University of Alabama

The University of Alabama operates an unusually generous and unusually predictable automatic merit structure for international students. Qualifying admitted students receive an award automatically with no separate application, and UA states that 'notifications are sent approximately two weeks following admission'. Awards are reported to run from USD 6,000 up to USD 28,000 a year depending on grade average and test scores, with the top Presidential Elite Scholar tier — for a 4.0 grade average with ACT 36 or SAT 1600 — covering the value of tuition for four years, first-year on-campus housing at the regular room rate, a USD 1,500 annual supplement and a USD 2,000 one-time research or international study allowance. The threshold to enter any tier is higher for international students than for residents: UA requires a 3.5 grade average for all automatic merit tiers for out-of-state and international freshmen, against 3.0 for Alabama residents.