Navigating Scholarships at Auburn University: A Comprehensive Guide

Auburn University offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities to assist students in financing their education. These scholarships cater to various student profiles, from incoming freshmen to graduate students, and are awarded based on a range of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, program of study, and affiliations. This guide provides a detailed overview of the scholarships available at Auburn University, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Types of Scholarships at Auburn University

Auburn University provides various scholarship avenues, encompassing merit-based awards, need-based aid, and program-specific funding. These scholarships are designed to support students at all levels of their academic journey.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Competitive merit scholarships are awarded to both Alabama residents and non-residents. It's important to note that the awards are not guaranteed and are subject to change. Each entering class competes with itself, and the actual awards are determined by the number of qualified admitted students, the credentials of those applicants, and available funding. For instance, Presidential Excellence Awards cover resident tuition and mandatory student services fees, which amounted to $13,572 for the 2026-27 academic year.

Need-Based Scholarships

Financial need is a significant factor in determining eligibility for many scholarships at Auburn University. To be considered for need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the only form a student is required to complete to be considered for student assistance from any of the Title IV, HEA programs except for information needed to ensure the student’s eligibility for such assistance (e.g., information needed to complete verification or to demonstrate compliance with the student eligibility provisions of the HEA and the regulations).

General and Departmental Scholarships

General and departmental scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria such as academic achievement, financial need, program of study, etc., with opportunities for both new and current students. These scholarships are managed through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM), where students may complete an optional application to provide additional information for consideration.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are awarded by employers, companies, foundations, and other organizations independent of Auburn University. Criteria vary and may include academics, financial need, affiliations, or unique qualifications.

Program-Specific Scholarships

Auburn University also offers scholarships tailored to specific programs of study. Examples include:

Music Scholarships: Available for music majors who audition on designated dates.
Band Scholarships: Open to students of all majors, with participation in an ensemble required.
ROTC Scholarships: Donor-funded ROTC scholarships are available through Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC.

Eligibility Requirements

Scholarship eligibility varies depending on the specific award. However, some common requirements include:

Academic Standing: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA. For example, the Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship requires a 3.0 GPA.
Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, is often a requirement for need-based scholarships.
Program of Study: Some scholarships are restricted to students pursuing specific degrees or programs.
Affiliations: Certain scholarships may be available to students affiliated with specific organizations or groups, such as the Auburn Alumni Association. For example, first-year or transfer students with a parent/guardian who is a fully paid life member of the Auburn Alumni Association by February 1 and demonstrated financial need (FAFSA required); 3.0 GPA may be eligible for specific scholarships.

How to Apply for Scholarships

The application process for scholarships at Auburn University generally involves the following steps:

Complete the FAFSA: To be considered for need-based aid, students must complete the FAFSA annually.
Explore Scholarship Opportunities: Review the scholarships available based on your student status and college.
Submit the AUSOM Application: General and departmental scholarships are managed through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM), where students may complete an optional application to provide additional information for consideration. Students submit the scholarship application each academic year.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines. The priority date for full consideration for many scholarships is February 16. Financial aid and scholarship priority dateSubmit your AUSOM scholarship application and ensure Auburn has received your FAFSA and any requested verification documents by February 16 to receive priority consideration for general scholarships, departmental scholarships, need-based aid, supplemental grants, and work-study.

Important Dates and Deadlines

February 1: Deadline for parent/guardian to be a fully paid life member of the Auburn Alumni Association for Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship eligibility.
February 16: Priority date for submitting the AUSOM scholarship application and ensuring Auburn has received your FAFSA and any requested verification documents. Students submit the scholarship application each academic year.

Additional Information

Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM): This is the primary platform for managing general and departmental scholarship applications.
Atlanta Auburn Club: The Atlanta Auburn Club raises funds annually to provide scholarships for metro Atlanta area students attending Auburn University. Individuals and groups can support these fundraising efforts through tax-deductible donations.
Enrollment & Academic Verification: Some donors require proof of enrollment or academic standing.
Payment Instructions: Preferred payment methods are ACH, E-Check, or credit card. Donors should contact the scholarship specialist to set up payment accounts. Include the student’s full name and student ID number with the check.

Scholarships at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) also offers a variety of scholarships for students of all types and in all colleges. AUM strives to make education affordable for everyone, and scholarships are a great way to do that. A scholarship is a financial aid option that doesn’t need to be repaid. Most scholarships require full-time attendance and call for other student responsibilities. Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is often a requirement to be considered for student aid. Please complete a FAFSA annually to ensure you’re considered for scholarships.

Read also: Auburn Student Statistics

At AUM, they offer a variety of scholarships for students of all different statuses. If you’re looking for competitive scholarship opportunities at AUM, there are options for you. In addition to offering general scholarships for students of all types, AUM’s colleges also offer scholarships for their students. This helps make educational expenses for our students more manageable and create well-rounded scholarship programs. Whatever year in school you are, AUM strives to create options for our students. Their goal is to help you find scholarships that fit your individual needs. If you’re a high school senior starting to explore college scholarship options, they have options specifically for you. If you have questions about the right scholarship for you, the Scholarship Office staff can help provide you with direction. They’ll do our best to relieve the pressures that finances can have while you pursue your bachelor’s degree.

While you work towards your master’s degree or higher education degree, a scholarship can be a big help. At AUM, they offer general graduate school scholarships like the Grad Focus Scholarship. The Grad Focus Scholarship does not require an application for eligible students. When deciding how to pay for graduate school, explore all of your options.

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