At The University of Alabama, we believe cost should never stand in the way of opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of our dedicated donors, UA Early College offers multiple competitive endowed scholarships that help high-achieving students partially or fully cover the cost of dual enrollment tuition and fees. Additional opportunities, available through the UA National Alumni Association and select local alumni chapters, provide assistance to UAEC students. These scholarships celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to future success, empowering motivated high school students to earn college credit and experience university-level learning at little to no cost.
Early College Endowed Scholarships
UA Early College’s three endowed scholarships are awarded competitively each semester and typically cover tuition and course fees for one course per semester for the awarded students. Only current UAEC students are eligible to apply. All eligible students receive an email invitation in their Crimson email account to apply for an eligible scholarship during the application window each semester.
Richard H. and Barbara J. Smith Family Early College Endowed Scholarship
- Eligible Students: All current UA Early College students (no residency restriction)
- Award May Cover: Tuition, books, miscellaneous supplies, room and board
- Semesters Awarded: Fall and Spring
UA Early College Blackbelt Communities Endowed Scholarship
- Eligible Students: Current UA Early College students who reside in Alabama’s Blackbelt communities (Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pike, Sumter and Wilcox counties)
- Award May Cover: Tuition, books, miscellaneous supplies, room and board
- Semesters Awarded: Fall and Spring
William B. Mixon Family Early College Endowed Scholarship
- Eligible Students: Current UA Early College students who attend high school in Marion or Winston County, Alabama (priority consideration is given to students who attend Hamilton High School in Marion County)
- Award May Cover: Tuition, books, miscellaneous supplies, room and board
- Semesters Awarded: Fall and Spring (Summer only if funds are available)
Endowed Scholarships Timeline
- Fall Semester
- Application Opens: March 1
- Application Closes: March 31
- Spring Semester
- Application Opens: October 1
- Application Closes: October 31
Alumni Association Scholarships
The University of Alabama’s National Alumni Association supports Early College students through a $25 University Supply Store book scholarship each semester for participants whose parents or guardians are active NAA members. In addition, some local alumni chapters across the state and nation offer their own UA Early College scholarships, extending the generosity of the alumni network to help more students access affordable dual enrollment opportunities and begin their journey toward earning a degree from The University of Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a competitive scholarship?
A competitive scholarship is an award based on merit rather than automatic eligibility. Students must apply and are selected through a review process that considers factors such as financial need, impact of the award, academic/career alignment and a demonstrated commitment to success in UA Early College courses.
Who is eligible to apply for UA Early College scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship; however, most UA Early College awards are available to students who demonstrate strong motivation, goal clarity, and a commitment to success in college-level coursework.
Applicants are evaluated based on their ability to reflect on challenges encountered while pursuing their education, the actions they have taken to persist, and the insights they have gained about themselves. Consideration is also given to how students connect their experiences to future educational and career goals, their intended impact on their family, workplace, or community, and the ways scholarship support may help remove barriers to continued progress.
Students may also be asked to describe how participation in UA Early College courses supports their academic and career preparation, including the specific steps they are currently taking to pursue those goals.
How do I apply for UA Early College scholarships?
UA Early College Endowed Scholarships: Check your Crimson student email for your notification to apply. You will log into MyBama and click on the Admissions & Scholarships page, find the UA Early College section (right side of page) and click the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager link. Follow the instructions given for UA Early College students.
How will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?
UA Early College Endowed Scholarships: Recipients are contacted directly by the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education (OTIDE) Scholarship staff via their Crimson email account. Award details—including amount and semester of disbursement—are provided in writing. Thank you letters are required from all awardees before awards are made. Instructions will be provided in the award notification.
Alumni Association Scholarships: Awarding procedure is determined by the respective local alumni chapter.
Is there a special scholarship for students of Tuscaloosa City Schools?
Yes, the City of Tuscaloosa's Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship allows students to take up to nine UA Early College courses after UAEC 200 at no cost. The Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship covers tuition, fees and textbooks for covered courses.
Are there any scholarships available to Early College students who go on to attend UA as freshmen?
There are automatic freshman year scholarships available to qualifying UA Early College students who attend UA as first-time freshmen and are classified as in-state students by the Office of the University Registrar. For more information, visit our benefits page.
The Alumni Ivory Tusk Scholarship is awarded competitively to qualifying UA Early College students, regardless of residency.
I’ve been awarded a scholarship — what happens next?
Thank you letters are required from all awardees before awards are made. Instructions for how to submit your thank you letter will be provided in the award notification. Suggestions for writing a thank you letter can be found here: https://online.ua.edu/tuition-financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/ua-online-scholarships/otide-scholarship-thank-you-letter/.
Can I use scholarship funds for housing, books, or other expenses?
Scholarship funds are typically applied toward tuition and fees first. In some cases, excess funds may be used for books, housing, or other educational expenses, if the scholarship allows.
Is there discounted tuition for dependents of UA faculty and staff?
University of Alabama faculty/staff and their dependents are eligible for additional tuition benefits through the Educational Benefit. The Educational Benefit Form must be completed by the appropriate deadline outlined by Human Resources for the benefit to apply for the upcoming semester. The Educational Benefit lowers tuition to $16.50 per credit hour.
If a dependent of UA faculty or staff is awarded an Early College endowed scholarship, the award will only cover the remaining portion after the faculty/staff discount is applied.
Who do I contact with questions about scholarships?
All scholarship questions and assistance with applications, eligibility, or award information should be directed to LaFecia Hoover at lmhoover@ua.edu or at 205-348-8586.
Additional Information
Costs may not represent final determination of account balance. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Tuition is approved by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.
Questions? Email: earlycollege@ua.edu or call 205-348-7083