There is no question that a college degree opens many doors and provides more opportunity for advancement. Those who earn a college degree also earn higher salaries than those without degrees, sometimes even in careers that don’t require a degree. However, there is also no question that college can be expensive, and few people have built up enough savings to pay full tuition costs at most universities. T
These 35 scholarships that are available for residents of Alabama can help offset the cost of a college education or, in some instances, provide full tuition for qualified applicants.
1. ACHE Police Officers and Firefighters Survivors Education Assistance Program
The ACHE Police Officers and Firefighters Survivors Education Assistance Program provides scholarships to dependents and spouses of Alabama police officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty. There is no limit to the amount that can be awarded to qualified recipients and are available for undergraduate study at Alabama institutes of higher education. Applicants must provide a copy of a birth certificate, adoption papers or marriage license as well as a death certificate for the police officer or firefighter.
2. AHB Foundation Scholarship
The Alabama Home Builders Association offers scholarship to deserving students who want to enter a career in the residential building trade. Applicants must be residents of Alabama and must be enrolling in or attending a technical school, junior college or university in Alabama. They must be enrolled in a residential construction-related curriculum that may include:
- Building Science
- Carpentry or Cabinetry
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design
- Electrical Technology
- HVAC/HVACR
- Landscaping
- Masonry
- Plumbing
- Sustainable Construction
. Alabama Environmental Health Association Inc
The Alabama Environmental Health Association presents an award to a junior or senior undergraduate student in Environmental Health or another field that is closely related. Along with an application form, applicants must provide a resume, one letter of recommendation, an unofficial transcript and a 300-word statement explaining why they are pursuing their degree of choice.
Students are selected based on coursework in Environmental Health, a high level of achievement and involvement in clubs directly related to Environmental Health.
4. Alabama Society of CPAs – General Scholarship
The Alabama Society of CPAs offers 23 scholarships worth $2,500 each to eligible Alabama students who are seeking certification as a Certified Public Accountant in Alabama after graduation. Applicants must have completed Financial/Intermediate Accounting I and II. In addition, they must have a 3.0 GPA in all accounting courses and a 3.0 GPA overall. Students must have at least one full year of school remaining and have declared a major in accounting. Applicants must submit an essay of 25 words or less that explains why the scholarship is important as well as a digital headshot photograph that is suitable for use in the Alabama CPA magazine. An official transcript from the applicant’s university is also required.
5. AQHA Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship
The AQHA Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship reinforces the importance of youth affiliate ambassadors in the horse industry. Applicants must be members of AQHA or AQHYA for at least one year and must be residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee. They must compete in AQHA-approved shows and must apply during their senior year of high school. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and current or previous scholarships awardees are not eligible to apply.
6. ARRL Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship
The ARRL Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Georgia or Alabama, who possesses an active Amateur Radio License Class and has a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The applicant must major in electronics, communications or related field and enrolled in a Georgia or Alabama institute of higher learning. Applications can be found online, and there is one $1,000 award available each year.
7. ARRL James Cothran KD3NI Scholarship
A $2,000 scholarship is available through the James Cothran, 3D3NI, Scholarship to any resident of the Southeastern Division of the ARRL Foundation. The Southeastern Division consists of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Applicants must hold an active Amateur Radio License Class. The applicant may choose any field of study and may attend any college or university. The award is $2,000, and only one candidate is chosen each year.
8. ASTA Southeast Chapter Professional Development Scholarship
Tourism Cares provides a $1,500 scholarship to permanent United States residents with a minimum of two years of experience in the travel industry who successfully complete an ASTA or Travel Institute Educational Program or for the attendance fee at the ASTA International Destination Expo. Applicants must live in the ASTA Southeast Chapter that includes Alabama. Applicants must also be members of the ASTA Southeast Chapter. The scholarship is awarded on a reimbursement basis and the course must be completed no more than 12 months prior to the scholarship application deadline.
9. AWS Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship
The Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship provides a $2,500 award to an undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree in welding engineering or welding engineering technology who plans to enter the field of industrial gas or welding equipment distribution. Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma. A 2.8 cumulative GPA as well as a 3.0 GPA in engineering courses is required. Priority is given to those who demonstrate financial need and who reside or attend school in Alabama, Florida or Georgia. Scholarships may be renewed for up to four years.
10. AWS Airgas Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
The Airgas – Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student pursuing an undergraduate degree in welding engineering or welding engineering technology. Priority is given to a student who plans to enter an industrial gas or welding equipment distributor career. Applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma and have at least a 2.8 GPA with a 3.0 GPA in engineering courses. Priority is given to those who demonstrate financial need and who reside in Alabama, Georgia or Florida. Scholarships may be renewed for up to four years.
11. Birdsong Peanuts Scholarship
Students who plan to pursue a four-year degree in agriculture or agribusiness are eligible to apply for the Birdsong Peanuts Scholarship. Applicants must reside in Alabama, Florida or Georgia, and their family must be peanut producers. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded, and it is non-renewable. The scholarship is merit based.
12. Bush Memorial Scholarship
The Bush Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a full-time student who was native born in Alabama. The student must have obtained junior status and majoring in Mathematics. Students must plan to attend Jacksonville State University in order to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship was established in memory of Newburn Bush who taught math at the University. Students must be enrolled or plan to attend Jacksonville State University’s Alabama campus in order to qualify for the scholarship.
13. Cabaniss, Johnston Scholarship
Alabama residents who are second-year law students are eligible to apply for the Cabaniss, Johnston Scholarship. One $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a law student who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. In addition to academics, the recipient is chosen based on their conscientiousness, reliability, civic involvement, financial need and dedication to high standards. A $1,000 award may be made to a runner-up applicant. Applicants should contact the Alabama Law Foundation to learn what is required to apply.
14. CollegeCounts Scholarship Program
The CollegeCounts Scholarship provides funding assistance to Alabama high school students who can demonstrate financial need and who plan to enroll in an Alabama college or university. Applicants must be a high school senior who will be a freshman in college in the fall and be a United States citizen. Applicants must be a resident of Alabama with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The student’s ACT score cannot be higher than 26, although two-year students do not have to submit ACT scores. The award is $4,000 and cannot be renewed.
15. David Womack Memorial Alabama LGBT Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship is available for a lesbian or gay undergraduate student from Alabama, who plans to attend any institute of higher learning in the United States. An essay of no more than five pages is required that discusses the applicant’s background, education, goals for the future and why they believe they should receive the scholarship. The application may be completed online or printed and mailed. The scholarship is named in honor of David Womack, who was one of the founders and supporters of the first LGBT/Socialist/Anarchist bookstore in Huntsville, Alabama.
16. Fastline Publications Scholarship
Students who plan to pursue a four-year degree in agricultural, farm, livestock or ranch management as well as those who wish to pursue degrees in agricultural sales and marketing may apply for the Fastline Publications Scholarship. There are 17 scholarships of $1,000 available to FFA members who reside in one of 27 states, including Alabama. There are also seven scholarships available to FFA members pursuing two-year degrees in the same programs who live in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma or Texas. Applicants must live on a family farm, demonstrate strong leadership skills and an interest in managing a farm. In addition, applicants must demonstrate financial need.
17. Gladys Whatley Blanton Nursing Scholarship
Students who have been accepted into an accredited nursing program in Lee County are eligible to apply for the Gladys Whatley Blanton Nursing Scholarship. Applicants must complete the application and submit it with an official transcript. References letters are also required. Recipients must agree to work a minimum of one year with the East Alabama Medical Center upon graduation from the nursing program. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books or other supplies necessary for the student’s education.
18. J.L. Bedsole Scholars Program
The J.L. Bedsole Scholars Program enables high school students from Southwest Alabama to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be able to demonstrate leadership ability, academic commitment and financial need. They must attend an institute of higher learning in Alabama in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. Applicants must be graduating from a high school in Baldwin, Clarke, Mobile, Monroe or Washington County or from Sweet Water High School in Marengo County. In addition, the applicant or a parent must physically reside in one of those counties. Applicant must have an ACT score of 21 or higher and a GPA of 2.50 at the end of their junior year. Applicant must show an Expected Family Contribution of $9,000 or less.
19. Jay Murphy Scholarship
The Jay Murphy Scholarship is available to seniors graduating from Montgomery County High School. The applicant must be pursuing a teaching degree and must relate well with young people. Applicants must be able to show financial need. Students who are entering or continuing college, who are already in the education field who want to improve their skills or individuals who wish to return to school to become a teacher are eligible. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and may be required to interview with the selection committee.
20. Joanna F. Reed Medical Scholarship
Students who reside in Alabama and northwest Florida may apply for the Joanna F. Reed Medical Scholarship if they have been accepted for entrance or are attending a recognized private medical school and are pursuing a degree in pre-medicine. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and outstanding academic performance. Recommendations from instructors are required and the candidate must demonstrate excellent motivation, character, ability and promise of fitness as a physician. Priority may be given to those who plan a career as an internist or general practitioner.
21. Justice Janie L. Shores Scholarship
The Justice Janie L. Shores Scholarship is awarded to female Alabama residents attending law school in Alabama. The scholarship was established in honor of the first female Alabama Supreme Court Justice. Applicants may be a first, second, third or beyond third year graduate but must be attending law school. More than one scholarship is awarded each year and the amount of scholarships varies. In order to be considered for the award, applicants must complete an online form and copies of all official transcripts. The application includes questions regarding the methods used for financing education and what methods will be utilized for financing law school as well as what the applicant’s future career plans are.
22. KASF Scholarship – Southern Region
The KASF Scholarship is available for full-time students in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina or Tennessee. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Awards are given to high school juniors based on achievement rather than financial need while high school seniors must provide a copy of an acceptance letter to a school in the Southern region. The maximum award is $5,000 and the student must be of Korean descent.
23. Kroger Scholarship
UNCF member college students in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are eligible to apply for the Kroger Scholarship with a maximum award of $5,000. Applicants must live in a targeted Kroger retails tore location and be entering their freshman year at a UNCF school. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and must provide a teacher or counselor recommendation as well as an official transcript. Two awards are given, and they are non-renewable.
24. Linly Heflin Scholarship
The Linly Heflin Scholarship is for a woman in Alabama who plans to attend a four-year accredited college or university. The student must be a United States citizen and plan to attend an Alabama college or university. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and have a minimum ACT score of 23, or the equivalent score on the SAT. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are awarded annually for four years and the maximum amount awarded is $4,000.
25. Marie Aaron Panhorst Scholarship Fund
Students graduating from Wetumpka High School may apply for the Marie Aaron Panhorst Scholarship if they are participants in the Career-Technical Education or Business Management Programs at the school. Financial need and academic achievement are used to determine award recipients. Applicants must submit a high school transcript as well as an essay that outlines their education and career goals. The scholarship is controlled by the Central Alabama Community Foundation.
26. Mary C. Easterling Scholarship
The Mary C. Easterling Scholarship is a $500 award is for Protestant students who are seeking a graduate degree in a full-time Christian career. Moral character, likelihood of success as a Christian worker and financial need are all determining factors of scholarship awardees. Applicants must be a Methodist or Protestant from Anniston or a Methodist or Protestant from Calhoun County.
27. MetLife Foundation Scholarship
The MetLife Foundation offers 10 state scholarships to students pursuing a four-year degree in the areas of agriculture, agribusiness management, communication, education, journalism, extension, public relations, finance, economics, sales, marketing, engineering, mechanization, technology, plant pathology, plant and animal breeding and genetics, range and soil science, public service as well as administration in agriculture. Alabama is one of the 28 states where the scholarship is available, but only one recipient in each state may receive the award which is a $2,000 scholarship.
28. NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program
The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. (NAJA) awards scholarships who are working or plan to work directly with children. Applicants must be pursuing graduate-level studies for one year designed to address special needs of children and youth. Fields of study may include:
- Counselling
- Exceptional Children
- Gifted and Talented
- Hearing Impaired
- Mental Health
- Psychology
- Remedial Skills Development
- Speech Pathology
- Special Education
29. NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarship
Four students receive sponsorships from the NIADA Foundation, who display outstanding education abilities. Each student receives $3,500 and must live in Region II of the NIADA Foundation, which includes Alabama. Applicants must be a high school senior and have maintained an outstanding academic achievement record. Students must demonstrate the aptitude for college-level work based on their ACT or SAT scores.
30. Tractor Supply Company Scholarship
Students who plan to pursue a four-year degree in any area of agriculture who are residents of states with Tractor Supply Company franchises, including Alabama, are eligible for a scholarship of up to $3,000. Applicants must complete the financial analysis section of the application and must be able to demonstrate financial need. Recipients must agree to allow Tractor Supply to use photographs of themselves and their family in company advertising.
31. NCRMA Retail Scholarship
The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association offers 48 scholarships of $2,500 to North and South Carolina residents who are members of the association or the Carolinas Food Industry Council. The scholarships can be used for tuition expenses at any accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants are chosen based on their academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities, student employment, career path and the recommendations provided. Recommendations are not required as part of the application but are considered when they are included.
32. Todd Webb Scholarship Fund
The Todd Webb Scholarship Fund provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduate of any Alabama High School who intends to study at the College of Communication and Information Sciences at the University of Alabama. Although priority is given to students planning to enter the Sports Communication field, other communication degrees may apply. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must provide two letters of recommendation.
33. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. Scholarship
Students entering a four-year degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural science technology may apply for a $2,500 scholarship from Toyota Motor Sales. Applicants must be residents of Alabama, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas or West Virginia. Applicants must demonstrate activity in extracurricular activities and complete a financial analysis. If those two criteria are equal in candidate finalists, financial need will determine the winners. Applicants must agree to allow Toyota Motor sales to publicize their names and/or photos. The names and photos of family members may also be required for the winning recipients. Toyota Motor Sales awards ten scholarships each year and they are non-renewable.
34. University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship
Twelve first generation college students are awarded scholarships from the Coca-Cola Foundation. In order to qualify, they must not have parents or siblings who are attending or who hold a degree from a college or university. Applicants must be an Alabama resident and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must be admitted to the University of Alabama as a freshman and first priority is given to those who demonstrate financial need. Students must complete the FAFSA by March 1. Awards are for $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years as long as the student maintains a GPA of 2.8 in their freshman year and 3.0 for each year after. In addition, they provide student support and assistance in adjusting to college.
35. William Verbon Black Scholarship
Alabama law students who demonstrate superior academic, civic and personal achievement are eligible to apply for the William Verbon Black Scholarship. Applications are accepted by the Alabama Law Foundation, and the University of Alabama Law School chooses the recipient. Alabama residents are given priority and must demonstrate academic achievement, consciousness, dependability, civic involvement, financial need and strong ethical standards. The student must be enrolled at the University of Alabama Law School.