Affording Higher. Education. State Government. Federal Government. Public Universities. Private Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries

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2 Affording Higher State Government Federal Government Education A book of financial aid programs for Alabama students pursuing a higher education Public Universities Eighth Edition Private Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries Acknowledgment By making Alabama students aware of the many financial aid programs available to them, the hopes that more students will be encouraged to pursue a higher education. Officials of state agencies, federal agencies, public universities, private colleges and universities, public two-year colleges, technical colleges, companies and organizations contributed information for the edition of Affording Higher Education. We gratefully acknowledge their time, effort and cooperation in helping us compile this catalog of student financial aid programs. Two-Year Public Colleges Copyright Affording Higher Education is provided by the Alabama State Department of Education Career and Technical Education Section. The contents of this book were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to elementary, middle and high school guidance counselors to copy pages from this publication for distribution to students currently enrolled in their respective schools. Prepared for the by KHEAA Alabama. No person shall be denied employment, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity on the basis of disability, gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age or genetics. Ref: Sec. 1983, Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C.; Title VI and VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008; Equal Pay Act of 1963; Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972; Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008: Title IX Coordinator, P.O. Box , Montgomery, Alabama or call (334) Technical Colleges Alabama Companies and Organizations KHEAA Alabama is an EEOC employer.

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4 Contents Using This Book...1 Another Great Book...2 Tips for Finding Money for College...2 State Government Alabama Board of Nursing Nursing Instructor Scholarship...7 Post Baccalaureate Scholarship...7 Alabama Commission on Higher Education Alabama Student Assistance Program Grant...7 Alabama Student Grant...7 Police Officer s and Firefighter s Survivor s Educational Assistance Program...7 Alabama Community College System Two-year College Athletic Scholarship...7 Two-year College Institutional Scholarship...7 Two-year College Senior Adult Scholarship...7 Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Trade Adjustment Assistance...7 Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Alabama Scholarship for Dependents of Blind Parents / Textbook Benefits for Dependents of Blind Parents...8 Vocational Rehabilitation...8 Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Alabama GI Dependents Educational Benefit Program...8 Alabama Indian Affairs Commission Alabama Indian Scholarship Fund...8 Alabama National Guard Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program...8 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship...9 Alabama State Treasury CollegeCounts 529 Fund...9 Governor s Office of Workforce Development Training/Employment Services Workforce Investment Act (WIA)...9 Federal Government Corporation for National and Community Service Americorps...13 Internal Revenue Service American Opportunity Credit...13 Hope Credit...13 Lifetime Learning Credit...13 U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program...13 National Scholars Program: College/ University Scholarship...13 National Scholars Program: High School Senior Scholarship...13 U.S. Department of Defense Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Airman Education and Commissioning Program...14 Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program...14 Express Scholarship...14 High School Scholarship...14 In-College Scholarship...14 Minority School Scholarship...15 Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program...15 Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC...15 Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) College Four-year Scholarship...15 College Three-year Scholarship...15 College Two-year Scholarship...15 Green to Gold Four-year Scholarship...15 Green to Gold Three-year Scholarship...16 Green to Gold Two-year Scholarship...16 High School Four-year Scholarship...16 Nurse Program...16 Civil Air Patrol Civil Air Patrol Academic Scholarship...16 National Security Education Program David L. Boren Fellowship for Graduate Students...16 David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarship for Study Abroad...16 Language Flagship Fellowships...17 Naval ROTC Historically Black College/Minority Institution Scholarship...17 Four-Year Scholarship...17 Nurse Corps NROTC Scholarship...17 Tweedale Scholarship...17 Two-year Scholarship...17 U.S. Department of Education Jacob K. Javits Fellowship...17 Mary Switzer Research Fellowship...18 Academic Competitiveness Grant...18 Federal Pell Grant...18 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant...18 Iraq and Afganistan Service Grant...18 National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant...18 Federal Direct PLUS Loan...18 Federal Direct Stafford Loan...18 Federal Direct Consolidation Loan...19 Federal Perkins Loan...19 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant...19 Federal Work-Study...19 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Faculty Loan Repayment Program...20 Health Professions Student Loan...20 Loans for Disadvantaged Students...20 Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program...20 Nursing Student Loan...20 Primary Care Loan...20 National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds...21 Nursing Scholarship...21 Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students...21 U.S. Department of Justice Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) Program...21 U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship...21 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)...21 Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation for Service-Disabled Veterans...22 Chapter 32 Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program...22 Chapter 33 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program...22 Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)...22 Chapter 1607 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Program...23 Restored Entitlement Programs for Survivors (REPS) Section 156, Public Law Student Work-Study Allowance Program...23 Tutorial Assistance...23 i

5 Public Universities Alabama A & M University...27 Alabama State University...28 Athens State University...29 Auburn Montgomery...31 Auburn University...32 Jacksonville State University...59 Troy University...66 University of Alabama...72 University of Alabama at Birmingham...95 University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Montevallo University of North Alabama University of South Alabama University of West Alabama Private Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries Amridge University Birmingham-Southern College Columbia Southern University Concordia College Faulkner University Heritage Christian University Huntingdon College Judson College Miles College Oakwood University Samford University Selma University Southeastern Bible College Spring Hill College Stillman College Talladega College Tuskegee University United States Sports Academy University of Mobile University of Phoenix-Birmingham Two-Year Public Colleges Technical Colleges Herzing College ITT Technical Institute Prince Institute of Professional Studies Remington College South University Virginia College at Birmingham Virginia College at Huntsville Virginia College at Mobile Virginia College at Montgomery Alabama Companies/ Organizations Scholarships Alabama Cattlemen s Foundation Alabama Electric Cooperatives Alabama Golf Association Alabama Home Builders Foundation Alabama Law Foundation Inc Alpha Phi Alpha American Legion American Legion Auxiliary Baptist Health Care Foundation Daikin America Inc Dixie Youth Baseball Freedom Forum Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Helen Keller Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary Jimmy Rane Foundation The J. L. Bedsole Foundation Kappa Delta Pi Mobile Optimist Club Montgomery Area Chapter, Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Foundation Prattville Civic Clubs School Superintendents of Alabama Society of American Military Engineers, Mobile Post Thompson Engineering Vulcan Inc Index Alabama Southern Community College Bevill State Community College Bishop State Community College Calhoun Community College Central Alabama Community College Chattahoochee Valley Community College Jefferson Davis Community College J. F. Drake State Technical College Enterprise State Community College Faulkner State Community College Gadsden State Community College Jefferson State Community College Lawson State Community College Marion Military Institute Northeast Alabama Community College Northwest-Shoals Community College Reid State Technical College Shelton State Community College Snead State Community College Southern Union State Community College H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College Wallace Community College Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Wallace State Community College at Hanceville George C. Wallace State Community College at Selma ii

6 Using This Book With college tuition increasing each year sometimes by 10 or 15 percent it s more important than ever for you to find financial aid to help pay for college. Although Alabama colleges offer good deals compared to colleges in many other states, getting a four-year degree in Alabama can cost you anywhere from $11,600 to $147,920. To help you and your parents pay for college, we update Affording Higher Education every year so you have the most up-to-date information available to help you find sources of financial aid. This year s edition of Affording Higher Education contains information about 4,200 different financial aid programs for Alabama students. There are lots of different types of financial aid, but these are the most common: Grant: An award that, generally speaking, you don t have to repay. Grants are usually based on financial need. Loan: Money you or your parents borrow to cover the cost of education. It must be repaid with interest. Scholarship: An award you don t have to repay. Many scholarships are based on skill, talent or achievement. Others are based on where you re from, where you or even your parents or grandparents went to school or where your parents work. Waiver: An arrangement that lets you attend a school without having to pay tuition or other costs if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Conversion scholarship/ loan: A scholarship that requires you to provide certain services, such as teaching or nursing, for a certain length of time. If you don t provide the service, the scholarship becomes a loan that you have to pay back with interest. Military benefit: Financial assistance for you if you have served in the U.S. armed forces or if one of your parents served in the U.S. military. Work-study: Part-time employment that lets you earn money for college by working on or off campus. Savings: Money your parents or others have set aside or invested for your college costs. In your search for student aid, start with the largest providers. For Alabama students, the major aid programs are administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the Alabama Community College System and the United States government. Financial aid provided by Alabama state agencies is covered in the first section of Affording Higher Education, followed by federal government listings in Section Two. Financial aid administered by Alabama colleges is described in the next four sections, which are divided into four categories public universities; private colleges, universities and seminaries; two-year public colleges; and degree-granting technical colleges. The last section features Alabama-specific scholarships administered by state organizations (associations, churches, clubs) and by companies doing business in Alabama. Student aid sources are divided by type, such as scholarships, grants or loans. Some universities have so many sources that we ve divided them by program: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics, School of Fine Arts, etc. Listings include the name, eligibility criteria, award amount, number of awards, application deadline and contact information whenever possible. Programs with limited funds may make their awards on a first-come, first-served basis, so it s important to file your application early. Affording Higher Education couldn t provide students with the best information available if it weren t for the help of hundreds of people. We thank them for everything they do to help make this book possible. 1

7 We want to make Affording Higher Education bigger, better and more useful every year. If you have comments or suggestions, please contact the Alabama State Department of Education. We re especially interested in local programs not yet included in the book. 50 North Ripley Street P.O. Box Montgomery, Alabama Phone: Another Great Book In addition to Affording Higher Education, the Alabama State Department of Education also publishes Getting In, which guides high school seniors through the admissions and financial aid processes. Getting In provides school-specific information about every college and university in Alabama. You ll find admissions requirements, tuition, financial aid, academic majors and degree programs, plus general information relevant to seniors everywhere. Getting In can be viewed online at website/alaid/planning?main=1&display=al_gettingin. Tips for Finding Money for College You can do lots of things to increase your chances of getting grants and scholarships to pay for college. But the money won t just fall in your lap; you ll have to do some work. Complete your tax forms early. The same information you and your parents use on federal income tax forms is used on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The sooner you have that information, the sooner you can file the FAFSA. You and your parents should keep copies of the federal tax forms you file. Some schools will ask for copies to check against the information you submit on the FAFSA. Submit the FAFSA as soon as you can after January 1 if you plan to go to college in the fall. The FAFSA determines your eligibility not only for federal student aid but also for many state aid programs. Some colleges use the FAFSA to decide what school-based programs (or institutional aid ) you qualify for. The quickest way to submit the FAFSA is online at You ll get your results a week or two earlier than students who send a paper FAFSA in the mail. Because your answers are edited automatically, you ll be less likely to make a mistake, and schools will be able to tell you sooner if you qualify for student aid. You need a personal identification number (PIN) to file the FAFSA online. You can apply for a PIN at www. pin.ed.gov. To request a paper FAFSA, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at Talk with a financial aid officer at the school you re interested in attending. This official can inform you about aid programs that are available through the school. The mailing addresses, phone numbers and website addresses are provided for each school listed in this book. 2

8 Money Tips, continued Search for free information about scholarships and other student aid sources. You should: Read Funding Education Beyond High School, a handbook from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) containing valuable information about student financial assistance. You can read it online at www. FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide or request a copy by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4-FED-AID. Copies should also be available at public libraries and counselor offices. Much of the information found in this booklet is also available at ED s Student Aid on the Web website at Watch newspapers for scholarships offered by local community service organizations, businesses, clubs, unions, churches, fraternal groups, etc., and contact them for more information. Write to organizations connected with your field of interest (such as the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association) which may have financial aid available. These organizations are listed in directories of associations available in public libraries. Check with community organizations and civic groups such as the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, 4-H Club, Girl or Boy Scouts, Jaycees, Kiwanis, and YMCA. Foundations, religious organizations, fraternities or sororities, and town or city clubs are some other possible sources of aid. Check with your high school or public library about publications and reference materials that detail sources of student financial aid. Visit Many students end up needing student loans, and this website offers loan comparison tools to help you choose the private education loan that best suits your needs. The Alabama Student Loan Marketplace presents upfront, side-byside rates and terms, giving you the details you need to make an informed choice. The Marketplace provides a safer, more efficient loan shopping experience by using a single credit report to match your information with multiple lenders products, and allows you to choose which lender, if any, receives your information. Realize that any federal or private student loan you accept must be repaid with interest. So before getting a loan, you should first try to find student aid that you don t have to repay grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, etc. Most financial aid packages prepared by schools will offer student loans as a financial aid option. Apply, apply, apply. By applying for several types of student aid, you increase your chances of receiving enough to pay your school costs. Read and follow directions. Filling out an application properly and neatly is important. You may be disqualified for failing to complete all questions, answering them incorrectly or missing the deadlines. Consult your school counselor. This person is an excellent resource and can tell you about financial aid in general and where to look for help. Beware of scams. Before paying a fee for financial aid information, talk with your high school counselor; a financial aid officer at the school you plan to attend; the Better Business Bureau in your area and the area where the firm is located; and the Alabama Attorney General s Office, Consumer Protection Division, 500 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130, toll free or , website Even if a scholarship search company is legitimate, you don t need to pay them to find scholarships for you. With a little effort on your part, you can track down most of this same information yourself. Some companies may offer money-back guarantees to students who don t receive any scholarship sources or funds; but students who are unsuccessful or not satisfied may find that refunds are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. To find out how to spot, stop and report a scam, go to the website of the National Fraud Information Center. 3

9 Notice: Each school included in Affording Higher Education must participate in a Title IV program or be a public college or university. The (ALSDE) has not independently verified information concerning the programs offered by schools, accreditation and licensure, or the eligibility of the schools to participate in federal Title IV programs of student financial aid. ALSDE, therefore, makes no representation, express or implied, about the accuracy of that information but relies on information submitted by each school. Some Alabama schools that provide financial aid may not meet ALSDE s guidelines for inclusion in Affording Higher Education or may not have responded to our request for information about their school. Students attending one of these schools should check with the school s financial aid office for information about its financial aid programs. In addition to the companies and organizations listed in Affording Higher Education, many others provide student financial aid. We welcome information about these programs for inclusion in the next edition. 4

10 State Government State Government Many student financial aid programs in Alabama are administered by state agencies. This chapter provides information on stateadministered programs, including mailing addresses, phone numbers, addresses and websites. Federal Government Public Universities Private Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries Two-Year Public Colleges Technical Colleges Alabama Companies and Organizations

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12 State Government Alabama Board of Nursing Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Alabama Board of Nursing Contact: Alabama Board of Nursing, P.O. Box , Montgomery, AL ; phone or ; fax ; website or contact financial aid office of school student plans to attend Conversion Scholarships / Loans Deadline: July 30 (must be received at Board of Nursing by close of business) Nursing Instructor Scholarship Eligibility: Must be an Alabama resident and an RN admitted to a graduate nursing program at an accredited school. Must agree to teach nursing full time for at least 1 year in Alabama following graduation or repay the scholarship to the State Treasury. ; amount reduced by declared proration Post Baccalaureate Scholarship Eligibility: Must be an Alabama resident and an RN admitted to a graduate nursing program at an accredited school. Must agree to practice nursing for at least 1 year in Alabama following graduation or repay the scholarship to the State Treasury. Award: $3,800 minus declared proration Alabama Commission on Higher Education Contact: Unless otherwise noted, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, P.O. Box , Montgomery, AL , phone , website Grants Alabama Student Assistance Program Grant Eligibility: Must be a financially needy Alabama resident enrolled at least halftime as an undergraduate at an eligible school. Award: $300 $5,000 each academic year Alabama Student Grant Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate Alabama resident enrolled at least halftime at an eligible independent Alabama college or university, which includes Amridge University, Birmingham- Southern College, Concordia College, Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, Judson College, Miles College, Oakwood College, Samford University, South University, Spring Hill College, Stillman College, the U.S. Sports Academy and the University of Mobile. Not based on financial need. Award: Up to $1,200 per year Contact: Financial aid office Other Police Officer s and Firefighter s Survivor s Educational Assistance Program Eligibility: Must be the dependent or spouse of an Alabama police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty and be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an Alabama public college or university. Other special eligibility requirements may apply. Award: Tuition, fees, books and supplies Alabama Community College System Contact: Unless otherwise noted, the Alabama Community College System, 135 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL ; phone ; website Scholarships Two-year College Athletic Scholarship Eligibility: Must meet admissions requirements; demonstrate satisfactory athletic ability during tryouts; enroll full-time in a 2-year public community college in Alabama; and participate in a designated sport or activity. Not based on financial need. Award: Tuition and books (limits on various sports may apply); renewable on the basis of continued participation by sport Contact: Coach, athletic director or college financial aid office Two-year College Institutional Scholarship Eligibility: Must be accepted for enrollment at a 2-year public college in Alabama and meet admissions requirements and eligibility criteria, as determined by each college s scholarship committee. Award: Tuition and mandatory fees Contact: College financial aid office Two-year College Senior Adult Scholarship Eligibility: Must be at least 60 years old, attend a 2-year public college in Alabama and meet admissions requirements and eligibility criteria, as determined by each college s scholarship committee. Award: Tuition Contact: College financial aid office Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Contact: Jackie Atkins, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, 649 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36131, phone , website alabama.gov Other Trade Adjustment Assistance Eligibility: Must be a worker who has lost 7

13 State Government Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Alabama National Guard employment, wages or hours of work with an affected employer, who has been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, due to increased imports or shifts in production to foreign countries; must file a claim for unemployment compensation and a claim for Trade Adjustment Assistance; upon approval of claim, must report to One-Stop Career Center to apply for reemployment benefits and services. Award: Additional unemployment compensation; Health Coverage Tax Credit (80% of worker s health insurance premium); and tuition, fees, supplies and tools for training worker to achieve reemployment. Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Contact: See contact information under each program. Scholarships Alabama Scholarship for Dependents of Blind Parents / Textbook Benefits for Dependents of Blind Parents Eligibility: Must be an Alabama resident for at least five years; be from a family in which the head of household is blind and whose family income is at or below 1.3 times the current poverty income level, as determined by federal poverty guidelines based on family size; and begin attending an Alabama public college, university or technical college within 2 years after high school graduation but before the age of 23. Award: Tuition and instructional fees (waived by college); renewable up to 4 years. Number of free textbooks provided is contingent upon the number of participants in the program. Contact: Debra Culver, Alabama State Department of Rehabilitation Services, Blind and Deaf Services, 7 Bemiston Avenue, Talladega, AL 35160; call ; or debbie.culver@ rehab.alabama.gov Other Vocational Rehabilitation Eligibility: Based on disability creating an impediment to employment. Deadline: Varies Contact: Local Vocational Rehabilitation office or Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, 602 S. Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104; phone or ; fax ; website state.al.us Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Contact: County veterans service officer or Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 1509, Montgomery, AL , phone , website Scholarships Alabama GI Dependents Educational Benefit Program Eligibility: Must be the child, stepchild, spouse or unremarried widow/widower of an eligible disabled Alabama veteran and attend an Alabama public college or technical school. Children and stepchildren of the disabled veteran must begin college before they are 26 years old, in some cases 30 years old. Spouses and widows/widowers have no age deadline. Award: Tuition, instructional fees and book assistance Alabama Indian Affairs Commission Contact: Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, 771 South Lawrence Street, Suite 106, Montgomery, AL 36130; phone or (Alabama only); fax ; website www. aiac.alabama.gov; aiac@att.net Scholarships Alabama Indian Scholarship Fund Eligibility: Must have a tribal roll card in a state or federally recognized tribe; be a resident of Alabama; attend a school in Alabama unless the program is not offered in Alabama; and have a letter of acceptance from the school of choice. Deadline: First Friday in March Alabama National Guard Contact: State Military Department, ALJ1-MPO-ESO, P.O. Box 3711, Montgomery, Al ; phone ; website state.al.us Other Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program Eligibility: Must be an Alabama resident and active member in good standing with a federally recognized unit of the Alabama National Guard; be enrolled in a degree program and making satisfactory academic progress at an accredited Alabama college, university, community college or junior college; and have completed basic training and advanced individual training. Based on need, as defined by tuition and fees that exceed the allowable payment from federal veterans educational benefits (tuition/fees minus 8

14 State Government Alabama National Guard Governor s Office of Workforce Development veterans benefits must equal at least $25). Award: Tuition, educational fees, books and supplies up to $1,000 per year ($500 per term) Number: Limited Alabama State Department of Education Contact: Alabama Department of Education, P.O. Box , Montgomery, AL , phone , website Scholarships Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Eligibility: Must be an Alabama resident with a high school diploma or its recognized GED/home school equivalent, be admitted to a college and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and promise of continued achievement. Based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores; National Merit Scholarship; honor, Advanced Placement and concurrent college courses; leadership ability; involvement in school/ community activities, including acquired skills and achievement outside the realms of the usual high school academic achievement; and goals and aspirations. Award: $1,500; renewable for up to 3 years of undergraduate work Contact: Alabama Department of Education, high school guidance counselor or adult education provider Alabama State Treasury Other CollegeCounts 529 Fund Description: Helps families save for a child s college education. Three investment options are offered with a minimum investment of $250 or $25 per month. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal taxes. Account savings can be used at any qualified college in the nation to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and certain room and board costs. Deadline: Open enrollment year-round Governor s Office of Workforce Development Contact: Alabama Career Center System. Visit to find the location and phone number of your local Career Center. Other Training/Employment Services Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older to access services from a number of different programs through 1 of 3 local workforce areas: the Jefferson County Commission, the Mobile County Commission and the Alabama Workforce Investment Area, all of which administer these federal programs. Programs are offered locally through the Alabama Career Center System.Youths can access a variety of education and employment services as they prepare for the workforce. To receive services, youth must be low-income and have at least 1 barrier to employment. Dislocated workers can access training and other re-employment service, including scholarships, through local Career Centers. Contact: Alabama State Treasurer s Office, College Savings Programs, 600 Dexter Avenue, Suite S-106, Montgomery, AL 36104; phone or toll free ; website alabama.gov 9

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16 Federal Government State Government The United States government provides student financial aid through various agencies and programs. Some of the major sources of federal aid are listed in this section. Federal Government For more information about programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education, call toll free (800) 4-FED-AID or visit Public Universities Private Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries Two-Year Public Colleges Technical Colleges Alabama Companies and Organizations

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18 Federal Government Corporation for National and Community Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Corporation for National and Community Service Contact: Corporation for National and Community Service, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20525, tollfree phone , website www. americorps.gov National Service AmeriCorps Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien; be at least 18 years old; have a high school diploma or equivalent or agree to work toward one by the time service is completed to earn the education award; and agree to perform national community service before, during or after receiving postsecondary education. Award: Up to $5,350 for each year of service to pay current or future education expenses or repay federal student loans Internal Revenue Service Contact: Internal Revenue Service Help Line or website Education Tax Credits American Opportunity Credit Eligibility: Must pay qualified tuition and related expenses of higher education for an eligible student (self, spouse or dependent claimed as an exemption on federal income tax return); be enrolled at least half-time for at least 1 academic period beginning during the year; be pursuing an undergraduate degree or other recognized educational credential; and not have a felony drug conviction. Cannot claim Hope Credit. Award: Up to $2,500 credit per eligible student Number: All who are eligible Deadline: Must file Form 8863 with recipient s federal income tax return Hope Credit Eligibility: Must have at least 1 student attend an eligible institution in a Midwestern disaster area; choose not to claim the American Opportunity Credit; pay qualified tuition and related expenses of higher education for an eligible student (self, spouse or dependent claimed as an exemption on federal income tax return); be enrolled at least half-time for at least 1 academic period beginning during the year; be pursuing an undergraduate degree or other recognized educational credential; and not have a felony drug conviction. Award: Up to $1,800 ($3,600 if student in a Midwestern disaster area) credit per eligible student; available only for the first 2 years of postsecondary education and only for 2 years per eligible student Number: All who are eligible Deadline: Must file Form 8863 with recipient s federal income tax return Lifetime Learning Credit Eligibility: Must pay qualified tuition and related expenses of higher education for an eligible student (self, spouse or dependent claimed as an exemption on federal income tax return). Award: Up to a $2,000 ($4,000 if a student in a Midwestern disaster area) credit per return. No limit on number of years credit can be claimed. For the most current information, visit Number: All who are eligible Deadline: Must file Form 8863 with federal income tax return U.S. Department of Agriculture Contact: Unless otherwise noted, U.S. Department of Agriculture liaison officer of the school the student plans to attend or USDA/1890 Programs, phone , website NRCS1890NationalScholarsProgram.html Loans Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Eligibility: Must be a veterinarian; have a doctor of veterinary medicine degree or the equivalent from a college of veterinary medicine accredited by the AVMA Council on Education; have qualifying educational loan debt as defined in 7 CFR 3431 Section 3; secure an offer of employment or establish and/or maintain a practice in a veterinary shortage situation, as determined by the secretary of agriculture, within the time period specified in the VMLRP service agreement offer; and provide certifications and verifications in accordance with 7 CFR 3431 Section 16. Contact: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2220, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC , phone , vmlrp@nifa.usda. gov, website Scholarships National Scholars Program: College/University Students Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a sophomore or junior; be a U.S. citizen; attend Alabama A & M University, Tuskegee University or another 1890 Historically Black Land Grant Institution; have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA; major in agriculture, food or natural resource sciences or other related discipline; demonstrate leadership and community service; submit current official transcript with the school seal and an authorized officials signature, current résumé and 2 letters of recommendation from department head, dean of college or a university vice president and a college professor who has taught the applicant; submit a 500 to 800 word essay describing interest in USDA, how the scholarship will impact student as a public servant, and experience and perceptions about agriculture, food, and natural resource sciences; and submit a signed application. Award: Full tuition; fees; books; room and board; use of a laptop computer, printer and software while on scholarship; employment; and employment benefits for 4 years while pursuing a bachelor s degree. Deadline: February 1 National Scholars Program: High School Senior Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; be a graduating high school senior; expect to hold a high school diploma or GED; have at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA; have at least a combined verbal/math score of 1000 on the SAT or at least a 21 composite score on the ACT; major in agriculture, food or natural resource sciences or other related discipline; attend Alabama A & M University, Tuskegee University or another Affording Alabama State Higher Department Education of Education 13 Alabama Affording State Higher Department Education of Education

19 Federal Government U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Defense 1890 Historically Black Land Grant Institution; demonstrate leadership and community service; and submit an official transcript and signed application. Award: Full tuition; fees; books; room and board; use of a laptop computer, printer and software while on scholarship; employment; and employment benefits for 4 years while pursuing a bachelor s degree. Deadline: February 1 U.S. Department of Defense DEPARTMENT U N ITED STATE S Contact: Unless otherwise noted, individual listed for each program Scholarships Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Contact: Unless otherwise noted, Air Force ROTC College Scholarship Selection Section, 551 East Maxwell Boulevard, Maxwell AFB, AL ; phone ; website Airman Education and Commissioning Program Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; meet age requirements (commission prior to age 35); have at least 1 year Time-In-Service and 1 year Time-On-Station; be recommended by immediate commander; meet the minimum college GPA of 3.0 and have completed the required coursework for selected major; be admitted to a school offering Air Force ROTC and academic major chosen; earn Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores of at least 15 on the verbal scale and at least 10 on the quantitative scale; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; meet all the requirements for commissioning; meet the requirements for overseas retainability; be an active duty Air Force enlisted person; and major in meteorology, nursing, foreign language, foreign area studies (limited to Middle East, Africa, Asia, Russia/Eurasia), mathematics, physics, computer science or any ABET - accredited engineering major, (all technical majors must be AFIT - approved at the university the student plans to attend (nursing degrees must be accredited by the National League of Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). OF OF DEFENSE AM ER ICA Award: Up to $18,000 for tuition and fees and $900 per year for books Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; be under age 31 on December 31 of the year student will graduate and earn commission; have at least 1 year Time-In-Service and 1 year Time- On-Station; be recommended by immediate commander; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; have at least 24 hours of college graded coursework and be able to complete degree within 2 to 4 years (if student has not earned at least 24 hours of graded college work, student must have earned an ACT composite score of at least 24 or an SAT 1 combined verbal and math score of at least 1100); be admitted to a school offering Air Force ROTC and academic major chosen; earn Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores of at least 15 on the verbal scale and at least 10 on the quantitative scale; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; meet all the requirements for commissioning; not be selected for reassignment prior to submission of the application; meet the requirements for overseas retainability; and be an active duty enlisted person. Majority of awards to personnel majoring in a Technical Tier 1 field (computer, electrical or environmental engineering; meteorology/atmospheric sciences); a Technical Tier 2 field (aeronautical, aerospace, architectural, astronautical, civil or mechanical engineering); or a Technical Tier 3 field (any other ABET - accredited engineering majors, architecture, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, operations research or physics). Other majors may also receive awards. List of majors are subject to change. Student will separate from active duty Air Force to join an Air Force ROTC detachment and become a full-time college student. Award: Up to $18,000 per year Express Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; not already be a contracted scholarship recipient; meet the age, moral and other scholarship eligibility requirements; and major in nursing, meteorology, selected foreign languages, or electrical, computer or environmental engineering. Award: Up to $18,000 per year, $900 per year for books, plus a $300 to $500 monthly stipend Contact: The detachment serving the school you attend or want to attend High School Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a high school graduate or have an equivalent certificate, be or become a U.S. citizen and be 17 years old prior to scholarship activation, be under 31 years old as of December 31 of the year you will commission, not be enrolled full-time at a college or a university except for joint high school college programs, and complete the Physical Fitness Assessment and submit the Letter of Certification. Based on a composite SAT score of 1100 or a composite ACT score of 24, class rank in the top 40%, GPA of at least 3.0 and the number of advanced placement or honors courses completed through grade 11. Personal interview required. Award: Type 1 - tuition, most fees, and $900 per year for books; Type 2 - tuition and most fees up to $18,000 and $900 per year for books. If student attends a school where the tuition exceeds $18,000 per year, the student pays the difference; Type 7 - tuition and fees, but the student must attend a college where the tuition is less than $9,000 per year or a public college in which the student qualifies for in-state tuition, $900 per year for books, and $300 to $500 monthly stipend. Obligation: Enroll in the academic major in which the scholarship is offered, enlist in the Air Force Reserve and enroll in Air Force ROTC, satisfactorily complete a 4-week summer field-training course at an Air Force base, complete the Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course, accept a commission as an Air Force officer, and serve at least 4 years on active duty. In-College Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a college freshman or sophomore; be a U.S. citizen; pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; not already be a contracted scholarship recipient; and meet the age, moral and other scholarship eligibility requirements. Award: Type 2 - up to $18,000 per year, $900 per year for books, and $300 to $500 monthly stipend; Type 3 - up to $9,000; Type 6 - up to $3,000 per year 14

20 Federal Government U.S. Department of Defense Minority School Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; complete a physical examination and be certified as commission-qualified by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board; not already be a contracted scholarship recipient; meet the age, moral and other scholarship eligibility requirements; and attend a historically black college or university or Hispanic serving institution. Student does not need to be a minority to qualify for scholarship. Award: Up to $18,000 per year plus $900 per year for books Contact: The detachment serving the school you attend or want to attend Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; meet age requirements; have at least 1 year Time-In- Service and 1 year Time-On-Station; be recommended by immediate commander; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; have at least 24 hours of college graded coursework and be able to complete degree within 2 years (if student has not earned at least 24 hours of graded college work, student must have earned an ACT composite score of at least 24 or an SAT 1 combined verbal and math score of at least 1100); be admitted to a school offering Air Force ROTC and academic major chosen; earn Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores of at least 15 on the verbal scale and at least 10 on the quantitative scale; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; meet all the requirements for commissioning; not be selected for reassignment prior to submission of the application; meet the requirements for overseas retainability; and be an active duty enlisted person. Majority of awards to personnel majoring in a Technical Tier 1 field (computer, electrical or environmental engineering; meteorology/ atmospheric sciences); a Technical Tier 2 field (aeronautical, aerospace, architectural, astronautical, civil or mechanical engineering); or a Technical Tier 3 field (any other ABET - accredited engineering majors, architecture, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, operations research or physics). Other majors may also receive awards. List of majors are subject to change. Student will separate from active duty Air Force to enter the Air Force ROTC. Award: $450-$500 monthly stipend Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; be under age 31 on December 31 of the year student will graduate and earn commission; have 1 year Time-In-Service; and at least 1 year Time-On-Station; be recommended by wing commander; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; have at least 24 hours of college graded coursework and be able to complete degree within 2 to 4 years (if student has not earned at least 24 hours of graded college work, student must have earned an ACT composite score of at least 24 or an SAT 1 combined verbal and math score of at least 1100); be admitted to a school offering Air Force ROTC and academic major chosen; earn Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores of at least 15 on the verbal scale and at least 10 on the quantitative scale; pass the Air Force ROTC Physical Fitness Test; meet all the requirements for commissioning; not be selected for reassignment prior to submission of the application; meet the requirements for overseas retainability; and be an active duty enlisted person. Student will separate from active duty Air Force to enter the Air Force ROTC. Boarded/selected by MAJCOM. Award: Up to $18,000 per year Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Contact: Military Science Department of the school you plan to attend; phone 800.USA. ROTC; website College Four-year Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen age 17-26, be a college freshman in the first year of a 5-year undergraduate program, have a high school GPA of at least 2.5, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have at least a 920 SAT score or 19 ACT score, meet physical standards and agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on active duty, the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Award: Tuition, stipend of $300-$500 per month, and book allowance Obligation: Must agree to complete a period of service with the Army College Three-year Scholarship Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a college or university with 3 academic years remaining, be a U.S. citizen age 17-27, have a college GPA of at least 2.5, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have at least a 920 SAT score or 19 ACT score, meet physical standards and agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on active duty, the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Award: Tuition, stipend of $300-$500 per month, and book allowance Obligation: Must agree to complete a period of service with the Army College Two-year Scholarship Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a college or university with 2 academic years remaining, be a U.S. citizen age 17-27, have a college GPA of at least 2.5, have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet physical standards and agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on active duty, the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Award: Tuition, stipend of $300-$500 per month, and book allowance Obligation: Must agree to complete a period of service with the Army Green to Gold Four-year Scholarship Eligibility: Must be an enlisted soldier without college credit who requires 4 years to complete a degree, be a U.S. citizen, be under 31 on December 31 of the year the soldier completes all requirements for a commission and a college baccalaureate degree, cannot have been convicted of a domestic violence crime, have at least 2 years of active duty as well as 3 months of active duty for every month of specialized training, have a GT score of at least 110, pass the APFT within the last 6 months with a score of at least 180 (at least 60 points in each event), be a high school graduate or equivalent, have a cumulative high school or college GPA of at least 2.5, submit a letter of acceptance to school of choice offering Army ROTC and a letter of acceptance from the PMS of that Army ROTC Battalion, have a favorable national agency check, demonstrate DODMERB medical qualification, be eligible to reenlist, not be a conscientious objector, and have no more than 3 dependents including spouse. Award: Tuition or room and board support; money for textbooks, supplies, and equipment; monthly stipend for up to 10 months each school year that increases each year based on student s military science class; attendance to Leader Development and Assessment Course between the junior and senior years of college; if qualified, Montgomery GI Bill/Army College Fund benefits; Affording Alabama State Higher Department Education of Education 15 Alabama Affording State Higher Department Education of Education