Explore a wide range of scholarships for veterans, active-duty military, National Guard, Reservists, and military dependents at The University of Alabama. This resource page highlights financial aid options including VA education benefits, the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship Program, UA-specific military scholarships, and external funding opportunities for military-affiliated students. Learn how to apply for tuition assistance, emergency aid, and other military education benefits designed to support your academic success at UA.
Fry Scholarship
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) provides benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001. Visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs site for more information about eligibility.
Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship
Student dependents may be eligible for the state benefit Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship, or most commonly known as the Alabama GI Bill®. Students may apply at any time as long as they meet the qualifications.
There has been financial changes to the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship beginning July 2017.
Once student receives a certificate in the mail indicating they are using the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship, a copy of the certificate is sent to The University of Alabama. After the student registers for classes each semester a credit will appear on the student’s account, no additional paperwork is needed.
Students under the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship go directly to The University Supply Store located in the UA Student Center in order to acquire textbooks needed each semester.
For any questions or problems with the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship please contact Student Account Services.
The Office of Veteran & Military Affairs does not certify payment or textbooks for the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship.
UA Online Military Tuition Grant
The University of Alabama Online has established the UA Online Military Tuition Grant beginning Fall 2022. This new grant for UA Online undergraduate active-duty, National Guard and reserve military students covers tuition costs not paid by military tuition assistance, up to the maximum amount allowed per service branch. This grant can cover up to 6 credit hours each term (fall, spring and summer) and up to 18 credit hours per academic year.
To be eligible for the UA Online Military Tuition Grant:
- The student must be an active-duty Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Space Force, National Guard or Reserve service member receiving tuition assistance. (Note: This does not include veterans, spouses or dependents.)
- The student must be admitted to an undergraduate UA Online program and enrolled in classes.
Students with questions can contact our UA Online Military Services team at uadistancemilitary@ua.edu or 205-348-6220. Students also are encouraged to book a one-on-one phone or virtual appointment with James Shamlee, Military Services Associate Program Manager.
Additional information can be found on the UA Online Military website or the UA Online Military Tuition Grant website.
Emergency Scholarships
The emergency assistance program allows students the opportunity to access short term assistance in times of need. After completing a Student Assistance application, the Office of the Dean of Students will review your information and may designate a certain amount of resources to you in the form of gift cards, Student 2 Student meal allotments, referrals, and other kinds of financial assistance. Once your application is completed and submitted you will be contacted by a staff member from the Dean of Students Office to set up an appointment. For questions about this program contact us at 205-348-2461.
Student Emergency Relief Fund
Student Emergency Relief Fund (“Fund”) is to provide appropriate relief to eligible students of The University of Alabama (“UA”) who experience a qualifying event or emergency. For qualifications and the application please visit the Office of Student Care and Well-Being.
External Scholarships
These Scholarships are for military connected students that are outside The University of Alabama. Please keep in mind that scholarships are for the next academic year. For example, if you apply in Spring during your Freshman year, it will take effect Fall of your Sophomore year.
Purple Heart Scholarship
The Military Order of the Purple Heart has designated The University of Alabama as a “Purple Heart University” for outstanding service to military veterans, service members, dependents and survivors.
Student veterans or active service members with a Purple Heart who are Alabama Residents can receive a scholarship that pays the difference between their GI / Veteran benefits and full tuition (and fees). If their tuition is paid, then they will get an additional $2,500 / year.
To receive the Purple Heart Scholarship please turn in your DD-214 to The Office of Veteran & Military Affairs.