Auburn University Transfer Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

For students planning to transfer to Auburn University, or other higher education institutions in Alabama, scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden. Many four-year institutions offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. This article provides a detailed overview of transfer scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application processes at Auburn University and other Alabama institutions.

Transfer Scholarship Opportunities in Alabama

Many universities and colleges throughout Alabama offer scholarships to students transferring from two-year institutions or other four-year schools. These scholarships can be based on merit, need, or a combination of both.

Auburn University (AU)

Incoming transfer students accepted for admission must complete the scholarship application through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) by Feb. 1 to receive consideration for scholarships. The application deadline for Fall admission is Aug. 1, and the application deadline for Spring admission is Dec.

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)

Incoming transfer students from any of Alabama’s regionally accredited community colleges may be eligible for one of AUM's many transfer scholarships. Additional need-based scholarships may be considered for transfers upon receiving FAFSA. To apply for admission as a transfer student at AUM, students can complete an AUM online application. The transfer admissions staff can help answer any questions.

One full scholarship (tuition and fees) will be awarded to one new AUM transfer student. To be eligible, students must have completed 45 credit hours, have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, and a letter of recommendation from the Community College President.

AUM also offers a Spring Supplemental Transfer Scholarship (nonrenewable) with the following awards:

3.5+ GPA: $1,500
3.0-3.49 GPA: $750

These scholarships are for one semester only.

Alabama A&M University (AAMU)

The Transfer Merit Scholarship covers the cost of tuition and is renewable for up to four semesters. To be considered, students must complete the registration process at AAMU and pay the $30 application fee and $115 enrollment fee. More scholarships are available in the A&M portal after admission is complete. Scholarships Application Dates: Oct. 1-Feb. 15.

Jacksonville State University (JAX State)

Beginning Fall 2025, JAX State is offering one Presidential Transfer Leadership Scholarship to an outstanding transfer student from Gadsden State. This competitive scholarship is valued at full tuition and is renewable for 1 year (4 semesters). This scholarship is for tuition only and replaces any previously awarded academic merit scholarship offers.

Eligibility requirements include:

Read also: Auburn Student Statistics

Being classified at Jax State as a First-Time Transfer student for admission and scholarship purposes (cannot have previously attended JAX State as a degree-seeking student).
Commitment to serve as a Transfer Student Mentor (TSM) during the first year at JAX State, acting as a recruitment and enrollment resource to prospective transfer students from their former community college upon their enrollment at JAX State.

When offered a Presidential Transfer Leadership Scholarship, the student must accept their offer formally with JAX State no later than May 1. The recipient of this scholarship is selected by the Gadsden State Honors Committee.

Troy University

Troy University offers several transfer scholarships, including:

ONETROY Transfer Merit Scholarships: Applicants must have completed at least 45 hours of transferable (non-technical, non-remedial) academic credit. Students must enroll in at least 12 hours each semester to maintain eligibility. Online learners are also eligible if they have at least 24 hours of transferable academic credit and are enrolled in at least six hours each term.
NEW Transfer Presidential Scholarship: One student will be selected by the Gadsden State Honors Committee to receive a $12,000 per academic year tuition-only scholarship for 2 years - excluding summer.
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: $5,000 per year for two years. Applicants must be PTK members and submit a letter of recommendation from the PTK college advisor. The scholarship is competitive, and students must submit an application.

University of Alabama (UA)

The University of Alabama offers automatic and competitive scholarships for qualifying transfer students. Scholarships are awarded based on residency type. Automatic awards are available for both entry terms, while competitive awards are only awarded one time per year and require a scholarship application.

Competitive scholarships include:

Phi Theta Kappa Honors Scholarship: $1,500 per year for two years for students with a 3.5 GPA. Must submit a scholarship application and provide proof of membership.
All-Alabama Academic Scholarship: $650 per semester plus $300 book grant for four semesters for students with a 3.5 GPA. Students must complete an application for admission and a transfer scholarship application by March 1 and have 45 hours completed and on file at UA to be eligible. Students must not have attended another four-year institution since graduating from high school (unless otherwise indicated).
Presidential Transfer Scholarship: Full tuition for two years. Students must complete the UA scholarship application and be nominated by the Gadsden State Honors Committee.

The 2025-2026 UA Online scholarship application opens on March 1, 2025. To be considered for all UA Online scholarships, you must submit one scholarship application each year and be currently enrolled or admitted to the University before applying. To access the application, log in and select Admissions/Scholarships and navigate to the Scholarships section.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Additional scholarship opportunities (from academic departments) are available beginning Sept. 1 through the BSMART portal upon admission to UAB. Students who submit an Application for Admission and official transcripts and have earned at least 24 credit hours are automatically eligible for consideration for the following transfer scholarship awards.

Transfer Merit Scholarship: $1,500/year - 3.0 GPA.
For GSCC Students ONLY: World of Kathy Chan Scholarship/Christel Ludewig McCanless Scholarship.

University of Montevallo (UM)

Students that visit the college for a private tour or a UM Day will receive the Transfer Visit Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

University of North Alabama (UNA)

Transfer students are considered automatically for these scholarships upon admittance to the University of North Alabama with 30 or more transferable credit hours. The scholarship deadline is June 1 for the fall semester. The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is an additional $1,000 scholarship. Qualifying UNA Scholarship Student - Original scholarship plus $2,000 per year.

Gadsden State Community College

Community College Presidential Scholarship: $12,000 per year for two years (or four semesters). Students must submit a GSCC transfer scholarship application form.

Other Alabama Institutions

Miles College: As an open-enrollment institution, Miles College does not require prospective students to submit standardized test scores to gain admissions to the college.
Mississippi State University: Offers transfer scholarships for non-residents.
Samford University: Traditional transfer students are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon earning full admission. STEM Scholars: Must have completed two years of community college in a science or math-related field to complete your bachelor’s degree through Samford University’s STEM Scholars program. This program is supported by the National Science Foundation and designed specifically for academically-gifted transfer students who need financial assistance to complete their degrees.
Talladega College: Offers institutional scholarships and tuition and fee waivers to junior college or community college graduates based on availability. Transfer students must be admitted before applying for scholarships.

General Eligibility Requirements

While specific requirements vary by institution and scholarship, some common eligibility criteria include:

GPA: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher.
Credit Hours: A minimum number of transferable credit hours is typically required (e.g., 24, 30, or 45 hours).
Enrollment Status: Students must be enrolled full-time (usually at least 12 credit hours per semester) to maintain eligibility for many scholarships. Online learners may have different enrollment requirements.
Membership: Some scholarships are specifically for members of organizations like Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).
Application: Most scholarships require a separate application in addition to the general admission application.
Transcripts: Prospective transfer students must submit transcripts from all previously enrolled institutions.
Letters of Recommendation: Some scholarships may require letters of recommendation from professors or advisors.
Residency: Some scholarships are specifically for residents of Alabama or non-residents.
FAFSA: Additional need-based scholarships may require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Transferring Credits: Key Considerations

Transitioning from a community college to a four-year university requires careful planning to ensure a seamless transfer of credits.

Planning is Key: Have a plan, even if it’s tentative, for what you want to do. Talk to your advisor sooner rather than later.
Choosing the Right University: Find the college or university that’s the best fit for you. Consider your academic and career goals when making your decision.
Transfer Fairs: Plan to attend Gadsden State Transfer Fairs where you can meet with and learn about a variety of four-year colleges and universities.
University Policies: Become familiar with your chosen university’s transfer policies and scholarships that are available to Gadsden State transfer students.
Credit Transfer: Make sure your credits transfer to the four‐year institution. Planning will help ensure that your credits transfer. If enough courses transfer, you’ll start at the four‐year college as a junior. Typically, a student needs 60 credit hours to transfer as a junior.
Application Materials: Start collecting applications, letters of recommendation, and transcripts during the third semester at Gadsden State. During the fourth semester, follow up on your transfer and financial aid application requirements.
College and State Policies: Colleges determine which credits they will accept.
Time Limits: Policies differ from school‐to‐school, but many schools have time limits on transfer credits.

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