THE FULL PICTURE
FIVE TOOLS THAT WORK
TOGETHER
Most students and parents focus on the total cost of college, but affordability is about more than one number. These five tools can work together to help make college more affordable.
Scholarships
Merit awards earned through academics and involvement
Federal Financial Aid
Grants, loans and work-study opportunities
Pre-College Credits
AP, dual enrollment and UA Early College
Smart Research
Compare costs and aid amounts at your top college choices
Start Saving Now
Monthly savings and part-time student jobs can make a difference
Not sure where to begin? Start with Your Roadmap. It explains what’s most important to do right now and in the future.
THE FULL PICTURE
FIVE TOOLS THAT WORK
TOGETHER
Most students and parents focus on the total cost of college, but affordability is about more than one number. These five tools can work together to help make college more affordable.
Scholarships
Merit awards earned through academics and involvement
Federal Financial Aid
Grants, loans and work-study opportunities
Pre-College Credits
AP, dual enrollment and UA Early College
Smart Research
Compare costs and aid amounts at your top college choices
Start Saving Now
Monthly savings and part-time student jobs can make a difference
Not sure where to begin? Start with Your Roadmap. It explains what’s most important to do right now and in the future.
RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE
COMPARING
Comparing colleges starts with understanding two important numbers: cost of attendance and net price. While the published cost is a useful starting point, net price provides a clearer picture of what you may actually pay.
Cost of Attendance
Cost of attendance is the full sticker price: tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meals, books and estimated personal expenses. Every school is required to publish this number, and you can find it on any school’s financial aid page. This is the starting point, but with aid most students pay less.
Tip: Look for the full cost of attendance breakdown, not just tuition. The total number matters when comparing schools side-by-side.
Understanding Net Price
Net price is cost of attendance minus scholarships and grants you do not have to repay. For many students, UA’s net price is significantly lower than the total cost of attendance or “sticker price.” Every college must offer a net price calculator on its website. Use calculators from multiple schools early in your search to get a realistic comparison before you apply.
Tip: Run the net price calculator for each school you’re considering before eliminating any option based on sticker price alone.
TRADITIONAL TOOLS
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Two distinct tools, scholarships and federal financial aid, are available to many students. Learning how each works can help you build a stronger plan for paying for college.
Scholarships
UA offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for incoming students. Scholarship programs and eligibility requirements may change from year to year, so it's a good idea to review the latest information as you prepare to apply.
Strong academic performance, meaningful involvement and leadership experiences can help you prepare for future scholarship opportunities. Staying active in your school and community and keeping a record of your achievements will make it easier to showcase your accomplishments during the application process.
ACT and SAT scores may also be considered for some scholarship opportunities. Taking a standardized test early gives you time to improve your scores and be ready when it's time to apply to college.
Federal Financial Aid
Financial aid includes grants (money you don't repay), loans and work-study programs. Eligibility for all three types of aid is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Complete the FAFSA early for the best opportunities.
FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Parents or guardians often play an important role in helping dependent students file the FAFSA, and they often lead research on scholarship opportunities. Building awareness of scholarship timelines and FAFSA deadlines early gives students more options. View our parent and family resources page for a dedicated guide to paying for college.
GET A HEAD START
EARN CREDITS BEFORE YOU
ENROLL
One of the smartest ways to plan ahead for college is to start earning credit early. AP courses and dual enrollment can help you get ahead academically while lowering future college costs.
AP and Dual Enrollment
Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) courses are offered at some high schools, and students can earn college credit based on exam scores. Dual enrollment programs let students take college courses while still in high school.
Both can help students make progress toward a college degree before enrollment and potentially reduce future college costs. Because course options vary by school, it’s a good idea to start exploring them with your high school counselor during your freshman or sophomore year.
UA EXCLUSIVE
UA Early College
UA Early College allows qualifying high school students to earn credit from The University of Alabama for a reduced tuition rate while still in high school. Credits are fully applicable to a UA degree plan and are transferable to most colleges and universities.
This is one of the highest-value tools available for saving both time and money in college.
START SAVING
SMALL HABITS,
BIG DIFFERENCE
When it comes to saving for college, starting early matters more than starting big. Small amounts saved over time can add up and alongside other financial aid can help you prepare for future expenses.
Part-Time Work
A part-time job can help students build savings, gain work experience and develop skills that stand out on scholarship and college applications. Even setting aside a portion of each paycheck for college can add up over time.
529 College Savings Plans
529 plans are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed specifically for education expenses. Contributions grow tax free when used for qualified education costs, and they can be opened in a student’s name at any age.
Your Savings Matters
Savings can stack with other financial aid to make college achievable. Saving $10,000 covers your books for four years of college while also contributing some to a campus meal plan.
$100-$200/month
Saved starting in 8th grade
$5,400-$10,800+
Accumulated by freshman year in college
FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
YOUR ROLE IN THE
FINANCIAL PLAN
Parents and families play an important role in planning for college costs. From contributing information on the FAFSA to exploring savings options and scholarship deadlines, these resources can help you navigate the process alongside your student.
Use each school’s net price calculator to estimate what your family may pay after scholarships and grants. Comparing net prices can provide a more accurate picture than published costs alone.
The FAFSA opens October 1. File as early as possible for the best opportunities. You’ll need income and tax information to complete the application.
UA scholarship application timelines vary, and exact deadlines are available the summer or early fall before a student’s senior year. Some scholarships have no separate application. They’re awarded based on GPA and test scores submitted at admission.
UA Early College lets your student earn UA credit in high school, reducing the total cost they’ll pay for college. Enrollment planning starts as early as freshman year in high school.
Start a Savings Plan
529 college savings plans grow tax free when used for education expenses. Starting as early as middle school gives your savings time to compound. A financial advisor can help you choose the right plan for your family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I start thinking about paying for college?
The earlier you start, the more options you have. Students in 8th grade and high school freshmen can begin taking steps that directly reduce college costs, like planning for AP courses or dual enrollment credit, establishing savings habits, and getting involved in activities that strengthen scholarship applications.
What scholarships does The University of Alabama offer?
UA offers merit scholarships based on a range of factors including GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and involvement, as well as need-based federal financial aid through FAFSA. Visit our Afford webpage for the full catalog of available aid.
What is the difference between net price and sticker price?
Sticker price is the published cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, housing and meals. Net price is what you actually pay after subtracting scholarships and grants. For many students, UA's net price is significantly lower than the sticker price. Every college is required to provide a net price calculator on its website.
What is the FAFSA and when should I file it?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study programs. It opens on October 1 each year. Filing as early as possible improves access to need-based aid. Parents or guardians often play an important role in helping dependent students file the FAFSA. Learn more about FAFSA.
How does AP or dual enrollment credit reduce college costs?
Every AP or dual enrollment course you pass in high school is a credit you may not have to pay for in college. A full semester of advanced credit could eliminate one semester of tuition and fees. UA accepts qualifying AP scores and dual enrollment credit from accredited programs. Learn more about our academic policies including credit by examination and dual enrollment transfer credit.
What is UA Early College?
UA Early College allows high school students to earn college credit from The University of Alabama at a reduced tuition rate. Courses are taught by UA faculty, and students can enroll as early as their freshman year in high school. Credits are fully transferable to a UA degree plan and to most higher education institutions. This is one of the highest-value tools available for reducing the total cost of college and time to complete a degree. Visit our Early College website for eligibility and enrollment information.
How much should I save each month for college?
There is no single “right” amount to save for college. What matters most is starting early and saving consistently at a level that fits your family’s budget. Even modest monthly savings can add up significantly over time and help you prepare for future expenses. 529 college savings plans offer tax advantages and can be opened in a student's name at any age. A part-time job in high school can also direct income toward college savings while building résumé experience.
START EARLY. SEE THE DIFFERENCE.
The earlier you begin exploring your options, the more opportunities you'll have along the way. From earning college credit to researching scholarships and building savings, small steps today can make a meaningful difference.