The first thing to do is to figure out how much you’ll be spending each semester, including costs of tuition and fees, books and supplies, plus room and board. You can visit this site to determine your estimated costs of attending UAB.
BUT financial assistance awards actually take more than just your actual costs into consideration. Transportation, personal expenses, and more are added to the equation, and when they are put together in a budget, you get a more complete picture of what you will need to pay. While budgets will vary according to each student’s circumstances, the estimated budgets below will give you a general idea of the full cost of attending UAB.
Student Budgets 2008-2009
| | Parents'/Relatives' Home
9 Months | Fall/Spring Cost of Attendance |
| | | |
| Tuition/Fees | $4,715 | $4,715 |
| Room/Board | 2,750 | 8,924 |
| Books/Supplies | 900 | 900 |
| Personal Expenses | 1,700 | 1,700 |
| Transportation | 2,050 | 2,050 |
| | | |
| Total | 12,115 | 18,289 |
The total is your estimated cost of attendance for an in-state student. Tuition and fees for an out-of-state student are $10,400 (for nine months). All other estimated expenses are the same. Budget is based on Fall 2008.
Next, estimate your expected family contribution (EFC). Simply put, this is the amount your family will contribute toward your college costs. The information you give on the FAFSA (see section 2) will help you estimate your EFC.
The difference between your cost of attendance and your EFC is your estimated financial need. Many students from many different backgrounds and income levels may have some amount of financial need.
Example:
| Cost of Attendance (Two Semesters) | $17,607 |
| Expected Family Contribution | -$5,620 |
| Financial Need | $11,987 |
To help meet your financial need, UAB offers a variety of financial assistance options, from loans and grants to scholarships and work-study. In fact, each year UAB awards over $100 million to help students pay for college. You may be eligible for several of these programs, and the best way to find out is to apply.
International Students: Since federal financial assistance programs are limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, most international students pay for college using personal or family funds. However, other sources of funding may be available. To learn more, click “International Students” in the Services sidebar or contact UAB International Scholar and Student Services at (205) 934-3328 and isss@uab.edu.