Navigating Scholarships at UAB: A Comprehensive Guide to the Provost Scholarship and Other Opportunities

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is committed to recognizing and rewarding academically talented students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships, including the Provost Scholarship, are designed to support students in their pursuit of higher education. This article provides a detailed overview of the Provost Scholarship, other merit-based awards, and additional scholarship opportunities available at UAB.

Understanding Merit Scholarships at UAB

UAB awards merit scholarships for a wide range of academic achievements. Current high school seniors who apply to UAB, whether with test scores or as test-optional applicants, will be considered for merit scholarships. Students admitted with test scores are automatically considered for ACT- and GPA-based merit scholarships. It's important to note that UAB does not consider superscores for admission or scholarship purposes.

Applicants admitted without test scores are evaluated for scholarships based on the information provided in their admission application and supporting documentation. While UAB does not provide guidance on whether to apply with test scores, students can compare their scores to the Fall 2024 averages of incoming freshmen: 26.5 ACT and 3.8 GPA. Generally, applicants with scores at or above these averages have more scholarship opportunities when applying with a test score.

Premier Scholarships: Regions, Ireland, and McCallum Presidential

Students who apply for admission with test scores of 33-36 ACT or 1450-1600 SAT and a high school GPA of at least 3.5, as well as qualifying test-optional applicants, are invited to compete for the Regions, Ireland, or McCallum Presidential endowed scholarships. This competition involves answering a series of questions in BSMART, the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool. The submission deadline for these prestigious scholarships is earlier, on February 1.

National and International Scholarships

UAB is a destination for academically talented students from around the globe and proudly recognizes and awards multiple national and international scholarships. These national scholarships are stackable on any merit awards, although students are eligible to receive only one of the specific awards.

The UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship

The UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship offers an opportunity to students graduating from a Birmingham City School. To be eligible, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1 to determine eligibility for federal grants (Pell and SEOG). Once a student is awarded UAB merit scholarships and/or federal grants, the UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship may cover the remaining required tuition and fees only for up to 15 credit hours per semester. It's important to note that housing and meal plan costs are not covered by this scholarship.

This scholarship may be awarded for up to four years (eight semesters), provided the student meets academic and application renewal requirements by the posted deadlines each year. The scholarship does not cover summer semesters. Students do not have to qualify for merit scholarships or federal grants to receive the UAB Birmingham Promise Scholarship, but they must have a FAFSA on file to reflect their aid options.

Departmental, Performance, and Additional Scholarship Opportunities

UAB offers a multitude of departmental, performance-based, and other scholarship opportunities to both admitted and current students. Students interested in these scholarships should complete the BSMART Scholarship Application in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART). Completing this application submits student information to multiple departments and units on campus for scholarship consideration. The BSMART Scholarship Application is available beginning August 1.

Specific Scholarship Programs

I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute Scholarship

UAB sponsors a scholarship opportunity for up to two entering freshmen who have participated in Birmingham's I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute. Selected recipients receive a four-year award that covers the cost of tuition and academic fees with gift aid (up to 15 credit hours per semester for fall and spring only).

Master of Public Administration (MPA) Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for students enrolled in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. To be considered, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA prior to the time of application and be planning to intern in the public or private sector with a clear connection to public sector activities. The BSMART Scholarship Application must be submitted before the April 1 deadline.

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School of Optometry Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for students currently enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry, requiring at least a 3.0 GPA. One such scholarship recognizes solid academic achievement and the highest grade point average in UAB School of Optometry Clinical Evaluation of the Visual System coursework.

ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Scholarship

The ACFE Scholarship is for students enrolled in, or admitted to, the Digital Forensics program in the J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice. Applicants should be majoring in Digital Forensics and must submit the BSMART Scholarship Application, a resume, an essay, and two letters of recommendation from UAB faculty members. One letter must be from a faculty or staff member who has witnessed the applicant's leadership qualities.

Scholarships for Public Service

Scholarships are available for students who demonstrate a commitment to public service within the Birmingham metropolitan area or in the state of Alabama while enrolled at UAB.

African American Studies Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to assist deserving students who have designated African American Studies as their primary major.

Endowed Medical Scholarships

Several endowed medical scholarships support deserving students with academic promise who are enrolled or admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, including:

The Albert J. Tully, Jr., M.D. Family Endowed Medical Scholarship
The Anne Julianne Jenkins Isola, M.D., Endowed Medical Scholarship
The Arnold G. Diethelm, M.D. Medical Scholarship
The Baptist Health Care Foundation Scholarship for the Montgomery Regional Medical Campus
The Benjamin & Roberta Medical Scholarship Endowment
The Blue Cross Scholars Program - OBGYN
The Blue Cross Scholars Program - Psychiatry
The Bush and Posey Endowed Medical Scholarship
The Charles E. Ingalls, M.D. Medical Scholarship

Alfred A. Bartolucci Scholarship

This scholarship assists deserving students enrolled in the School of Public Health, Biostatistics program at UAB.

Alma B. Maxwell Scholarship

The Alma B. Maxwell Scholarship supports deserving students with academic promise who are enrolled in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.

School of Public Health AmeriCorps VISTA Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship supports students who have completed a full year of AmeriCorps VISTA service and are pursuing a degree in Public Health, recognizing their commitment to public service.

Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

This scholarship is for non-traditional students admitted to or enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB. Preference is given to veterans or those who have served in the military. The BSMART Scholarship Application must be submitted before the April 1 deadline.

Ann Margaret Clark Scholarship

The Ann Margaret Clark Scholarship supports deserving students enrolled in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Scholarship

Two BA-Art Studio or BFA students will be chosen to receive a scholarship to attend a week-long workshop over the summer term at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. The scholarship includes course fee, application fee, meals & housing in dormitory-style facilities, and a stipend for travel or materials. Applicants must submit a portfolio and a ranked list of their top three choices for courses found at Arrowmont.

APIC - Alabama Scholarship

The APIC - Alabama (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Alabama Chapter) scholarship supports students at UAB.

Ave P. Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to currently enrolled students with a Collat School of Business major and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Barksdale-Maynard Prizes in Fiction and Poetry and Tom Brown Prize for Creative Nonfiction

These prizes are awarded to English majors who submit a writing sample as part of their application. The BSMART Scholarship Application must be submitted before the April 1 deadline.

Betty Loeb Scholarship for Painting

The Department of Art and Art History awards the Betty Loeb Scholarship for Painting to assist deserving students enrolled in the Painting Program.

Billy R. Cox Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Billy R. Cox, with preference given to residents of the Greater Birmingham Area who are currently enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry and have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Birmingham News - Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship is for residents of Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, or Walker counties in Alabama who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are enrolled in a regular undergraduate program at UAB. The award is renewable for up to four years.

Blazing Across the Finish Line Scholarship Campaign

This scholarship assists outstanding upperclassmen in the College of Arts and Sciences who need support to complete their degrees. The BSMART Scholarship Application must be submitted before the April 1 deadline, answering all questions related to financial need and campus involvement.

Boman-Powell Travel Award

The Boman-Powell Travel Award is a non-renewable scholarship based on merit and need, awarded annually to a current student in the University Honors Program.

Bond - Haggard Endowed Scholarship in Biomedical Engineering

This scholarship is given in memory of Dr. Dwight and Mrs. Ruth Ann Bond and Mr. Jesse Haggard and in honor of Mrs. Cindy Haggard, with preference given to an undergraduate transfer student.

Britt and Susan Sexton Endowed Honors Scholarship

This non-renewable scholarship is based on academic promise, extracurricular involvement, and community service of new UAB honors students who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA.

Britton-Hansen Scholarship

This annual scholarship is awarded based on merit, with first preference given to first-year students in the UAB Honors College and those with a fervor for community involvement and service-related volunteer activities. Applicants must be enrolled in, or admitted to, a degree-granting program in the College of Arts and Sciences with an overall GPA of at least a 3.0. The BSMART Scholarship Application must be submitted before the April 1 deadline.

UAB NAS Brooke & Joe Maluff Scholarship

This annual award of $1,500 is not renewable. The selection committee chooses the recipient based on established guidelines.

Brooke and Joe Maluff Family Endowed Scholarship in Department of Psychology

This scholarship supports students studying in the Department of Psychology who demonstrate strong academic promise.

Carol Trull Pittman Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship provides support for an incoming first-year student admitted to a degree-granting program in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB, with preference given to applicants from Corner High School in Dora, Alabama.

Carol Z. Garrison Endowed Presidential Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship was established in honor of Carol Z. Garrison, Ph.D., who served as UAB's president from 2002-2012.

Caroline and Charles W. Scholarship

Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation.

Charles A. Collat, Sr. Endowed Scholarship in Data Science

This scholarship was established in honor of Charles A. Collat, Sr., to assist deserving students at UAB. The selection committee includes members of the UAB National Alumni Society and/or UAB Office of Alumni Affairs, and the donor(s).

Charles and Patsy Collat Endowed Industrial Distribution Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded each year to students majoring in Industrial Distribution who demonstrate exemplary performance in the ID major and commitment to the industry. Entering freshmen and currently enrolled students are eligible.

Charles and Sheryl Perry Jr. Award

This award is given to students currently enrolled in or newly admitted to a major in the Collat School of Business, requiring a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. Preference is given to non-traditional students, especially those active in Collat School of Business Student Organizations, with financial need.

Charles William Ireland Presidential Honors Scholarship

To be considered for this renewable award, students must submit the scholarship application in BSMART and have completed the three questions in the “Regions Academic, Charles William Ireland Presidential Honors, and McCallum Presidential Scholarship Questions” section by no later than February 1. Qualified students who apply test optional will also be able to access this application. Approximately ten applicants will be selected to interview.

General Scholarship Application Process

For many scholarship opportunities at UAB, the admission application serves as the initial scholarship application. All students who submit an application and supporting documents by the listed deadline are evaluated holistically, based upon academic and non-academic information provided. Academic components considered include high school GPA and academic honors.

Students may apply for additional competitive scholarships not included in the admission application through ASAM (Apply for Scholarships at Alabama). Students gain access to ASAM via myBama once they are admitted. Only scholarships for which a student may be eligible will appear in ASAM. To apply for these potential scholarship opportunities, a student must be admitted by the competitive scholarship deadline for their applicable semester and have completed the scholarship applications in ASAM by that deadline.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Students may also be able to obtain assistance in the form of scholarships granted on the basis of academic/technical achievement, participation in extracurricular and leadership activities, and exhibited talents in the fine arts. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and citizenship and a completed scholarship application must be on file at the college before a scholarship can be awarded.

One example is the funding available to award a total of 30 $1,800 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Students who are awarded the scholarship may use the funds for their summer or fall 2022 tuition, books, and fees associated with the approved program of study. A full submission for the scholarship requires:

A completed application
A resume
A maximum 500-word essay on why the student wants to work in Alabama’s automotive industry
One signed reference letter
An unofficial college or high school transcript
A headshot photo

Financial Aid Resources

The Student Financial Aid staff is dedicated to making the federal aid process as straightforward as possible. Financial assistance available through this office includes federal aid - grants, loans, work study, and information about student employment.

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