INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Bishop State Community College offers numerous institutional scholarships including academic, leadership/service, and performing arts. General scholarship guidelines are listed below and individualized scholarship information can be found with the Explore Scholarships button.
General Scholarship Guidelines
- Scholarships are typically awarded for one year (fall and spring semesters).
- Some scholarships may be eligible for renewal for a second year if the student meets all renewable requirements. These requirements typically include passing a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester with a specified GPA (GPA varies by scholarship.)
- Students will not be eligible to receive institutional scholarships for more than two years or in combination with other institutional scholarships.
- Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis until funds are exhausted and meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee applicants will be awarded a scholarship.
- Most scholarship applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov/fafsa. Be sure to enter Bishop State’s school code: 001030.
- 2025-2026 FAFSA: Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
- 2026-2027 FAFSA: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027
- All scholarships pay out at in-state rates for tuition and fees. Institutional scholarships are not refundable, as they are waivers of institutional charges.
- Exceptions to any scholarship criteria are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Scholarship Applications
Bishop State utilizes Scholarship Manager (a Next Gen Web Solutions product) to manage scholarship applications. Any available applications a student is eligible to complete will appear to the student once logged in. All scholarship offerings may be viewed at any time using the "Explore Scholarships" button within Scholarship Manager; however, students must have valid Bishop State login credentials in order to access applications. Use the link below to access the Scholarship Manager and review scholarships today!
Graduating High School Senior (Incoming Freshman) Scholarships: Application available November 1 to March 1
Current Wildcat (Continuing or Returning College Student) Scholarships: Application available April 1 to August 1
Tuition Waivers
GED Recipient Class Waiver provides one free class (up to 4 credit hours) to students who have successfully passed the GED in the State of Alabama after July 2002. Eligibility is determined by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), which is the State Office for the GED Testing Program. Complete the electronic Waiver Form if you wish to use your free class at Bishop State. The Financial Aid Office will submit the information to ACCS for approval.
Senior Adult Waiver allows students 60 years of age or older, who meet all regular admissions requirements, to receive a tuition-only waiver for one individual class (up to 4 credit hours) per semester. The waiver may only be used for classes within a for-credit degree or certificate program and it does not cover audit coursework. The waiver may be used on a space-available basis only - Any senior adult who wishes to use the waiver MUST register for classes on or after the first day of class for the semester. A waiver will not be applied to any semester in which registration occurs before the first day of class. Students must submit the Waiver Form to the Financial Aid Office for approval once registered (on or after the first day of class). Limited awards based on available funds.
Employee/Dependent Tuition Waivers pays tuition only and is designed for all full-time and Salary Schedule H-35 employees of the Alabama Community College System and their dependents as defined under Section II. An application form for the tuition assistance program is available at each institution and should be completed once the student is registered for classes.
ACE Class Waiver provides one free class (up to 4 credit hours) to students who have successfully completed the ACE (Alabama Career Essentials) program. Eligibility is determined by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Complete the electronic Waiver Form if you wish to use your free class at Bishop State. The Financial Aid Office will submit the information to ACCS for approval.
Bishop State Community College Foundation Scholarships
Additional scholarship opportunities may be available through the Bishop State Foundation.
Students may apply via the website Bishop State Community College Foundation.