How do I apply for scholarships?
Scholarship applications can be completed online through myBama. You’ll need to log in with your university credentials to access available opportunities. To apply for scholarships, please use your myBama login credentials to visit the Alabama Scholarship Award Manager. After logging into the system, you will be prompted to complete the General Application and the Distance Learning Application, both of which are required to qualify for UA Online scholarships.
When is the scholarship application deadline?
The scholarship portal will be open from March 1 through May 31 for Fall awards and August 1 through October 15 for Spring/Summer awards. Students can find general information about Distance Learning scholarships through the UA Online Scholarshipwebsite and the Omega Nu Lambda website. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship each term?
Yes. There is one scholarship application, and based on the information you provide, you may be considered for multiple scholarships for which you qualify. You do not need to submit separate applications.
What documents are required?
Additional documentation is required for special scholarships. Please submit that in advance of the deadline to the scholarship coordinator.
Requirements vary but may include transcripts, a personal statement, recommendation letters, or proof of financial need. Each scholarship listing will provide specific details.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA to qualify?
Submitting the FAFSA is not required to receive a distance-learning scholarship. However, some scholarships consider financial need as part of the review process. While this need is not always defined strictly by federal FAFSA guidelines, students who do not submit a FAFSA must self-identify a financial or health-related hardship within the General Application and provide a brief explanation describing their circumstances.
Students are encouraged to review each scholarship’s specific requirements, as expectations may vary.
How will I know if I’ve been awarded a scholarship?
Award notifications will be sent to your crimson.ua.edu email address. Some scholarships may also appear in your student account under “Financial Aid Awards.”
Fall scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of July. Spring and Summer scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of November. All applicants will receive an email notification, whether they are selected for a scholarship or not. Please check your crimson.ua.edu email regularly and review your student account for updates, as all notifications will be sent electronically.
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.
Do I need to reapply for scholarships each semester?
Yes, if you did not receive a scholarship in the Fall term, you must reapply during the Spring application window. Some UA online scholarships are renewable if you continue to meet the requirements. UA Online scholarships require students to submit new applications for the fall and spring semesters.
What happens if I do not use my scholarship?
UA Online scholarships do not transfer between academic years. If you are awarded funds in the fall and do not use them, you may submit a written request to the Scholarship Coordinator to have the funds moved to the spring or summer term.
If you do not use the award by the end of the spring/summer term, the unused funds will be returned to the scholarship pool and made available for future applicants.
To avoid losing your award, please plan ahead and communicate promptly with the Scholarship Coordinator if you anticipate needing to defer funds.
What happens if I withdraw from classes?
Students will risk losing their scholarship and funds will be returned to the scholarship pool and made available for future applicants.
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.
What happens if I miss the scholarship deadline?
Unfortunately, late applications will not be accepted. We recommend submitting your application early to avoid technical issues or delays.
Can I receive more than one scholarship at the same time?
No, you cannot receive multiple scholarships from UA Online at the same time. Each student may only be awarded one scholarship through this process. However, you may also apply for and receive additional scholarships or funding from other colleges, departments, or organizations across campus. These external awards can be combined with your scholarship as long as they do not exceed the total cost of attendance.
Additionally, if a student receives a UA Online scholarship in the fall semester, they will not be eligible for additional scholarship awards in the spring or summer semesters.
What happens after I receive a scholarship?
Scholarship awards will not be applied to the student’s account until a formal thank-you letter has been uploaded to the ASAM system. Review instructions and a sample thank-you letter submission.