Office of University Scholarships - Frequently Asked Questions

How does a scholarship recipient receive his/her scholarship funds?

What are the requirements to renew a four-year Freshman Scholarship?

How does participation in the Cooperative Education Program affect my scholarship award(s)?

For Spirit of Auburn and Academic Presidential Scholars, how and when is the technology allowance applied?

For Spirit of Auburn and Academic Presidential Scholars, how and when is the enrichment experience stipend applied?

For National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Scholars, how and when is the on-campus housing allowance applied?

How do incoming freshmen receive consideration for scholarships?
Students who apply for admission with all admission materials postmarked by the December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline receive automatic consideration for most Freshman Scholarships and General Scholarships. Eligible Alabama residents who apply for admission with all admission materials postmarked by the February 1 application for admission deadline receive automatic consideration for Advancement Scholarships. The application for admission serves as the application for consideration of these scholarships. A separate application is not required. Alabama residents must be nominated by their high school to receive consideration for an Achievement Scholarship or Leadership Scholarship. A limited number of Special Consideration General Scholarships require that students provide additional information to receive consideration. Some Departmental Scholarships may require that students complete a separate application to receive consideration.

Is there a minimum test score or high school GPA that guarantees an incoming freshman will receive a scholarship?
Spirit of Auburn Scholarships are four-year, renewable scholarships automatically awarded to Alabama residents with a minimum 28 ACT or 1250 SAT score and a 3.25 high school GPA at three levels. Although not guaranteed, Academic Scholarships are four-year, renewable scholarships awarded among non-residents with a minimum 28 ACT or 1250 SAT score and a 3.25 high school GPA at three levels. Students must have the minimum test score and high school GPA to receive consideration at each level for both of these scholarships.

Does Auburn prefer an ACT score or an SAT score?
Auburn accepts both ACT and SAT scores for admission and scholarship consideration. Students are even encouraged to take both the ACT and SAT as students sometimes perform better on one than the other.

Does Auburn combine ACT or SAT subject scores from different test dates for the purpose of awarding scholarships to incoming freshmen?
Auburn only uses the highest composite ACT score or total SAT score from a single test date. A “superscore” in which subject scores from different test dates are combined is not considered. Testing reports from testing agencies are evaluated by Admissions Processing. For more information regarding test score, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment by phone at (334) 844-6425 or by e-mail at admissions@auburn.edu.

Does Auburn consider the writing score on the ACT or SAT for the purpose of awarding scholarships to incoming freshmen?
For the purpose of awarding scholarships, Auburn does not currently consider the writing score on the ACT or SAT test.

Can I send a new test score if I re-test after the December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline?
Updated test scores postmarked after the December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline will be considered for the purposes of awarding Advancement, Achievement, and Leadership Scholarships to Alabama residents. Although Spirit of Auburn Scholarships for Alabama residents are not guaranteed based on test scores postmarked after December 1, updated test scores will be considered in the event we continue to award these scholarships after the Freshman Scholarship priority deadline. Depending on the student’s major, updated test scores may be considered when awarding Departmental Scholarships. While we do not specifically encourage students to continue testing, we do encourage students to submit new scores if they elect to continue testing.

How does Auburn calculate high school GPA for the purpose of awarding scholarships to incoming freshmen?
The cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) indicated on the high school transcript is used in determining eligibility for admission and scholarships, provided the GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale. Admissions Processing will automatically recalculate the GPA if it is not provided on a 4.0 scale or if a weighted GPA is not provided and the student course work includes Advanced Placement, IB, Honors, and/or Gifted courses. For more information regarding high school GPA, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment by phone at (334) 844-6425 or by e-mail at admissions@auburn.edu.

Can I send a new high school transcript with my first semester grades?
Updated GPAs on transcripts postmarked after the December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline will be considered for the purposes of awarding Advancement, Achievement, and Leadership Scholarships to Alabama residents. Depending on the student’s major, updated GPAs may be considered when awarding Departmental Scholarships.

What scholarships are available to National Scholars?
Alabama residents who are National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Scholars automatically receive a four-year, renewable Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship. A Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship will replace a Spirit of Auburn Founders or University Scholarship if previously awarded.

Non-residents who are National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Scholars automatically receive a four-year, renewable Academic Presidential Scholarship. An Academic Presidential Scholarship will replace an Academic Heritage or Charter Scholarship if previously awarded.

National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Scholars receive an on-campus housing allowance for four years. In addition, they may also receive a university stipend for four years, depending on eligibility as determined by National Merit Scholarship Corporation and/or financial need as determined through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

National Merit Finalists should contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation to name Auburn University as their first choice institution by their requested deadline(s). National Achievement Finalists and National Hispanic Scholars should mail or fax a copy of their notification letter to the Office of University Scholarships by May 1.

Alabama residents who are National Merit Semifinalists and/or National Achievement Semifinalists with all required admission materials postmarked by the December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline automatically receive a four-year, renewable Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship, if not already awarded a Spirit of Auburn Scholarship of equal or greater value. Non-residents who are National Merit Semifinalists and National Achievement Semifinalists do not automatically receive an Academic Scholarship.

What additional Freshman Scholarships are available?
Students with a minimum 34 ACT or 1490 SAT score and a 3.5 high school GPA are invited to apply for Elite Scholarships in December.

Students with a minimum 26 ACT or 1170 SAT score and 3.0 high school GPA are automatically considered for Auburn Spirit Foundation Scholarships awarded in January. Auburn legacies with a minimum 26 ACT or 1170 SAT score and 3.0 high school GPA are automatically considered for Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships awarded in January, provided they indicte on the admissions application that they have a parent or guardian who is a graduate of Auburn.

Students with a minimum 3.25 high school GPA who reside in one of Alabama’s Black Belt counties, reside in a county identified by AU's Office of Enrollment Services as an underrepresented county, and/or attend a high school identified by the State of Alabama Department of Education as a priority school are automatically considered for Advancement Scholarships awarded in March.

Information regarding Achievement Scholarships and Leadership Scholarships is distributed to Alabama high school counselors in early January with a February 1 priority nomination deadline.

How do transfer students receive consideration for scholarships?
April 1 is the Transfer Scholarship priority deadline. Students accepted for admission by this date receive automatic consideration for Transfer Scholarships. The application for admission serves as the application for these scholarships. A separate application is not required.

Students accepted for admission by February 1 with a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA receive automatic consideration for any General Scholarship for which they meet the criteria. Again, the application for admission serves as the application for these scholarships. A separate application is not required.

Is there a minimum transfer GPA that guarantees a transfer student will receive a scholarship?
No, but transfer students must have a minimum 3.25 transfer GPA and 30 transfer hours completed by the April 1 deadline to receive consideration for Transfer Scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded each year is based on available funding, and students with the highest transfer GPAs and the greatest number of transfer hours are more likely to receive awards at all levels. Financial need may also be a consideration when awarding Transfer Scholarships. Although financial need is not required, the majority of Transfer Scholarship recipients selected demonstrate financial need.

How does Auburn calculate transfer GPA for the purposes of awarding scholarships to transfer students?
Auburn accepts the transfer GPA as indicated on the official transcript from each postsecondary institution the student has attended. However, the cumulative transfer GPA for all institutions attended will be the transfer GPA used for the purposes of awarding scholarships. College transcripts are evaluated by Admissions Processing. For more information regarding transfer GPA, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment by phone at (334) 844-6425 or by e-mail at admissions@auburn.edu.

When are Transfer Scholarships awarded?
Transfer Scholarships are awarded in April for the fall and spring of the upcoming academic year. Students enrolling spring semester will be considered in April following the completion of their first semester. Students who enroll at Auburn for the spring or summer term will be considered for Transfer Scholarships with the students who plan to enroll for the upcoming fall term. Students enrolling summer term must be acceped for admission by April 1 to receive consideration. Transfer Scholarship recipients usually have until May 1 to respond to their scholarship offer.

How do current students receive consideration for scholarships?
Current students who have a minimum 3.0 cumulative unadjusted Auburn GPA receive automatic consideration for any General Scholarship for which they meet the criteria. A separate application is not required.

How do students receive consideration for need-based scholarships?
Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , available online beginning January 1. The FAFSA must be received by Auburn University by the financial aid priority deadline of March 1.

What scholarships are available to students with financial need?
Approximately 50% of General Scholarships and Departmental Scholarships require or give preference to students with financial need. Board of Trustees Scholarships are need-based scholarships awarded annually to a number of Alabama residents at $1,000 for one year.

What scholarships are available to Auburn legacies?
The Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarship is available to legacies who are incoming freshmen with a minimum 26 ACT or 1170 SAT score and a 3.0 high school GPA and have not been recognized with a scholarship of equal or greater value from the Office of University Scholarships.

The Auburn Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship is available to legacies whose parent or guardian is a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association. Incoming freshmen must have a 25-29 ACT or 1130-1320 SAT score and a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Transfer students must have a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA.

Students should indicate on the admissions application in the space provided if they have a parent or guardian who is a graduate of Auburn.

What are the chances a student will receive a General Scholarship?
Incoming freshmen with a minimum 28 ACT or 1250 SAT score and a 3.25 high school GPA receive priority consideration. Almost 250 General Scholarships are awarded annually to approximately 1,600 recipients. Each General Scholarship has its own unique criteria with geographic location (high school, city, county, state), academics, and financial need the most common considerations. Approximately 50% of General Scholarships also give preference to incoming freshmen. General Scholarships for which a limited number of students may receive consideration increases the likelihood that a student who does not have a 28 ACT or 1250 SAT score may receive that scholarship, particularly if the scholarship requires or gives preference to students with financial need.

How much can a student expect to receive if awarded a General Scholarship?
General Scholarship awards range in amount from $500 to tuition (2/3 tuition for non-residents) for one year. The average award amount is $1,400. Award amounts vary based on the number of eligible students, available funding for each General Scholarship, and the award guidelines outlined in the individual scholarship agreement.

How does a student know for which General Scholarships s/he will be considered?
Depending on current enrollment status, students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, transfer GPA, or cumulative unadjusted Auburn GPA are automatically considered for any General Scholarship for which they meet the criteria. Brief descriptions for all General Scholarships are posted on our website. A limited number of Special Consideration General Scholarships require that students provide additional information to receive consideration.

When will a student know if s/he has been awarded a General Scholarship?
General Scholarships are awarded March to April. Award letters are mailed to recipients late March and early April.

How does a student receive consideration for Departmental Scholarships?
Students should contact the college/school and department in which they are majoring for Departmental Scholarship opportunities. Each college/school and department determines the requirements and deadlines for consideration. The colleges and schools that most commonly award incoming freshmen are Agriculture, Business, Engineering, Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Sciences and Mathematics.

If a student does not receive a scholarship as an incoming freshman but performs well as a current student, what are the chances s/he will receive a scholarship in future academic years?
Since approximately 50% of General Scholarships give preference to incoming freshmen, the process for awarding General Scholarships is very competitive for current students. The number of General Scholarships for which any student is considered may be limited if financial need or geographic location is also a consideration. Current students should contact the college/school and department in which they are majoring to inquire about Departmental Scholarship opportunities.

Is leadership and/or community service a consideration when awarding scholarships?
Incoming freshmen may submit resumes indicating honors, achievements, activities, service, work experience, and other points of interest if invited to apply for an Elite Scholarship or if nominated by an Alabama high school for an Achievement or Leadership Scholarship. Leadership and/or community service is considered for a limited number of Special Consideration General Scholarships that require resumes of activities. Colleges and schools that require completion of a separation application may consider leadership and/or community service in the awarding of Departmental Scholarships.

Can a student receive more than one scholarship?
Students may receive more than one scholarship provided the total amount awarded in institutional scholarships does not exceed the estimated total amount it costs to attend Auburn University. The estimated total cost of attendance includes estimated amounts for tuition and fees, room and board, books and fees, personal expenses, and transportation expenses. For 2009-10, the estimated total cost of attendance for residents is $21,776 and for non-residents is $34,256. External Scholarships do not contribute to this total, and Auburn University does not limit External Scholarships by number or amount. However, any amount received in scholarships may affect the amount of federal financial aid for which students are eligible. Individual scholarships awarded by other internal or external sources may have restrictions which require them to be awarded or pay at a lesser amount. When this is the case, the scholarship provider should clearly communicate such a restriction.

How do scholarship recipients respond to their scholarship offer?
With the exception of Spirit of Auburn and Academic Scholarships, scholarship response forms are mailed with award letters. For Spirit of Auburn and Academic Scholarships, response forms are mailed separately with additional enclosures. Recipients should return their response form by mail or fax by the deadline requested, indicating their intent to accept or decline the scholarship. At this time, students are unable to accept scholarships online.

Is there a date by which scholarship recipients must respond to their scholarship offer?
All Freshman Scholarships (Spirit of Auburn, Academic, Auburn Spirit Foundation, Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy, Advancement, Achievement, and Leadership) have a response deadline of May 1. Elite Scholarships have a response deadline of April 1, but recipients may request an extension for their decision until May 1. Auburn Alumni Association Endowed, Board of Trustees, and General Scholarships have a response deadline of May 1. Response deadlines for Departmental Scholarships may vary.

What happens to scholarships that are declined?
Elite, Advancement, Transfer, Auburn Alumni Association Endowed, Board of Trustees, and General Scholarships are re-awarded if declined.

How does PACT or another pre-paid tuition plan work with a scholarship?
Parents of Alabama residents should visit www.treasury.state.al.us , call 1-866-898-0941, or complete the Prepaid Tuition Plan Notification form located on AU's Student Financial Service’s website to request payment of PACT funds. Parents of non-residents should contact the pre-paid tuition plan organization within the student’s home state to request payments. Having PACT or another pre-paid tuition plan does not adversely affect a student’s consideration for scholarships.

Does Auburn honor or match funds awarded through state-sponsored scholarship programs in other states?
Auburn does not honor or match funds awarded through state-sponsored scholarship programs in other states. This includes funds awarded through Georgia Hope, Tennessee Hope, Florida Bright Futures, Louisiana TOPS, etc.

How does a non-resident become an Alabama resident?
Residency is determined by the Office of the Registrar. For more information on residency requirements, please visit Residency or call (334) 844-4770.

What are External Scholarships?
External Scholarships are those scholarships awarded by individuals or organizations external to Auburn University. External Scholarship checks made payable to Auburn University should be mailed to the Office of University Scholarships for deposit into the student's billing account along with scholarships awarded by Auburn University. Students are encouraged to pursue as many External Scholarship opportunities as possible.

I have one or more External Scholarships which require proof of enrollment. How can I get this information sent to the External Scholarship donor?
Enrollment certification is provided through the Office of the Registrar. For more information or to request enrollment certification, please visit Enrollment Certification or call (334) 844-4770.

How does a scholarship recipient receive his/her scholarship funds?
Scholarships are applied as credits on the student’s billing account on a semester basis. In compliance with federal guidelines, financial aid and scholarships cannot physically disburse to the student's billing account until 10 days before each semester begins. At that time if the credits on the bill exceed university charges (i.e. tuition, fees, on-campus housing), a refund can be issued for the difference. Refunds are issued as direct deposits to the checking or savings account of the student's choice, which can be set up through the student’s tiger i account.

What are the requirements to renew a four-year Freshman Scholarship?

Freshman Scholarship guidelines are posted on the Scholarship Channel of the student’s tiger i account by academic year. Students should select the year they first enrolled at Auburn to view requirements for renewal.

How does participation in the Cooperative Education Program affect my scholarship award(s)?

Scholarship funds are not available during terms in which a student is participating in the Cooperative Education Program. Scholarship funds will be applied to the next academic term for which the student will be enrolled full time, until all semesters of eligibility have been exhausted.

For Spirit of Auburn and Academic Presidential Scholars, how and when is the technology allowance applied?
The technology allowance is applied as a one-time credit on the student’s first fall tuition bill. While the technology allowance is intended for the purchase of any technology needs the student may have, it may also be used for other educational expenses.

For Spirit of Auburn and Academic Presidential Scholars, how and when is the enrichment experience stipend applied?
The enrichment experience stipend is applied as a one-time credit on the student’s billing account one semester after the second year of study. Approved activities include study abroad, undergraduate research, an unpaid internship, or another academic endeavor arranged with the academic department in which the student is majoring and approved in advance by the Office of University Scholarships. Students should submit a completed Presidential Scholarship Enrichment Experience Verification Form to the Office of University Scholarships a minimum of one week prior to the start of the term for which they plan to request the funds.

For National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Scholars, how and when is the on-campus housing allowance applied?
The on-campus housing allowance is applied as a credit on the student's billing account each semester that the student is living on campus, provided the student is also eligible to receive his/her Spirit of Auburn or Academic Presidential Scholarship at that time.