Alabama Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

Alabama has several special student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. 

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Alabama can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Alabama Student Loan Programs

Alabama does not have any specific student loan programs available to its students. Remember, all students are eligible for Federal student loans - you just need to fill out the FAFSA and apply for the loan.

However, there are limits to how much you can borrow (which might be why you're here).  

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Alabama Scholarship Programs

Alabama does have a unique scholarship opportunity for students. You might also check with the University of Alabama and see if there are any programs available.

CollegeCounts Scholarship

If you are a high school senior or college freshmen in the fall of 2023 with financial need and at least a 2.75 GPA, you can qualify for the CollegeCounts Scholarship.

Awards of $4,000 for four-year college enrollees and $2,000 for two-year college enrollees. Award is one-time, non-renewable and granted on a semester basis in the first academic year.

You can learn more about the CollegeCounts Scholarship here.

Alabama Grant Programs

Alabama has several grant programs available:

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)

ASAP is a need-based, state/federal grant ranging from $300 to $5,000 per academic year. Eligible students are undergraduate students who are Alabama residents attending eligible Alabama institutions.

To apply, you simply need to fill out the FAFSA.

You can learn more about the Alabama Student Assistance Program here.

Alabama Student Grant Program

This grant is available only to students at an eligible independent Alabama college or university. This is not a need based program. Grant amounts vary from year-to-year based on the availability of funds, but cannot exceed $1,200 per academic year. Applications are available from the financial aid office at the institution you plan to attend and also can be found below. Application deadline dates are printed on the application form.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Alabama resident, check out our Alabama Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Alabama residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in Alabama, check out our Alabama 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.