Funding for social work education in Alabama comes from many sources—your school’s financial aid office, workforce development agencies, community foundations, and professional organizations. This guide helps you identify which opportunities match your situation, understand what each offers, and take next steps with confidence.
The opportunities below are organized by common student situations. Use this section to narrow down which funding sources are worth exploring, then refer to the full opportunity cards for application details and deadlines. Not every student will qualify for every opportunity, so read eligibility requirements carefully and contact your school’s financial aid office with questions.
Undergraduate social work students in Alabama have access to school-based scholarships, stipends tied to career paths, and need-based awards. Many are tied to specific institutions, so start by checking with your program’s financial aid office.
Graduate students pursuing a Master of Social Work have access to larger stipends, school-specific scholarships, and specialized workforce development funding. Many programs are designed for students committed to working in underserved areas or specialized fields after graduation.
If you’re pursuing a career in behavioral health—whether as a BSW or MSW student—Alabama has dedicated funding to support your education and connect you with employment in underserved regions.
Students pursuing careers in child welfare have access to federal funding designed to strengthen the workforce in this critical area.
If you’re interested in serving underserved populations or working in healthcare shortage areas, workforce-focused funding may help offset education costs while building your commitment to public service.
Many of Alabama’s social work funding opportunities are tied to individual institutions. Start with your school’s financial aid website, but also check whether your program participates in state or federal initiatives.
Many of Alabama’s largest awards come with commitments to work in specific fields, regions, or populations after graduation. These programs can offer substantial support—but make sure the obligation aligns with your career goals.
After reviewing the situation-based guide above, use this table to compare the available opportunities by audience, amount, deadline, service obligation, and source link. Opportunity names jump to the detailed cards below, while the type column jumps to each funding section.
| Opportunity | Provider | Best for | Amount | Deadline | Service obligation | Type / section | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Stipend | Jacksonville State University | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, behavioral health career path, school-based aid | Up to $25,000 in stipend support distributed across three semesters | November 1st (Spring Cohort) and April 1st (Summer Cohort) | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| BHWET Program Stipend | University of Alabama School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, behavioral health career path, public service / workforce path, school-based aid | $25,000 for the academic year | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 11:45 PM CST for 2026-2027 Advanced Standing students | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Tim Deyerle Memorial Scholarship | Alabama Society of Health Care Social Workers | students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search | $1000 for MSW candidates and $500 for BSW candidates | October 31, 2015 | Yes — see opportunity | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Rural Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program – Scholarship & Stipend | Jacksonville State University Department of Social Work, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) | MSW / graduate students, behavioral health career path, public service / workforce path, school-based aid | up to $25,000 per student | Not listed | Yes — see opportunity | Scholarships | Source |
| Title IV-E Stipend Program | Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) / Alabama Higher Education Consortium on Child Welfare | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $10,000 awards | Not listed | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Leadership in Child Care Scholarship | Bishop State Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | tuition and select fees | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Marvin Mann Scholarship | Marvin Mann | MSW / graduate students, general funding search | $1,000-$5,000 per year | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Student Wellbeing Innovation Scholarship | University of Alabama at Birmingham | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | supports tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Bishop State Scholarships | Bishop State Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | March 1 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Institutional Scholarships – Academic, Leadership/Service, and Performing Arts | Bishop State Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Graduating High School Senior (Incoming Freshman) Scholarships: Application available November 1 to March 13. Current Wildcat (Continuing or Returning College Student) Scholarships: Application available April 1 to August 1 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Bishop State Foundation Spring 2021 Scholarships | Bishop State Community College Foundation | students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | January 5, 2021 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Current Student Scholarships | University of Alabama | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | March 2, 2026 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| The Jeanette Niven Social Work Scholarship | University of Montevallo | BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | March 1st | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| The Louise White Dawson Social Work Scholarship | University of Montevallo | BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | March 1st | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| The Mary Edna Porter Family and Child Scholarship | University of Montevallo | BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | March 1st | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| The Mel Dorrough Robinson Scholarship in Social Work | University of Montevallo | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | March 1st | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| The Roxie Craig Scholarship in Social Work | University of Montevallo | BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | March 1st | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| MSW Scholarships | Samford University | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Early Action Deadline – Nov. 1, 2026 for priority consideration | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| AHEPA 310 Senior Housing Endowed Scholarship | University of South Alabama | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | spring semester | Yes — see opportunity | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) | National Health Service Corps (NHSC), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) | students checking eligibility requirements, public service / workforce path | Not listed | Not listed | Yes — see opportunity | Loan Repayment | Source |
| Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program | Auburn University Social Work Program | students checking eligibility requirements, child welfare career path, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Alabama and Birmingham Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Endowed Scholarship in Healthcare Administration and Informatics | Alabama and Birmingham MGMA Chapters | students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Foundation Scholarships & Grants | Bishop State Community College Foundation | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Oliver & Jacqui Shipe Legacy Scholarship | Oakwood University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Institutional Scholarships | Wallace State Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Transfer Scholarships | Wallace State Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Future Foundation Scholarships | Wallace State Future Foundation | students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Developing Hope Annual and Endowed Scholarship | Alan and Constadina Long | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Brown Family Foundation Scholarship Fund | Brown Family Foundation | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Transfer Scholarships | Multiple four-year colleges and universities | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Eugene E. Pearson, Sr. Dean's Scholarship | Samford University School of Public Health | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| JSCC Scholarships | Jefferson State Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Non-Traditional Student Scholarships | Lurleen B. Wallace Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Traditional Student Scholarships | Lurleen B. Wallace Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| UA Online MSW Scholarships | UA Online | MSW / graduate students, general funding search | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Social Work Awards & Scholarships | University of South Alabama | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Financial Assistance for Bachelor of Arts in Social Work | Auburn University Social Work Program | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Tuition Support | Source |
| Financial Assistance for Master of Social Work | Auburn University Social Work Program | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Tuition Support | Source |
| Dorothy Bodden Ziemer Annual Scholarship in Social Work | Auburn University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Elizabeth G. Byrd Memorial Scholarship in Social Work | Auburn University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| NASW Alabama Torchbearer Scholarship | National Association of Social Workers – Alabama Chapter | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, general funding search | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| SSW Practicum Education Stipends | Office of Experiential Programs, University of Alabama | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Stipends | Contact provider |
| SSW Stipends | School of Social Work, University of Alabama | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Stipends | Contact provider |
| Student Emergency Grant | Bishop State Community College Foundation | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Grants | Contact provider |
| GED General Education Diploma Scholarships | Lurleen B. Wallace Community College | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
Jump to:
Quick Comparison | Stipends | Scholarships | Loan Repayment | Tuition Support | Grants
Provider:
Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) / Alabama Higher Education Consortium on Child Welfare
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, Alabama-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$10,000 awards
Eligibility:
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students in Alabama
Service obligation:
Post-graduation employment opportunities with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR)
More information:
Provider:
Office of Experiential Programs, University of Alabama
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Students should contact the Office of Experiential Programs for deadlines, policies and procedures for these stipends
Provider:
Bishop State Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Amount:
tuition and select fees
Eligibility:
Child care professionals working in licensed or exempt from licensure child care facilities in Alabama pursuing Early Childhood Education degree or certificate
More information:
Provider:
Marvin Mann
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Alabama-specific, general funding search
Amount:
$1,000-$5,000 per year
Eligibility:
Incoming students; full-time enrollment (minimum 6 credit hours per semester); minimum 3.0 GPA; eligible programs include Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Social Work, Master of Science in Nutrition
More information:
Provider:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Amount:
supports tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year
Eligibility:
UAB students whose work advances innovative, systems-level approaches to student wellbeing
More information:
Provider:
Bishop State Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Bishop State Community College students
Deadline:
March 1
More information:
Provider:
Bishop State Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Most scholarship applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov/fafsa using Bishop State's school code 1030. Students must pass a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester with a specified GPA for renewal.
Deadline:
Graduating High School Senior (Incoming Freshman) Scholarships: Application available November 1 to March 13. Current Wildcat (Continuing or Returning College Student) Scholarships: Application available April 1 to August 1
More information:
Provider:
Bishop State Community College Foundation
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Must have completed FAFSA
Deadline:
January 5, 2021
More information:
Provider:
University of Alabama
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Current students at University of Alabama
Deadline:
March 2, 2026
More information:
Provider:
University of Montevallo
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
GPA 3.0 or higher; senior standing; potential for professional contribution; financial need; interest in working with families and children
Deadline:
March 1st
More information:
Provider:
Samford University
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
MSW applicants; Early Action Deadline provides priority consideration for scholarship awards
Deadline:
Early Action Deadline – Nov. 1, 2026 for priority consideration
More information:
Provider:
University of South Alabama
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Undergraduate students majoring in a field related to Life Course & Aging Studies in good academic standing, full-time enrollment for upcoming academic year (fall and spring), commitment to working with senior citizens in senior living communities
Deadline:
spring semester
Service obligation:
commitment to working with senior citizens who have limited resources and reside in senior living communities
Provider:
Alabama and Birmingham MGMA Chapters
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Alabama-specific, general funding search
Eligibility:
Must be member of both Alabama and Birmingham MGMA Chapters; pursuing healthcare administration degree
More information:
Provider:
Bishop State Community College Foundation
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Bishop State Community College students
More information:
Provider:
Oakwood University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Graduating seniors majoring in Education, Social Work, Theology, or International Studies
More information:
Provider:
Wallace State Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
More information:
Provider:
Wallace State Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
More information:
Provider:
Wallace State Future Foundation
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Alabama-specific, general funding search
More information:
Provider:
Alan and Constadina Long
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, Alabama-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Social Work students
More information:
Provider:
Brown Family Foundation
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Good academic standing; currently enrolled in School of Public Health at Samford University
More information:
Provider:
Multiple four-year colleges and universities
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Bishop State Community College students transferring to four-year institutions
More information:
Provider:
Samford University School of Public Health
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Social Work students; preference for those with music involvement (church choir, instrument playing, arts community engagement)
More information:
Provider:
Jefferson State Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Currently or previously enrolled JSCC students
More information:
Provider:
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
More information:
Provider:
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
More information:
Provider:
UA Online
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Alabama-specific, general funding search
Eligibility:
Students admitted to the primarily online MSW program
More information:
Provider:
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Must meet all admissions requirements and have successfully completed the Alabama GED Test
Provider:
National Health Service Corps (NHSC), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, public service / workforce path
Type:
Loan Repayment, Alabama-specific, public service / workforce path
Service obligation:
Service requirements apply
More information:
Provider:
Bishop State Community College Foundation
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Grants, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Bishop State Community College students experiencing emergencies during the semester
You now have a map of where funding lives for social work students in Alabama. The opportunities listed here span your school’s financial aid office, state and national workforce programs, and community-based funding sources. Not every opportunity will apply to you, and that’s normal—your next step is to match what you’ve found to your specific situation.
Start by identifying your entry point. If you’re an undergraduate student pursuing a BSW, focus first on opportunities marked for bachelor’s-level study. If you’re applying to or enrolled in an MSW program, look for graduate-level options. Some funding sources don’t specify a degree level, which means you’ll need to verify eligibility by visiting the provider’s page or contacting them directly. Many opportunities also tie to particular career paths—behavioral health, child welfare, or general public service—so check whether the focus matches your goals.
Before you apply, read carefully for service obligations. Several opportunities on this page require you to work in a specific field, agency, or location after graduation. These can be valuable, but they come with commitments. Review the terms on the source page so you know what you’re agreeing to.
Deadlines and award amounts appear on this page only when the source listed them. If you don’t see a dollar figure or date, visit the provider’s website to get current information. Funding amounts can shift year to year, and deadlines are firm—confirm both before you start an application.
Use this resource alongside FAFSA, your school’s institutional aid, and conversations with your program advisor or financial aid office. They can help you layer different funding sources and flag opportunities that fit your financial need and academic standing. If a page is unclear or you have questions about whether you qualify, contact the provider directly—a brief call or email can save you time and help you apply to the right opportunities.
Funding details can change. Use the source links to confirm current award amounts, deadlines, eligibility rules, and service obligations before applying.