Frequently Asked Questions

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 Freshman Scholarships and General Scholarships. The application for admission serves as the application for consideration of these scholarships. A separate application is not required. 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.

I am graduating high school in December or January of my senior year. Am I still eligible for
scholarship consideration?

Students who graduate in December or January of their senior year and enroll spring semester at another postsecondary institution are transfer students and ineligible for consideration of Freshman Scholarships. If already awarded, the scholarship will be rescinded. These students may still receive General Scholarship consideration, but they will be considered as transfer students, not new first-time freshmen.

Students who graduate in May or June of their senior year and enroll summer term at another postsecondary institution receive their Freshman Scholarship as awarded beginning in the fall when they enroll at Auburn. They are not penalized for summer enrollment prior to enrolling at Auburn.

I am graduating high school a year early in May or June of my junior year. Am I eligible for
scholarship consideration?

Students who graduate in May or June of their junior year must enroll at Auburn the summer or fall immediately following high school graduation to receive Freshman Scholarship consideration. Students who enroll at another postsecondary institution the fall or spring semester following high school graduation are automatically transfer students and ineligible for consideration of Freshman Scholarships.

I am taking a gap year between high school graduation and my freshman year at Auburn. Am I eligible for scholarship consideration?

Students who wish to take a gap year, a year off between high school graduation and enrollment at Auburn, should apply for admission for the following fall term. Eligibility for admission and scholarships will be evaluated with the applicants for the following year, and students are subject to the scholarship requirements and award amounts for that year. Students who enroll at another postsecondary institution during a gap year are automatically transfer students and ineligible for consideration of Freshman Scholarships.

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 3.5 high school GPA at three levels. Although not guaranteed, Academic Scholarships are four-year, renewable scholarships awarded among non-residents with a minimum 29 ACT or 1290 SAT score and a 3.5 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. Effective for students planning to enroll Summer or Fall 2012, official test scores must be sent to Auburn directly from the testing agency. We will no longer accept test scores posted on high school transcripts.

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 Admission Processing. For more information regarding test score, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment by phone at (334) 844-6425 or by email 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?
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. Admission 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 email at admissions@auburn.edu.

Can I send a new high school transcript with my first semester grades?
Depending upon the student's major, updated GPA's may be considered when awarding Departmental Scholarships.

What scholarships are available to National Scholars?
National Merit Finalists and National Achievement Finalists receive a four-year, renewable National Scholars Presidential Scholarship. National Scholars Presidential Scholarships include tuition for four years for Alabama residents or $60,000 over four years ($15,000 per year) for non-residents, a one-time technology stipend, a one-time enrichment experience stipend, an on-campus housing stipend for four years, and an annual stipend. A National Scholars Presidential Scholarship replaces a Spirit of Auburn or Academic Scholarship if previously awarded.

National Merit and Achievement Finalists must have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and meet the
December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline. National Merit Finalists should contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation to name Auburn University as their first choice institution by May 1. National Achievement Finalists should mail or fax a copy of their notification letter to the Office of University Scholarships by May 1.

Alabama National Merit and Achievement Semifinalists who have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and meet the February 1 application for admission deadline automatically receive a four-year, renewable Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship in the amount of tuition, 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.

National Hispanic Scholars who have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and meet the February 1 application for admission deadline are eligible for an annual stipend. National Hispanic Scholars who meet the December 1 Freshman Scholarship priority deadline may also receive consideration for a Freshman Scholarship based on their standardized test scores and high school GPA.

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 3.5 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 3.5 high school GPA are automatically considered for Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships awarded in January, provided they indicate on the admissions application that they have a parent or guardian who is a graduate of Auburn.

Students with a minimum 26 ACT or 1170 SAT score and 3.5 high school GPA are automatically considered for Achievement Scholarships awarded in March.

How do transfer students receive consideration for scholarships?
February 1 is the application for admission deadline. Transfer students who meet this deadline receive automatic consideration for all General Scholarships for which they meet the criteria. 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 who have a minimum 3.5 cumulative transfer GPA and 45 transfer hours completed by the February 1 deadline receive priority consideration for General 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. Financial need may also be a consideration when awarding Transfer Scholarships.

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 post secondary 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 Admission Processing. For more information regarding transfer GPA, please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment by phone at (334) 844-6425 or by email at admissions@auburn.edu.

What scholarships are available to Auburn legacies?
Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships are awarded among incoming freshmen with a minimum 26 ACT or 1170 SAT score and a 3.5 high school GPA.

Auburn Alumni Association Endowed Scholarships are awarded among eligible incoming freshmen and transfer students. Incoming freshmen must have a 24-29 ACT or 1090-1320 SAT score and a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Transfer students must have a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA. At least one parent or guardian must be an alumnus of Auburn and a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association on or before February 1.

Students should indicate on the admissions application in the space provided if they have a parent or guardian who is a graduate of Auburn to receive consideration. Students who have previously been recognized with a scholarship of equal or greater value from the Office of University Scholarships are ineligible for consideration.

What scholarships are available for students of Native American descent?
At this time, Auburn University does not have any scholarships specifically for students of Native American descent. Students should contact their local tribal council regarding scholarship opportunities or visit one of the American Indian websites listed under Non-Institutional Links.

If a student does not receive a scholarship as an incoming student 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.

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.

General & Departmental Scholarships

What are the chances a student will receive a General Scholarship?

How much can a student expect to receive if awarded a General Scholarship?

How does a student know for which General Scholarships s/he will be considered?

When will a student know if s/he has been awarded a General Scholarship?

How does a student receive consideration for Departmental Scholarships?

How much can a student expect to receive if awarded a Departmental Scholarship?

What are the chances a student will receive a General Scholarship?
More than 330 General Scholarships are awarded annually to over 2,300 recipients. Each General Scholarship has unique criteria with geographic location (high school, city, county, state), academic achievement, and financial need the most common considerations. Approximately 50% of General Scholarships also give preference to incoming freshmen. Priority consideration is given to incoming freshmen who meet the Freshman Scholarship priority deadline of December 1 and have not previously been recognized with a scholarship valued at resident tuition or greater. Students with a test score at or above the average test score of Auburn's most recent freshman class are more likely to receive an award.

How much can a student expect to receive if awarded a General Scholarship?
General Scholarships are awarded at an average of $1,500. Award amounts vary based on available funding for each General Scholarship.

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 in March, and award letters are mailed to recipients in 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.

How much can a student expect to receive if awarded a Departmental Scholarship?
Departmental Scholarships are awarded at an average of $2,000. Award amounts vary based on available funding for each General Scholarship.

External Scholarships

What are External Scholarships?

I have one or more External Scholarships which require proof of enrollment. How can I get this information sent to the External Scholarship donor?

I have one or more External Scholarships which require proof of academic standing. How can I get this information sent to the External Scholarship donor?

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 National Student Clearinghouse. For more information or to request enrollment verification, please visit Enrollment Certification or call (334) 844-4770.

I have one or more External Scholarships which require proof of academic standing. How can I get
this information sent to the External Scholarship donor?
Proof of academic standing can be demonstrated with an official university transcript. For more information or to request an official transcript, please visit Request Transcripts or call (334) 844-4770.

AU Scholarships

How do current students receive consideration for scholarships?

How do students receive consideration for need-based scholarships?

What scholarships are available to students with financial need?

Is leadership and/or community service a consideration when awarding scholarships?

Can a student receive more than one scholarship?

How do scholarship recipients respond to their scholarship offer?

Is there a date by which scholarship recipients must respond to their scholarship offer?

What happens to scholarships that are declined?

How do current students receive consideration for scholarships?
Current students who have a minimum 3.0 cumulative unadjusted Auburn GPA receive automatic consideration for all General Scholarships 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.

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. 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 2012-13, the estimated total cost of attendance for residents is $26,548 and for non-residents is $42,292. 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?
For Spirit of Auburn and Academic Scholarships, response letters are mailed in January. Instructions for online scholarship acceptance are included on the enclosed scholarship guidelines. All other Freshman and General Scholarship online scholarship acceptance instructions are included with the award letter mailed January to early April.

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, and Achievement) have a response deadline of May 1. Elite Scholarships have a response deadline of April 1, but recipients may request in writing 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, but if a deadline earlier than May 1 is noted, recipients should have the option to request in writing an extension for their decision until May 1.

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

Scholarship Payment

How does PACT or another pre-paid tuition plan work with a scholarship?

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

What does a four-year renewable tuition scholarship include?

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

What is an unadjusted GPA?

What is FERPA?

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

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

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

For National Scholars Presidential Scholars, how and when is the on-campus housing stipend applied?

How does PACT or another prepaid tuition plan work with a scholarship?
Recipients of PACT or another prepaid tuition plan should complete the Prepaid Tuition Plan Notification form located on AU's Student Financial Service's website to request payment of funds. The website can also be accessed from the Student Financial Services channel on tiger i. Having a prepaid tuition plan does not adversely affect a student’s consideration for scholarships.

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 does a four-year renewable tuition scholarship include?
For students enrolling Summer or Fall 2012, tuition scholarships include tuition for 12 or more hours for National Scholars Presidential, Spirit of Auburn Presidential, and Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarships awarded to Alabama residents. These scholarships are paid at the rate of $7,872, the current annual cost of resident tuition for 12 or more hours. In the event tuition increases, tuition scholarships will be increased accordingly. Registration fees, other mandatory fees, and differential tuition for professional programs and program fees in specific colleges and schools are not included.

What are the requirements to renew a four-year Freshman Scholarship?
Freshman Scholarship recipients must earn a total of 24 credit hours at Auburn during the fall and spring semesters of each academic year, and achieve a 3.0 cumulative, unadjusted Auburn GPA. Freshman Scholarship Guidelines are posted on the Scholarship Channel of the student’s tiger i account by scholarship type.

What is an unadjusted GPA?
By invoking the Grade Adjustment Policy, this will adjust your cumulative Auburn GPA. For Freshman Scholarship renewal, the Office of University Scholarships only reviews a student's unadjusted, cumulative Auburn GPA. The unadjusted, cumulative Auburn GPA includes the grade(s) earned before the Grade Adjustment Policy was invoked. For additional information about the Grade Adjustment Policy, visit the Undergraduate Grade Adjustment Policy (GAP).

What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. For more information regarding Auburn University and FERPA visit fp.auburn.edu/studentaffairs/students/?FERPA.

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

For National Scholars Presidential Scholars, how and when is the enrichment experience stipend applied?
The enrichment experience stipend is available for one semester after the second year of study and is applied as a one-time credit on the student’s university billing account. For students enrolling Summer or
Fall 2012, approved activities include study abroad and undergraduate research. 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 Scholars Presidential Scholars, how and when is the on-campus housing stipend applied?
The on-campus housing stipend is available up to eight semesters and is applied to the student's university billing account each year the student lives on campus. The stipend is divided in two equal payments for the fall and spring semester. The on-campus housing stipend is based on the double room rate in The Quad. In the event the double room rate in The Quad increases, the stipend will increase accordingly. The stipend is not available if at any time the student is no longer National Scholars Presidential Scholarship eligible, is unable to secure on-campus housing, or chooses to live off-campus. Housing availability and assignments are determined by the Department of University Housing. The Office of University Scholarships verifies eligibility to receive the stipend each semester by confirming with the Department of University Housing that the student is living on-campus. For more information on how to apply for housing or housing availability, please visit Department of University Housing, call (334) 844-4580, or email housing@auburn.edu.

Last Updated: August 10, 2012