The Saban First in Family Scholarships are awarded to students who are the first in their family to attend college.
First Generation students become “Game Changers” for their families and their entire communities providing inspiration, hope and new beginnings. These scholarships literally transform the lives of the recipients, not only by providing financial assistance but by recognizing their hard work and dedication to academics, leadership and service.
Each spring, a cohort of first year students is selected as Saban First in Family Scholarship recipients at The University of Alabama. Students are selected through a competitive interview process during their senior year of high school. The application process is limited to incoming first year, in-state freshman students.
The scholarship is renewable for four years, provided that recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students who apply for the Saban First in Family Scholarship must:
- Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
- Be an Alabama resident
- Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Demonstrate financial need
Application Steps for High School Seniors:
- Complete the UA Scholarship Application by January 15. Be sure to check the box that indicates you are interested in applying to the university’s first generation scholarship programs and complete the attached first generation scholarship program essay questions.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
- Participate in an interview with the Selection Panel in the spring semester.
Students selected as Saban First in Family Scholars must:
- Enroll in a designated General Studies course during the fall semester
- Attend an approved extended orientation
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Participate in all required activities, programs, and service projects
- Meet regularly with the First Generation Scholarships Program Manager