Auburn Freshman Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Auburn University

Overview

Auburn University provides multiple scholarship and financial aid options to make undergraduate education more accessible and affordable. Aid includes merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships, combined with federal student aid programs. The university aims to support students throughout their academic journey by coordinating institutional awards and federal resources. Applicants should review eligibility requirements and application processes early to maximize opportunities.

• Scholarships include merit, need-based, and departmental awards.
• Institutional awards are administered alongside federal aid programs.
• Early review of requirements improves chances for full consideration.

First-Year Student Scholarships

First-year students may qualify for a variety of institutional scholarships administered through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) in AU Access. Students complete one scholarship application per academic year to be considered for available awards. Institutional awards can help reduce tuition, fees, and education-related expenses.

Description: Apply for all institutional scholarships through AUSOM; one application covers the academic year.

Tax Note: Scholarship amounts exceeding tuition, fees, and books may be considered taxable income.

• Submit one AUSOM application per academic year.
• Institutional scholarships cover a range of award types and amounts.
• Excess scholarship funds may have tax implications.

Competitive Merit Scholarships

Competitive merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic credentials and do not require a separate scholarship application. Consideration is based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT superscores, with specific submission deadlines for application materials and updated test scores. Awards vary by residency status and are renewable with academic progress and credit-hour requirements.

Eligibility: Automatic consideration uses high school GPA and ACT/SAT superscore; no additional scholarship application required. Admission materials must be complete by December 1; updated test scores for reconsideration must be received by January 11. Students must enroll the summer or fall immediately following high school graduation.

Award Value: Award ranges (subject to change) previously spanned residents: $5,000 to full tuition and fees per year; non-residents: $7,000 to $17,000 per year.

Renewal: Renewable up to eight semesters with a minimum cumulative unadjusted 3.0 Auburn GPA and 24 Auburn credit hours earned per academic year.

Application Timeline: Notifications begin in mid-November and continue through early February.

• No separate scholarship application required for competitive merit awards.
• Meet admission and document deadlines to ensure consideration.
• Awards are renewable with specified GPA and credit-hour requirements.

How to Apply

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships administers application processes and support for incoming students. Applicants should complete the FAFSA and submit institutional scholarship information through AUSOM, following published deadlines and documentation requests. Timely completion of each step helps prevent delays in awarding and disbursing aid.

Description: Application involves completing the FAFSA, submitting AUSOM where applicable, and responding to any additional documentation requests from AU Access.

• Follow the FAFSA and AUSOM timelines for full consideration.
• Respond promptly to documentation requests to avoid delays.
• Monitor your Auburn email and AU Access for updates and requirements.

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and many institutional aid programs. Processing the FAFSA is the first step to establishing eligibility and generating the FAFSA Submission Summary. Accurate and complete FAFSA information helps ensure timely review of your financial aid eligibility.

Required Actions: Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, invite a parent to contribute if dependent, and provide electronic consent and signatures to transfer federal tax information when required.

• Submit the FAFSA to establish eligibility for federal and institutional aid.
• Create an FSA ID and authorize parent contributions if applicable.
• Correct or update the FAFSA if Auburn was not listed initially.

Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application in AUSOM

AUSOM in AU Access is the central portal for institutional scholarship applications, including general and departmental awards. Students may complete an optional AUSOM application once per academic year to provide additional information for consideration. A priority completion date ensures full consideration for many awards.

Description: Complete the AUSOM application in AU Access (once per academic year); the priority completion date is February 12, though submissions after that date may still receive consideration.

• Complete AUSOM once per academic year to be considered for institutional scholarships.
• Complete the application by the February 12 priority date for full consideration.
• Departmental scholarships may require supplemental information or separate review.

Step 3: Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)

After FAFSA processing, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) that outlines your reported information and Student Aid Index (SAI). Review the FSS promptly to confirm accuracy and make corrections if necessary. Accurate information on the FSS reduces the likelihood of verification or documentation delays.

Description: Check your SAI, review reported information for accuracy, make corrections in FAFSA if needed, and monitor your Auburn email for updates.

• Review the FAFSA Submission Summary to confirm reported data.
• Make corrections promptly if information is inaccurate.
• Monitor Auburn email for notifications related to aid and documentation.

Step 4: Confirm Receipt in AU Access

Once Auburn receives your FAFSA, confirm receipt and view any outstanding requirements in AU Access. The Financial Aid Requirements area lists requested documents and next steps. If selected for verification, respond promptly to avoid delays; verification typically takes two to three weeks once all documents are submitted.

Required Actions: Log into AU Access → My Finances → Financial Aid Requirements and complete any additional documentation requested by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

• Check AU Access for outstanding financial aid requirements.
• Submit requested documentation quickly, especially if selected for verification.
• Verification can take approximately two to three weeks after submission.

Step 5: Review and Respond to Your Aid Offer

After all requirements are completed, Auburn will email your aid offer to your Auburn address. Review the offer carefully and accept or decline federal aid items in AU Access as appropriate. Report any external awards to prevent over-awards and potential repayment obligations.

Required Actions: View and accept or decline federal aid in AU Access, and notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships of any external aid such as private scholarships or loans.

• Review the aid offer sent to your Auburn email.
• Accept or decline federal aid items in AU Access.
• Report external aid to avoid over-awards or repayment issues.

Step 6: Understand Disbursement

Disbursement details explain when and how financial aid funds are applied to student accounts. Consult Auburn’s Maintain Aid and Notification of Federal Aid Disbursement resources to understand timing, hold policies, and refund procedures. Planning for disbursement helps students manage tuition payments and living expenses.

Description: Review Auburn’s disbursement information to learn when aid posts to your student account and how refunds are handled.

• Check disbursement schedules and policies before the semester starts.
• Understand any account holds that could delay disbursement.
• Plan for tuition and living expenses around expected disbursement dates.