UAB Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers a wide array of scholarship opportunities to support students in various fields of study and with diverse backgrounds. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, promote community involvement, and alleviate financial burdens, enabling students to pursue their educational goals. This article provides a detailed overview of the various scholarships available at UAB, outlining their specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
Scholarships for Specific Programs and Fields of Study
UAB provides numerous scholarships tailored to specific academic programs and fields of study. These scholarships often recognize outstanding achievement and dedication within particular disciplines.
Scholarships in the School of Nursing
The UAB School of Nursing offers many scholarships, both need and merit based, to support nursing students across all programs. Scholarships are awarded twice a year, during the spring and fall semesters and requires just one application to be considered for all undergraduate or graduate scholarships. There are a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Traineeships that are awarded through the UAB School of Nursing that require students to meet specific requirements, and are only awarded when funds are available. When such funds are available in a particular program, students enrolled in the program will be notified and provided information on how to apply.
- Air Force ROTC Nursing Scholarships: These scholarships pay tuition, fees, textbook reimbursement, and a $100 monthly allowance.
- Army ROTC Nurse Scholarships: Offered for four, three, and two years on a competitive basis. Each scholarship pays full tuition and required educational fees up to $17,000 per year, $600 for textbooks, and a monthly stipend, currently $250 for every year the scholarship is in effect.
- Educational Loans for ASNA Members: Educational loans are available to registered nurses who are members of ASNA and are working to complete advanced nursing programs either full-time or part-time.
- Graduate Assistantship: A Graduate Assistantship position is available through the office of the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. This assistantship provides for an annual stipend and eligibility for in-state tuition.
- Master’s Level Advanced Nurse Practitioners Trainee Support and Nursing Administration Practicum Support: This is a long-term loan, which UAB initially recommends and for which the Federal Government provides funds.
- National Health Service Corps: The National Health Service Corps provides for two types of financial assistance; scholarships and loan repayment programs. Only students who plan to enroll in the master’s options for Nurse Practitioners are eligible for these programs.
- Naval Reserve: A BSN student who has completed the second year may enlist voluntarily in the Naval Reserve, as Officer Candidates Under Instruction and continue his/her education for a period not to exceed 24 months. Qualified candidates receive full pay and allowances of an E-3 (approximately $1,200/month) for up to 24 months of full-time education.
- NEF Scholarships: Scholarships in the amount of $2,500-$10,000 are available to master’s and doctoral degree students from the NEF.
Scholarships in the School of Optometry
Several scholarships are available to students enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. These include:
- Applicant must be currently enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Applicant must demonstrate solid academic achievement and should have earned the highest grade point average in UAB School of Optometry Clinical Evaluation of the Visual System course work after completing all sections.
- Billy R. Family, friends, and admirers of Billy R. Cox established this scholarship in his memory and legacy. Applicant must be currently enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to residents of the Greater Birmingham Area.
- Applicant must be currently enrolled or admitted to UAB School of Optometry and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
- The Blue Cross Scholars Program - Psychiatry supports deserving students enrolled in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E.
Scholarships in the Collat School of Business
The Collat School of Business also offers specific scholarship opportunities:
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
- Ave P. Scholarship: Offered to a currently enrolled student with Collat School of Business major, and minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Charles A. Collat, Sr. Endowed Scholarship in Data Science: Established through generous gifts from James W. Smith to be used for the purpose of creating a sponsored student award at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), in honor of Charles A. Collat, Sr.
- Charles and Patsy Collat Endowed Industrial Distribution Scholarship: Awarded each year to students majoring in Industrial Distribution who demonstrate exemplary performance in the ID major and commitment to the industry. Entering freshman and currently enrolled students are eligible for this scholarship.
Scholarships in the College of Arts and Sciences
Several scholarships are specifically designated for students within the College of Arts and Sciences:
- The Department of Art and Art History awards the Betty Loeb Scholarship for Painting to assist deserving students who are enrolled in the Painting Program.
- This is a scholarship for non-traditional students admitted to or enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB. To be eligible, you must submit the BSMART Scholarship Application before the April 1st deadline.
- The Brooke and Joe Maluff Family Endowed Scholarship in Department of Psychology is established by alumnus, Joe Maluff and his wife, Brooke. This scholarship is a tribute to the Maluff’s commitment to education, hard work, and dedication. This scholarship supports students studying in the Department of Psychology, who demonstrate strong academic promise.
- The Carol Trull Pittman Endowed Scholarship was created to provide support for an incoming first-year student admitted to a degree-granting program in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB. Preference for this award will be given to applicants from Corner High School in Dora, Alabama.
Scholarships for the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine
The Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine offers numerous endowed medical scholarships to support deserving students with academic promise:
- The Albert J. Tully, Jr., M.D. Family Endowed Medical Scholarship
- The Alma B. Maxwell Scholarship
- The Ann Margaret Clark 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
Other Program-Specific Scholarships
- ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Scholarship: For students enrolled in, or admitted to, the Digital Forensics program in the J. Frank Barefield, Jr..
- Alfred A. Bartolucci Scholarship: To assist deserving students who are enrolled in the School of Public Health, Biostatistics program at UAB.
- 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.
- The School of Public Health AmeriCorps VISTA Endowed Scholarship is created to support students who have completed a full year of AmeriCorps VISTA service and are continuing their commitment to public service by pursuing a degree in Public Health.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships recognize and reward students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and potential.
Ada Long Honors Scholarship
The Ada Long Honors Scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering or currently in the University Honors Program (UHP). This scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit and need. Applicants should have a strong academic background and a strong commitment to academic achievement and extracurricular activities. Applicants should demonstrate solid academic promise and achievement and have earned at least an overall 3.0 grade point average in coursework completed prior to the time of application.
Britt and Susan Sexton Endowed Honors Scholarship
The Britt and Susan Sexton Endowed Honors Scholarship is a non-renewable scholarship based on academic promise, extracurricular involvement, and community service of new UAB honors students who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on coursework completed prior to the time of application. Applicants should also display a wide variety of artistic, cultural, and extracurricular activities and academic pursuits and have passionately explored these pursuits. This annual scholarship will be awarded based on merit, with first preference given to first year students in the UAB Honors College. Preference will also be given to those with a fervor for community involvement and service-related volunteer activities.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Carl McFarland Scholarship
Established in honor of Dr. Carl McFarland and his commitment to research. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or admitted to the UAB Honors College and majoring in neuroscience. Applicants must be ranked as a sophomore or junior at time of application, demonstrate solid academic promise and achievement, earned at least an overall 3.5 grade point average in coursework completed prior to the time of application, and demonstrate experience in a research lab and/or propose a current research project. The annual scholarship award will be applied toward the recipient's tuition and fees.
Automatic Merit Scholarships
December ACT or SAT scores taken in the senior year will be the final scores considered for automatic merit scholarship review. Scholarship consideration for students admitted without a test score will be based on several academic performance factors (e.g., strength of curriculum, grades and grade point average).
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need, helping to make education more accessible and affordable.
Blazing Across the Finish Line Scholarship Campaign
The Blazing Across the Finish Line Scholarship Campaign was created to assist our outstanding upperclassman who are striving to complete their degrees and in need of scholarship support to reach the “finish line” of graduation. Currently, there are limited scholarship opportunities available for juniors and seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences. You must submit the BSMART Scholarship Application before the April 1 deadline. Please answer 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, UAB’s original honors program founded in 1983.
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Andrea N. Foard Endowed Scholarship
Established by honors alumna Andrea Foard. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or admitted to the UAB Honors College and an Engineering related degree-granting program at the University. The Fund shall provide support to students in the UAB Honors College for whom affordability may be an obstacle; who might otherwise be unable to attend the University and will also consider the merit of the student.
Federal Grants and Loans
- Federal Pell Grant: This grant is for a 9-month period and is available only to undergraduate students who have not received a baccalaureate degree. Eligibility is determined by use of a national formula.
- Federal Perkins Loan: This is a long term, low interest loan which is repayable 9 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. There is no payment of principal or interest during periods of at least half-time enrollment. Eligibility is based on need and is determined by the UAB Office of Student Financial Aid using information from the student’s completed file.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant at UAB is for a maximum of $1500 per academic year. Eligibility is determined by the UAB Office of Student Financial Aid using information from the student’s completed file.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan: This is a long term loan available to parents of dependent students or to independent students at any income level.
- Federal Direct Stafford Loan: This is a long-term loan, which UAB initially recommends and for which the Federal Government provides funds.
Scholarships for Specific Groups and Affiliations
UAB also offers scholarships that cater to specific groups of students based on their affiliations, backgrounds, or participation in certain programs.
I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute Scholarship
UAB sponsors a scholarship opportunity for up to 2 entering freshmen who have participated in Birmingham's I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute. Selected recipients will receive a 4-year award that guarantees the cost of tuition and academic fees will be met with gift aid (up to 15 credit hours per semester for fall and spring only).
Birmingham News - Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Scholarship
The Birmingham News- Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. citizens or permanent residents. Must be residents of Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Note: This award is renewable for up to four years. Two or more awards will be given each year. Must be enrolled in a regular undergraduate program at UAB.
Brooke & Joe Maluff Scholarship
The UAB NAS Brooke & Joe Maluff Scholarship was established through generous gifts by Brooke & Joe Maluff to be used for the purposed of creating a sponsored student award at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This an annual award of $1,500 and is not renewable. The selection committee will select the recipient based on the above guidelines.
Scholarship for Students with a Commitment to Public Service
Students who demonstrate commitment to public service within the Birmingham metropolitan area or in the state of Alabama. Note: Public service should be performed while the student is enrolled at UAB.
Scholarship for African American Studies Majors
This scholarship is intended to assist deserving students who have designated in African American Studies as their primary major.
Scholarship for Veterans or Those Who Have Served in the Military
Preference is given to veterans or those who have served in the military.
I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute Scholarship
UAB sponsors a scholarship opportunity for up to 2 entering freshmen who have participated in Birmingham's I Am My Brother's Keeper (IAMBK) Leadership Institute. Selected recipients will receive a 4-year award that guarantees the cost of tuition and academic fees will be met with gift aid (up to 15 credit hours per semester for fall and spring only).
How to Apply
Many UAB scholarships require the submission of the BSMART Scholarship Application before the April 1 deadline. This application may require:
- Resume
- Essay
- Two letters of recommendation from UAB Faculty members. Note: One letter must be from a faculty or staff member of UAB who has witnessed your leadership qualities.
- Writing Sample (for English majors applying for the Barksdale-Maynard Prizes in Fiction and Poetry or the Tom Brown Prize for Creative Nonfiction)
- A representative portfolio (minimum of 10 and up to 15 images) and a ranked list of their top three choices for courses found at Arrowmont:www.arrowmont.org (for the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Scholarship)
Additional Scholarship Resources
- The UAB National Alumni Society: The UAB National Alumni Society provided $750,000 in scholarships, grants, and gifts to the university last year.
- Brookwood Medical Center Scholarships: Brookwood offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships to nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing schools who meet the following criteria: overall “B” average (3.0 on 4.0 scale), a “B” in nursing courses, member of Association of Nursing Students preferred, and recommendation from faculty advisor and Financial Aid Office.
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: Up to a total amount of $1,500 each year is available for full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are in good standing. Preference will be given to active Sigma Theta Tau International members. However, membership in Sigma Theta Tau International is not a requirement. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required, and for graduate students, a GRE score of 1,000 (Quantitative and Verbal) if required for admission, is highly desired.
Scholarships for DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Students
UAB School of Nursing offers several DNP specialties, each preparing graduates for advanced nursing practice. Scholarships are available to support students in these programs.
DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC) Specialty
Graduates of the DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC) Specialty are prepared for advanced nursing practice in a variety of settings with populations of infants, children and adolescents.
DNP Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC) Specialty
Graduates of the DNP Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC) Specialty are prepared for advanced nursing practice across the continuum of care settings with populations of infants, children and adolescents.
DNP Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Specialty
Graduates of the DNP Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Specialty are prepared for advanced nursing practice to deliver primary health care with specialized knowledge of women's health.
Requirements for DNP Programs
- Possess an unencumbered/unrestricted license to practice nursing in the state where coursework will be completed (didactic and clinical).
- Applicants should submit an official transcript from every college or university they have ever attended (even if for only one semester).
- Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs.
- International applicants must, as part of their application, provide a detailed course by course evaluation of their academic transcripts and verification of their academic credentials.
- Applicants must complete and submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process.
- Meet English language requirements.
Important Notes for Nursing Students
- The UAB transcript does not include a student's 2-year nursing coursework or comparable technical course work in the transfer, overall, or UAB GPA calculation.
- Prospective students residing in states other than Alabama should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs and are planning to conduct UABSON distance education in their home state.
- New applicants, please be aware that the BSN-DNP for Nurse Practitioners curriculum has been revised to maintain compliance with national standards for accreditation as published by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Students currently enrolled in the BSN-DNP for Nurse Practitioners will maintain their program of study under which they enrolled.
- Students that experience a delay in their progression in completing their program of study (e.g. leave of absence or unsuccessful course attempts) will receive an updated program of study under the updated curriculum requirements.
- The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format.
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