Alabama CollegeCounts Scholarship: Get $4,000 for College

College is expensive. Even at Alabama’s public universities, tuition and fees can run $10,000 to $12,000 per year. Add in books, housing, and living expenses, and you’re looking at $20,000 or more annually. For many Alabama families, that’s simply out of reach without significant financial help.

The Alabama CollegeCounts Scholarship exists to bridge that gap. This is a need-based scholarship that awards $4,000 to students attending four-year colleges or $2,000 to those attending two-year institutions. The money is yours to use for tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment (including computers), and even room and board if you’re enrolled at least half-time.

Here’s what makes this scholarship particularly valuable: you don’t need to have a CollegeCounts 529 savings account to apply. Despite the name, this scholarship is open to all eligible Alabama high school seniors and first-time college freshmen who demonstrate financial need and meet the academic requirements.

The scholarship is one-time and non-renewable, disbursed in two installments during your freshman year (fall and spring semesters). While it won’t cover all four years of college, it provides crucial support during that critical first year when students and families are figuring out how to make college work financially.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Scholarship Offers

Meaningful First-Year Support
$4,000 might not sound like a fortune, but for a freshman navigating college costs for the first time, it’s substantial. At many Alabama community colleges, $2,000 covers nearly a full semester of tuition. At four-year institutions, $4,000 can cover a significant portion of your first-year costs, reducing how much you need to borrow or work.

Flexible Use of Funds
Unlike some scholarships that only cover tuition, CollegeCounts funds can be used for a wide range of qualified education expenses. Need a laptop for your engineering classes? Covered. Expensive textbooks for your biology major? Covered. Living in the dorms and paying for a meal plan? As long as you’re enrolled at least half-time and the charges go through your school, that’s covered too.

The scholarship follows IRS 529 “Qualified Education Expenses” guidelines, which means it can cover tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, equipment required for enrollment, and room and board (if enrolled at least half-time and billed through the school).

No 529 Account Barrier
Many students assume they need to have been saving in a CollegeCounts 529 account to qualify. That’s not true. While the scholarship is funded in part by administrative fees from the 529 program and surplus funds from the Alabama Higher Education Loan Corporation, any eligible Alabama student can apply regardless of whether their family has a 529 account.

Direct Payment to Your School
The scholarship is paid directly to your college or university, not to you personally. This ensures the funds are used for educational expenses and simplifies the process—you don’t have to worry about managing the money yourself or providing receipts. The school applies the scholarship to your account, reducing what you owe.

Who Should Apply

This scholarship is designed for Alabama students who have solid academic records but face financial barriers to attending college.

The Ideal Candidate
You’re a strong fit if you’re an Alabama high school senior or first-time college freshman who has maintained a respectable GPA (2.75 or higher), demonstrates financial need, and plans to attend an accredited Alabama college or university. You don’t need to be a straight-A student or have a perfect ACT score—in fact, if your ACT is 30 or higher, you’re not eligible for the four-year award (though two-year applicants don’t need to submit ACT scores at all).

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

You must be a high school senior or first-time college freshman planning to start in fall 2025. This scholarship is specifically for students just beginning their college journey, not transfer students or those who’ve already completed a semester elsewhere.

You must be a U.S. citizen and an Alabama resident. The scholarship is funded by Alabama taxpayers and designed to keep talented students in-state, so residency is non-negotiable.

You must plan to enroll in an eligible Alabama educational institution in fall 2025. This includes accredited, nonprofit two-year and four-year colleges and universities in Alabama. For-profit institutions and out-of-state schools don’t qualify.

You must demonstrate financial need. The application will ask about your family’s financial situation. This is the most heavily weighted factor in the selection process.

You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. This shows you’re academically prepared for college-level work, but it’s not an unreachably high bar.

If you’re applying for the four-year award, you must have an ACT score of 29 or below. This requirement might seem backwards—why would a scholarship favor lower test scores? The answer is that students with very high ACT scores typically have access to other merit-based scholarships. CollegeCounts is designed to help students who are college-ready but might not qualify for the most competitive merit awards. If you’re attending a two-year school, you don’t need to submit ACT scores at all.

Home-Schooled Students Welcome
If you were home-schooled, you’re absolutely eligible to apply. You’ll need to provide documentation of your academic record and meet the same GPA and testing requirements as traditionally schooled students.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Having reviewed successful applications and spoken with program administrators, here’s what actually makes a difference.

Apply Early in the Window
The application opens December 1 and closes February 28. Don’t wait until late February. While applications are evaluated based on merit and need (not submission order), applying early gives you time to fix any issues if documents are rejected or if you need to update information. Technical problems always seem to happen on deadline day—don’t be that person scrambling at 11:45 PM on February 28.

Be Thorough About Financial Need
Financial need is the top selection criterion. The application will ask detailed questions about your family’s financial situation. Be honest and complete. If your family has experienced recent financial hardship—job loss, medical expenses, divorce, death of a parent—make sure that’s reflected in your application. Don’t assume the reviewers will read between the lines.

Understand the ACT Requirement
The ACT cap of 29 is unusual, and some students misunderstand it. If you scored a 30 or higher and you’re applying to a four-year school, you’re not eligible—period. Don’t waste time applying. However, if you took the ACT multiple times, you can choose which score to submit. If you have a 28 from one sitting and a 31 from another, submit the 28.

For two-year college applicants, ACT scores aren’t required at all. If you’re heading to a community college or technical school, one less thing to worry about.

Highlight Your Activities and Service
While financial need and academics are weighted most heavily, the selection criteria also include work/activities, service, and honors/awards. If you’ve worked part-time to help support your family, volunteered in your community, or received recognition for your achievements, make sure those are clearly documented in your application. These factors can be tiebreakers when multiple applicants have similar need and academic profiles.

Choose Your School Strategically
The award amount differs based on whether you’re attending a two-year or four-year institution. If you’re genuinely undecided between starting at a community college or going straight to a four-year school, consider the financial implications. The $2,000 two-year award might cover most or all of your first-year tuition at a community college, whereas $4,000 at a four-year school will cover less of the total cost. Many successful students start at community colleges, use scholarships like this to graduate debt-free with an associate degree, then transfer to a four-year school for their bachelor’s.

Safelist the Email Address
All notifications—both acceptances and rejections—come via email from [email protected]. Add this address to your email contacts or safe sender list immediately. Check your spam folder regularly during March and April. Missing the notification email could mean missing your acceptance deadline.

Create Your Account Early
Even if you’re not ready to submit your full application, create your account as soon as the portal opens on December 1. This lets you see exactly what information and documents you’ll need, and you can save your progress as you work on it. The account also allows you to monitor your application status after submission.

Application Timeline

Here’s a realistic timeline working backward from the February 28 deadline.

December 1-15: Setup and Planning
Create your application account on December 1. Review all the questions and requirements. Make a list of documents you’ll need (transcripts, ACT scores, financial information). If you’re missing anything, now is the time to request it from your school or testing agency.

December 16-January 15: Gather Materials
Collect all required documents. Request your official high school transcript. If you need your ACT scores sent, order them now (this can take a few weeks). Gather information about your family’s financial situation. If you’ve received any honors or awards, compile a list with dates and descriptions.

January 16-February 15: Complete the Application
Fill out the application thoroughly. Don’t rush through the questions. For the sections on activities, service, and achievements, provide specific details and dates. Have a parent or counselor review your responses before submitting. Make sure everything is accurate and complete.

February 16-28: Final Review and Submission
Do a final review of your entire application. Check for typos, missing information, or inconsistencies. Make sure all required documents have been uploaded and are legible. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. After submitting, you should receive a confirmation. Save this confirmation email.

March-April: Wait for Notification
All applicants will be notified by email by the end of April. Recipients will see an Acceptance link on their account home page. If you’re selected, you’ll need to formally accept the scholarship through that link. If you don’t accept within the specified timeframe, the scholarship may be awarded to someone else.

Summer 2025: Confirm Enrollment
Make sure your chosen Alabama institution knows you’re coming. The scholarship will be sent directly to the school, but you need to be officially enrolled for them to receive and apply it to your account.

Required Materials

Academic Records
You’ll need your official high school transcript showing your GPA. If you’re home-schooled, you’ll need documentation of your coursework and grades. Make sure your transcript is current and includes all completed coursework through at least the first semester of your senior year.

Test Scores
If you’re applying for the four-year award, you’ll need your ACT scores. You can self-report these in the application, but be prepared to have official scores sent to your college if you’re selected. Two-year applicants don’t need to submit test scores.

Financial Information
The application will ask about your family’s financial situation. Be prepared to provide information about household income, number of dependents, and any special financial circumstances. You likely won’t need to upload tax returns or W-2s for the initial application, but have that information available in case it’s requested.

Personal Information
Basic information about yourself, your family, your intended major, and your college plans. This is straightforward, but take time to be thoughtful about your responses.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Demonstrated Financial Need
This is the number one factor. The scholarship exists to help students who face financial barriers to college. If your family is struggling to afford college, make that clear. Don’t exaggerate, but don’t downplay your need either.

Academic Consistency
A 2.75 GPA is the minimum, but higher is better. More importantly, reviewers look for consistency and improvement. If your GPA has improved over time, that shows growth and determination. If you had a rough semester due to family circumstances or health issues, consider explaining that in your application.

Meaningful Involvement
Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to activities and service. It’s better to show deep, sustained involvement in a few activities than superficial participation in many. If you’ve worked 20 hours a week to help support your family, that’s incredibly meaningful. If you’ve volunteered weekly at a food bank for two years, that shows commitment. Reviewers are looking for students who contribute to their communities and will continue to do so in college.

Clear College Plans
Students who have thought seriously about their college choice and major tend to do better. You don’t need to have your entire life planned out, but you should be able to articulate why you’ve chosen your intended school and field of study. This shows you’re serious about making the most of the scholarship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the Deadline
This seems obvious, but every year students miss the February 28 deadline. Set multiple reminders. Don’t wait until the last day. Technical issues, forgotten passwords, and missing documents always seem to surface at the worst possible moment.

Incomplete Applications
Leaving sections blank or providing minimal information hurts your chances. Even if a section isn’t required, filling it out completely shows you’re serious about the scholarship. Reviewers can tell when someone rushed through the application versus when someone took it seriously.

Ignoring the Email Notification
If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email notification and you’ll need to formally accept the scholarship through your account. If you miss this step, you could lose the award. Check your email religiously in April, and make sure [email protected] isn’t going to spam.

Applying When You’re Not Eligible
If your ACT is 30 or higher and you’re applying to a four-year school, you’re not eligible. If you’re not an Alabama resident, you’re not eligible. If you’ve already started college, you’re not eligible. Read the eligibility requirements carefully before investing time in an application you can’t win.

Choosing the Wrong School Type
Make sure you’re applying for the right award based on whether you’re attending a two-year or four-year institution. The amounts are different ($2,000 vs. $4,000), and you need to specify correctly in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a CollegeCounts 529 account to apply?
No. Despite the name, this scholarship is open to all eligible Alabama students regardless of whether they or their families have a 529 savings account. The scholarship is funded by the program’s administrative fees and other sources, but participation in the 529 plan is not required.

Can I use this scholarship at any Alabama college?
You can use it at any accredited, nonprofit two-year or four-year college or university in Alabama. This includes public universities like Auburn, Alabama, UAB, and Troy; private schools like Samford, Birmingham-Southern, and Spring Hill; and community colleges throughout the state. For-profit institutions don’t qualify.

What if my ACT score is exactly 29?
You’re eligible. The requirement is 29 or below, so 29 qualifies. If you scored 30 or higher, you’re not eligible for the four-year award.

Can I use the scholarship for online programs?
As long as you’re enrolled at an eligible Alabama institution and the program leads to a degree, yes. The scholarship can be used for online or hybrid programs as long as you meet the enrollment requirements (at least half-time for room and board expenses, though tuition and fees don’t have a minimum enrollment requirement).

What happens if I don’t use the full amount?
The scholarship is disbursed in two payments—one in fall and one in spring of your freshman year. The school applies the money to your account to cover qualified expenses. If your expenses are less than the scholarship amount (which is unlikely), the school will follow their normal procedures for credit balances, which might mean a refund to you or carrying the credit forward to the next semester.

Is this scholarship taxable?
Generally, scholarships used for qualified education expenses (tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment) are not taxable. However, amounts used for room and board may be taxable. Consult a tax professional or your school’s financial aid office for specific guidance based on your situation.

Can I receive this scholarship along with other financial aid?
Yes. The CollegeCounts Scholarship can be combined with other scholarships, grants, and financial aid. However, your total aid package cannot exceed your cost of attendance. Your school’s financial aid office will coordinate all your aid to ensure you’re not over-awarded.

What if I change schools after being awarded?
The scholarship is tied to your enrollment at an Alabama institution. If you transfer to another eligible Alabama school, contact the CollegeCounts program to see if the scholarship can transfer with you. If you leave Alabama or stop attending college, you’ll likely forfeit any remaining scholarship funds.

How to Apply

Ready to apply for the CollegeCounts Scholarship? Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Mark Your Calendar
The application opens December 1, 2024 at 12:01 AM CST and closes February 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST. Set reminders for yourself so you don’t miss the window.

Step 2: Create Your Account
Visit the CollegeCounts Scholarship application portal at https://collegecounts.csfa.us.com/ and create your account. You’ll need a valid email address. Add [email protected] to your email contacts immediately.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials
Collect your high school transcript, ACT scores (if applying for four-year award), information about your family’s financial situation, and details about your activities, service, and achievements.

Step 4: Complete the Application
Fill out every section thoroughly and honestly. Provide specific details and examples. Have someone review your responses before submitting.

Step 5: Submit and Confirm
Submit your application at least 48 hours before the deadline. You should receive a confirmation email. Save this email and note your application ID number.

Step 6: Monitor Your Email
Watch for notification emails in April. Check your spam folder regularly. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an acceptance link that you must click to formally accept the scholarship.

Step 7: Enroll and Succeed
Confirm your enrollment at your chosen Alabama institution. The scholarship will be sent directly to the school and applied to your account. Focus on having a successful freshman year—while this scholarship is one-time only, strong performance in your first year can open doors to additional scholarships and opportunities.

For complete program details and to access the application, visit the official Alabama State Treasurer’s Office CollegeCounts Scholarship page: https://treasury.alabama.gov/collegecounts-scholarship/

Questions about eligibility or the application process? Contact the CollegeCounts program administrators through the contact information provided on the official website. They’re there to help you navigate the process and determine if this scholarship is right for you.