Auburn Freshman Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Auburn University

General notes
- This page lists scholarships available to first‑year students. Keep in mind that total grants and scholarships cannot exceed the published cost of attendance.
- Some scholarship types have their own pages with more details; please visit those pages and our Frequently Asked Questions (look for “First‑year Student Scholarships”) for answers to special enrollment situations.

Competitive Merit Scholarships (renewable up to 4 years)
Who is eligible
- First‑year students must enroll in the summer or fall immediately after high school graduation to be considered.
- To receive automatic consideration, your Auburn application file must be complete by December 1 (application, fee, official test scores from the testing agency, and high school transcript) and you must be admitted through Early Action (decisions typically available by early February). You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.

How consideration works
- Consideration uses your high school GPA and standardized test score. The GPA used for admission is the same GPA used for scholarship eligibility.
- Auburn accepts the ACT Superscore Report and will also calculate superscores for the SAT and for individual ACT score reports — only your best testing result is used.
- If you improve your test score, make sure the highest individual test score is received by Auburn by January 12. Scores received after Jan. 12 will not be reviewed for competitive merit scholarship consideration.
- Verify that Auburn has received your academic information in the Applicant Portal.

How awards are decided and when you’ll hear
- Scholarships are awarded competitively; being considered does not guarantee an award. Each entering class competes internally, and actual awards depend on the number of qualified admits, their credentials, and available funding.
- Students accepted earlier in the cycle are more likely to receive awards.
- Awards are distributed mid‑November, mid‑January, and early February.
- Recipients are notified by email to their Auburn account and by postal mail to their permanent address.

Select Need‑Based Scholarships (Alabama residents; renewable up to 4 years)
Who is eligible
- First‑year students must enroll in the summer or fall immediately after high school graduation to be considered.
- These awards are limited to Alabama residents.

How consideration works
- Automatic consideration is given to students accepted for admission by early March; no separate scholarship application is required.
- Selection is based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Auburn must receive your FAFSA.
- If you are selected for federal verification, you must complete the verification process to remain eligible for need‑based scholarships.

How awards are decided and when you’ll hear
- You may receive a select need‑based scholarship in addition to other scholarships.
- Awards begin mid‑January and are issued monthly through mid‑March.
- Recipients are notified by email to their Auburn account.

Achievement and Leadership Scholarships (renewable up to 4 years)
Who is eligible
- First‑year students must enroll in the summer or fall immediately after high school graduation to be considered.
- These awards are made as funding allows.

How consideration works
- For general and departmental achievement/leadership scholarships, students accepted by early February should complete the scholarship application in the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) by the February 16 priority date for priority consideration. Applications submitted after Feb. 16 may still be reviewed.
- Consideration is based on high school GPA and the information you provide on the AUSOM application. For traditional applicants, standardized test scores may also be considered; updated scores must be received by Auburn by January 12. Test‑optional applicants may be evaluated using the academic assessment from the admission review.
- Priority consideration is given to Alabama residents.

How awards are decided and when you’ll hear
- These scholarships are competitive; consideration does not guarantee an award.
- Recent entering class averages: recipient GPA ≈ 4.29; average award ≈ $1,500–$2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
- You cannot receive both an achievement and a leadership scholarship. You also may not receive an achievement or leadership scholarship together with a competitive merit scholarship.
- If funding permits, awards are made by early May and recipients are notified by email to their Auburn account.

A few practical tips from a teacher
- Meet the early deadlines (Dec. 1 for Early Action consideration; Jan. 12 for updated test scores; Feb. 16 for AUSOM priority) — missing them reduces your chances.
- Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible if you want need‑based consideration, and finish verification promptly if selected.
- Double‑check your Applicant Portal to confirm Auburn has all required documents.

Where to find more information
- See the specific scholarship pages for each scholarship type and the Frequently Asked Questions (search “First‑year Student Scholarships”) for special enrollment cases and details about payment and renewal.