300–1320 | 3.50+ | $10,000 |
| Capstone | 27 | 1260–1290 | 3.50+ | $8,000 |
| Crimson Legends | 25–26 | 1200–1250 | 3.50+ | $6,000 |
Important: The GPA and test-score requirements must be satisfied according to the university’s scholarship rules. The ACT and SAT scores shown are composite or total scores from a single test date; the university does not combine scores from different test dates for automatic merit scholarship consideration.
These are annual scholarship values, not the full cost of attending the university. Students should confirm their individual award and review other expenses, including housing, meals, fees, books and travel.
University of Alabama Presidential Elite Scholarship Requirements
The Presidential Elite Scholarship is intended for exceptionally high-achieving students. To qualify under the published 2027 requirements, a student must have a GPA of at least 4.0 and either a 36 ACT score or a 1600 SAT score.
The published Presidential Elite benefits include:
- Tuition coverage for up to four years or eight semesters for eligible degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate or law studies.
- First-year on-campus housing at the regular room rate, subject to housing assignment.
- A supplemental scholarship of $1,500 per year for four years.
- A one-time $2,000 allowance for eligible research or international study after completing one year at UA.
Students should read the official scholarship terms carefully to understand eligibility, renewal conditions and any restrictions that apply to the award.
University of Alabama Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the scholarship and the applicant’s entry term. For the automatic merit scholarships listed above, out-of-state and international freshmen generally need a minimum high school GPA of 3.50 and a qualifying ACT or SAT score.
Applicants should also ensure that they:
- Apply for first-year undergraduate admission at the University of Alabama.
- Submit the required academic records and supporting documents.
- Send official standardized test scores by the applicable deadline if seeking automatic merit scholarship consideration.
- Meet the individual requirements for any competitive scholarship they wish to pursue.
- Complete any additional scholarship applications available through ASAM, where applicable.
International applicants should also check the university’s international admission requirements and any documentation required for their particular circumstances.
Does the University of Alabama Offer Scholarships Without SAT or ACT Scores?
All UA Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships Student may remain eligible for competitive scholarships without submitting standardized test scores, provided they meet the relevant application and deadline requirements.
However, a qualifying standardized test score is generally required for automatic merit scholarship consideration. Students should not assume that choosing a test-optional admission route will qualify them for automatic merit awards.
The university’s testing policies can vary by entry year. Applicants should review the official admissions testing requirements before deciding whether and how to submit their scores.
How to Apply for University of Alabama Freshman Scholarships
Follow these steps to pursue scholarship opportunities at the University of Alabama.
Step 1: Apply for undergraduate admission.
Complete the university’s undergraduate admission application or use the Common App if eligible. The admission application includes consideration for many scholarship opportunities.
Step 2: Submit your academic records and test scores.
Provide all required transcripts and supporting documents. If you want to qualify for automatic merit scholarships, make sure the university receives your official qualifying ACT or SAT score by the applicable deadline.
Step 3: Check for additional scholarship applications.
After admission, sign in to your student account and check whether additional scholarship opportunities are available through the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager.
Step 4: Review the scholarship deadlines.
Make sure you complete all required steps by the deadline for your intended entry term. Different scholarship opportunities may have different requirements.
Step 5: Review your scholarship award and financial responsibilities.
If you receive an award, read the official notification carefully to understand its value, duration, renewal conditions and what costs remain your responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the University of Alabama out-of-state freshman scholarship?
For 2027 entry, published automatic merit awards range from $6,000 to $28,000 per year for eligible out-of-state and international freshmen. The Presidential Elite Scholarship has separate tuition-based benefits for qualifying students.
What GPA is required for University of Alabama out-of-state merit scholarships?
The automatic merit scholarship tiers listed for 2027 require a high school GPA of at least 3.50. The Presidential Elite Scholarship requires a GPA of 4.0 or higher, together with a 36 ACT or 1600 SAT score.
Can international students apply for University of Alabama freshman scholarships?
Yes. The university’s published out-of-state freshman merit scholarship programme also applies to eligible international freshmen. Applicants should check the official page for the requirements that apply to their circumstances.
Can I receive a scholarship without submitting SAT or ACT scores?
Students who do not submit test scores may remain eligible for competitive scholarships. However, qualifying official test scores are generally required for automatic merit scholarships.
What is the University of Alabama scholarship deadline for Fall 2027?
The published Summer/Fall 2027 priority deadline is December 4, 2026. Applicants should submit their admission application and supporting documents by the deadline to maximize scholarship consideration.
Where can I find the official UA Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships information?
Visit the official out-of-state and international freshman scholarship page for current award amounts, eligibility criteria and scholarship details.
How to Apply for the University of Alabama Scholarships
Interested students can begin by visiting the university’s official application portal: Before applying, check the latest scholarship table and deadline information on the official UA scholarship website.
Apply now
