National Merit Scholars

The University of Alabama offers one of the most generous scholarship packages in the nation to National Merit Finalists automatically upon admittance. 

You are invited to apply to UA now. You can also learn more about the National Merit scholarship packages and all that UA has to offer for students like you.

* Applications submitted through the Common App will continue to require UA's standard $40 application fee.

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National Merit Finalist Package

  • Value of tuition for up to five years or 10 semesters for degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate or law studies
  • Four years of undergraduate on-campus housing at regular room rate* (based on assignment by Housing and Residential Communities)
  • $4,000 per year undergraduate supplemental scholarship for four years**
  • $2,000 one-time allowance for use in research or international study (after completing one year of study at UA)

National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship

Admitted National Merit Semifinalists are automatically eligible for the Presidential Scholarship. Presidential Scholarship information can be found on the In-State Freshman Scholarship page or Out-of-State Freshman Scholarship page.

* Regular room rate is defined as the largest room option in a particular dorm. Example: Riverside, Lakeside and Ridgecrest have four-person suites. The cost associated with the four-person suite would be the value of the housing scholarship in this circumstance. If you live in an alternative dorm where double room occupancy is the largest available option, then the cost associated with the double room would be the value of the housing scholarship.

** The portion of your supplemental scholarship paid by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will be applied to your student account within the first six weeks of each semester.

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Already applied? Remember, to remain eligible for the National Merit Finalist Scholarship package, The University of Alabama must be your college of choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. If you make changes to your college of choice, UA must be renamed your college of choice before May 1, 2025.

Already admitted? Be sure to complete your next steps toward enrollment for fall 2025.

Majors and Programs

Choose from over 100 majors and programs! Many are ranked among the best in the country, offering opportunities far exceeding other colleges and universities. You may also change your major at any time after admission.

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New College

You can forge your passions into a career path through New College by crafting your own unique major. New College students embrace opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.

Accelerated Degree Options

Take classes for undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same time. UA has three programs dedicated to expediting your master's degree.

  • Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)
  • STEM Path to the MBA
  • CREATE Path to the MBA
  • Unique Undergraduate Research Opportunities

    Our world-class faculty, professional staff and students are leading the way as we develop new technologies, advance scientific discovery and harness the power of creative thought to fuel the economy of the future.

    Emerging Scholars Program

    As an emerging scholar, you’ll work alongside award-winning faculty members on cutting-edge research.

    Randall Research Scholars Program

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    Honors College

    Many top students find a home in UA’s Honors College. Explore the selective programs offered by the Honors College where you can diversify your view of the world, hone high-demand job skills and rise as a leader.

    Honors College Programs

    UA student poses with camera in Bryant-Denny Stadium tunnel.

    Launch a legendary college career unique to you.

    Ranked in Princeton Review's Top 20 Best Schools for Both Internships and Alumni Networks

    One of TIME Magazine’s Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders 

    Over 30 National Science Foundation CAREER Awarded Faculty

    Over 1,000 National Merit Scholars on Campus

    Through Randall Research Scholars and the Blount Undergraduate Initiative, Architha Bommena had the ability to work on real research while also building a solid foundation in liberal arts. The emphasis on research and critical thinking Architha received is preparing her for a career as a physician. Unique programs at UA like these provide the tools, resources and opportunities for students to reach their highest potential in an advanced and progressive academic environment. Start building your future at The University of Alabama.

    Find Your Community

    Meet peers from all over the country who share your passions and challenge your perspectives at UA.

    Student Organizations

    There are nearly 700 student organizations at The University of Alabama. You can explore a full list at any time on UA's Division of Student Life website.

    Weeks of Welcome

    UA hosts Weeks of Welcome to help you find community quickly after arriving on campus. Over the first two weeks of classes there are numerous events including Get On Board Day (your time to sign up for one of those nearly 700 clubs), events, concerts, service activities and more!

    Living-Learning Communities

    These on-campus communities allow students to bond over academic goals or shared interests.

    Five UA students smiling together at a volunteer event.

    Visit Campus

    Discover The University of Alabama through a fresh lens. Visit campus and meet current students and faculty who can share firsthand their experiences at UA. Tour state-of-the-art facilities and learn why students from Alabama join top students from all over the country at The University of Alabama.

    The Catherine and Randall Pettus Welcome Center