Alabama CollegeCounts Scholarship

Scholarship at a glance

The Alabama CollegeCounts Scholarship, administered by the Office of the State Treasurer, provides need-based funding for Alabama high school seniors planning to attend an Alabama college or university. The program awards $4,000 over four years to students attending four-year institutions and $2,000 over two years to those attending two-year colleges. Funds are disbursed in equal installments directly to the institution each semester, making it a reliable supplement to Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, and work-study. CollegeCounts targets middle-income families who often earn too much for maximum Pell but still struggle with tuition, fees, and textbooks. Recipients are chosen through a holistic review that considers academics, leadership, financial need, and personal essays. This playbook explains eligibility, application strategies, documentation, renewal requirements, and advanced tactics for using CollegeCounts to reduce loan debt.

Eligibility requirements

1. Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and permanent residents of Alabama. Provide documentation such as a driver’s license, voter registration, or other proof of residency.
2. High school status: Students must be graduating seniors from an Alabama high school—public, private, or homeschool—with plans to enroll in the fall immediately after graduation.
3. College attendance: You must enroll full-time in an eligible Alabama institution (public or private). The award cannot be used for out-of-state schools.
4. Grade point average: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application is required. Successful applicants typically exceed this threshold, so aim higher to be competitive.
5. ACT score: A minimum ACT composite score of 26 or below. The scholarship intentionally focuses on students who may not qualify for high-dollar merit awards. Superscoring is not permitted; submit your best single-test score.
6. Financial need: Demonstrated financial need based on the FAFSA and information provided in the application. There is no strict income cutoff, but most recipients have family incomes below $75,000.

Application timeline and components

• FAFSA completion: File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (typically October 1). Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to minimize errors. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) informs the need analysis.
• Online application: The CollegeCounts application usually opens in December and closes in late February or early March. Create an account, complete all sections, and save frequently.
• Personal statement: Applicants must respond to essay prompts about educational goals, leadership experiences, and how the scholarship will impact their future. Use storytelling to highlight resilience, community service, and career aspirations.
• Resume of activities: Document extracurricular activities, employment, volunteer work, and family responsibilities. Quantify hours and leadership roles.
• Recommendation letter: Provide one recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader who can attest to your character, academic potential, and financial need.
• Transcripts and test scores: Upload an official or counselor-certified transcript and ACT score report. Confirm that GPA, class rank, and test scores are clearly visible.

Submit materials at least a week before the deadline to avoid technical issues. After submission, monitor your email for confirmation and any requests for additional documentation. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.

Building a compelling narrative

CollegeCounts reviewers seek students who show promise, grit, and a clear plan for leveraging the scholarship. When crafting your essay:

• Describe financial context. Explain family circumstances such as job losses, medical expenses, or caregiving responsibilities that strain college savings. Provide specific numbers if comfortable (e.g., hours worked weekly, siblings also in college).
• Highlight community impact. Detail volunteer projects, church activities, or civic engagement. Focus on outcomes—how many people you served, funds raised, or programs launched.
• Connect goals to Alabama. Explain how your education will benefit local communities or industries. Mention internships, apprenticeships, or mentorships in Alabama businesses.
• Showcase resilience. Discuss obstacles and how you overcame them. Admissions committees value persistence.

Have a teacher or mentor review the essay for clarity and grammar. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure stories.

Coordinating with other aid

Because CollegeCounts disburses funds directly to your institution, coordinate with the financial aid office to ensure proper crediting. Combine CollegeCounts with:

• Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants for need-based aid.
• Alabama Student Assistance Program for additional state grants.
• Institutional scholarships such as presidential or departmental awards. Notify the aid office to prevent over-awards; some schools adjust institutional aid when external scholarships arrive, but many treat CollegeCounts as an addition.
• Work-study or part-time employment to cover living expenses. Balance work hours to maintain academic progress.

Create a cost-of-attendance spreadsheet comparing tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation. Use scholarship funds strategically—for example, to reduce the need for Parent PLUS loans or to prepay textbooks at the campus bookstore.

Maintaining eligibility in college

To keep receiving CollegeCounts funds each semester, you must:

1. Remain enrolled full-time. Dropping below 12 credit hours can trigger repayment or cancellation of the scholarship for that term.
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Monitor grades via the student portal and seek tutoring early if you struggle.
3. Demonstrate continued need. The scholarship office may request updated FAFSA information annually. File early and submit verification documents promptly if selected for federal verification.
4. Notify the State Treasurer’s Office of changes. Report transfers to another Alabama institution, changes in contact information, or leave-of-absence requests. In some cases, short-term medical or family emergencies can result in a one-term deferment.

Academic success strategies

• Attend orientation and advising sessions. Build a degree plan that aligns with career goals and keeps you on track to graduate in four years.
• Use campus support services. Tutoring centers, writing labs, and supplemental instruction can help maintain GPA requirements.
• Form study groups and join academic clubs. Peers provide accountability and networking opportunities.
• Prioritize mental health. Take advantage of counseling services, mindfulness programs, and recreation centers to manage stress.
• Track deadlines. Use digital calendars to track scholarship disbursement dates, FAFSA renewal, and class registration windows.

Budgeting and financial literacy

Scholarship funds can reduce borrowing, but successful recipients also build strong money habits:

• Create a zero-based budget. Allocate every dollar of income (scholarships, grants, wages) to categories like tuition, rent, groceries, and savings.
• Open a dedicated savings account. Deposit refunds or earnings to cover textbooks, emergency expenses, or future semester costs.
• Monitor credit. Use free credit monitoring tools to protect against identity theft. Avoid high-interest credit cards or payday loans.
• Explore paid internships. Many Alabama employers partner with colleges to offer co-ops and internships that provide stipends and experience.

Community engagement and leadership

CollegeCounts values leadership development. Seek leadership roles in campus organizations, student government, or service clubs. Document achievements for future scholarship renewals and graduate school applications. Volunteer with Alabama-based nonprofits to strengthen local networks. Consider mentoring high school students through programs like Gear Up Alabama or Boys & Girls Clubs; sharing your scholarship journey can inspire younger students to apply.

Troubleshooting and appeals

If you encounter issues such as delayed disbursement or a temporary GPA dip, contact the CollegeCounts Scholarship Office immediately. Provide documentation—grade reports, medical records, or advisor letters—explaining the situation. Appeals committees may grant probationary periods or reinstatement if you demonstrate a recovery plan. For financial aid conflicts, work with your college’s bursar and scholarship coordinator to ensure funds are properly credited.

Post-graduation considerations

After graduation, maintain contact with the CollegeCounts program. Alumni stories are highlighted on the scholarship website and social media, offering networking opportunities and showcasing the program’s impact. If you pursue graduate school in Alabama or launch a business, share updates; the Treasurer’s Office often highlights alumni achievements in advocacy for continued funding.

The Alabama CollegeCounts Scholarship is more than a financial award—it is a catalyst for building academic confidence, professional skills, and community leadership. By planning ahead, crafting compelling application materials, and maintaining strong academic and financial habits, you can leverage CollegeCounts to launch a debt-conscious college career in Alabama.