Alabama Academic Elite Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by University of Alabama

Overview

The Academic Elite Scholarships are awarded to students admitted to the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program (formerly the University Fellows Experience). Each year, eight students from the Fellows cohort are selected for these scholarships from a competitive pool that typically exceeds 1,000 applicants. Awards are structured to support recipients through their undergraduate degree while encouraging continued participation in the Fellows program. Financial support covers tuition and supplemental awards tailored to the recipient tier.

Description: Scholarships recognize high-achieving members of the University Fellows program and provide multi-year funding and enrichment support.

• Eight scholarships awarded annually to Fellows members.
• Competitive applicant pool often exceeds 1,000 students.
• Supports undergraduate study over multiple years.

Eligibility & Duration

To be eligible, students must be accepted as members of the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program. Recipients must maintain active membership in the Fellows program to retain the scholarship. Awards are granted for up to four years, contingent on continued program participation and any other institutional renewal criteria. Renewal is tied to the membership requirement rather than separate application cycles.

Eligibility: Open only to admitted members of the University Fellows Program; membership must be maintained for continuation.

Duration: Scholarships are awarded for four years, subject to ongoing Fellows membership and institutional policies.

• Membership in the Fellows program is required to receive and retain the award.
• Award term is up to four years, conditional on continued eligibility.
• No separate application timeline is specified here; selection occurs within the Fellows cohort.

Seven Academic Elite Scholars — Award Details

Seven recipients are designated as Academic Elite Scholars and receive a consistent award package aimed at covering core costs and providing annual supplemental support. Each of these seven scholars receives tuition coverage for four years, first-year on-campus housing at the regular room rate, and a $9,000 per year undergraduate supplemental scholarship for up to four years. The supplemental scholarship is intended to offset additional educational expenses beyond tuition and room. The award supports academic and co-curricular engagement through predictable annual funding.

Award Value: Tuition for four years, first-year housing at the regular room rate, and $9,000 per year in supplemental scholarship for up to four years.

• Tuition fully covered for four years.
• First-year housing covered at the regular room rate.
• $9,000 per year supplemental scholarship for up to four years.

Top Academic Elite Scholar — Award Details

One recipient is named the Top Academic Elite Scholar and receives an enhanced financial package that increases supplemental support after the first year. The Top Scholar receives tuition for four years, first-year on-campus housing at the regular room rate, a $9,000 supplemental scholarship for the first year, and $19,000 per year supplemental scholarships for years two through four. Additionally, this recipient receives a one-time $5,000 undergraduate allowance for research or international study after completing one year at the university. The enhanced package is designed to support advanced academic opportunities and experiential learning.

Award Value: Tuition for four years; first-year housing at the regular room rate; $9,000 for year one; $19,000 per year for years two to four; $5,000 one-time allowance after year one for research or international study.

• Enhanced supplemental funding after the first year ($19,000/year for years 2–4).
• $5,000 one-time allowance for research or international study, available after year one.
• Tuition and first-year housing covered as with other Scholars.

Housing Scholarship Definition

The housing component of the scholarship covers the "regular room rate," defined as the largest room option available in a given residence hall. For halls with four-person suites as the largest option, the scholarship value corresponds to the cost of that four-person suite. If the largest available option in a residence hall is a double room, the scholarship value corresponds to the double room rate in that hall. This definition ensures the housing benefit aligns with the highest standard accommodation option offered in the chosen residence.

Definition: "Regular room rate" equals the cost of the largest room option available in a specific residence hall; the scholarship covers that rate for the first year.

• Value tied to the largest room option in the chosen dormitory.
• Example: four-person suite rate applies where four-person suites are the largest option.
• Where double rooms are the largest option, the double room rate is used.