Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships

BSC offers a comprehensive scholarship program. For 2012-13, BSC students will receive more than $13 million in tuition benefit through the merit scholarship program.

Achievement Scholarships. More than 75 percent of all BSC freshmen qualify for an Achievement Scholarship. The Achievement Scholarships reward first-year students for both scholarly achievement and extracurricular involvement. All admitted first-year students are considered for Achievement Scholarships. No additional application form is required for consideration. \

These prestigious scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria including standardized test scores, GPA in the core curriculum, class rank, leadership potential, and engagement and accomplishments outside the classroom. Awards are based on a complete review of the student’s application. Each of the Achievement Scholarships are renewable annually for up to three years provided the recipient maintains full-time status and maintains the required GPA. The Achievement Scholarships range in amount from $14,000 to $22,000.

In addition to these Achievement Scholarships and Awards, National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Scholars and National Hispanic Scholars Scholarships will receive annual renewable scholarship of up to up to $2,000. This amount is in addition to a Presidential, Trustee, Greensboro or Foundations Scholarship.

Distinguished Scholars Awards. Distinguished Scholars Awards represent the highest scholarships earned by entering freshmen at Birmingham-Southern College. These competitive scholarships valued up to full-tuition are based on outstanding scholastic achievement in and out of the classroom. Recipients will receive consideration for the invitation-only scholarship competition held in early spring 2013. Students must submit an application for admission no later than February 1. Students are encouraged to submit applications by December 1 if possible. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement as indicated by high school transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and the interview and essay completed during the Scholarship Day event.

United Methodist Church Scholarships

Birmingham-Southern College is a national leader in providing financial assistance to United Methodist students, clergy families, and those called to ministry. All nominations must come from the student's local church with confirmation of membership. For more information and applications go to special programs.

Other BSC Scholarships

The College also recognizes achievement and talent with Fine and Performing Arts, Methodist Scholarships, Transfer Scholarships, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships, and Stump Entrepreneurial Scholarships.

BSC Endowment. The BSC scholarship program is supported by a generous endowment made possible by many faithful donors over many years. BSC scholarship recipients may be asked to write formal thank you letters to specific donors during their careers at BSC.

External Scholarships

“How do I find more scholarship dollars?” This question is on the mind of most BSC students and prospective students. We hope that the following resources will help you in your independent quest for “more scholarship dollars”. If you need any type of certification or statement of need from BSC FA, please just let us know. We are honored to assist you to coordinate external scholarships and your other financial aid.

Here we provide numerous links to some scholarship search websites and to organizations and foundations that offer scholarships.

Find also a list of some external donors who provided generous scholarship support for BSC students during 2012-13.

Grants

BSC offers a variety of grants that do not require repayment.

Federal Grants. Both Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) are need-based and require a valid FAFSA. Pell Grant limits are set by the federal government. SEOG is offered to students who demonstrate extreme financial need. The standard award at BSC is about $500/year.

Alabama Grants. Alabama Student Grant (2012-2013 or 2013-2014) is non-need-based and requires proof of residency in AL and a separate application. Standard ASG award is about $400/year. The Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is need-based and requires a valid FAFSA . ASAP is offered to students who demonstrate extreme financial need. The standard award at BSC is about $800/year.

BSC Grant. The BSC Grant is funded by the College and is based on a current year valid FAFSA and demonstrated financial need. The BSC Grant is awarded after BSC scholarship, external scholarships, federal and state grants. A self-help component is included in the calculation of the BSC Grant. The BSC Grant is renewable, if you are otherwise eligible.