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Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a Birmingham City Schools (BCS) High School as of September 30th, 2020 and graduate from a participating high school during the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Students graduating in December 2020 are Promise eligible; however, Promise funding does not begin until the fall semester following high school graduation.
• Must meet all Birmingham Promise deadlines for commitment, financial aid, college choice, and enrollment.
• Must start classes the fall semester after graduation. 
  • Must enroll in fall and spring during their first year and must not skip a fall or spring semester during their four-year eligibility period.
  • Students must complete an appeal form if they fail to enroll each fall and spring semester and wish to reinstate their eligibility for Birmingham Promise.
• Must meet admissions requirements for the institution to which they are applying.

Myths and Misconceptions About FAFSA

Unofficial High School Transcript

What: A record of your academic grades through high school.

How: Download your transcript by logging into your student portal. If you have any difficulties accessing your transcript online, please contact your guidance counselor to get access.

Why: We use your transcript to verify your time at Birmingham City Schools.

Student Aid Report

What: A document that provides basic eligibility information for federal student aid.

How: The SAR is automatically generated when you complete your FAFSA. You will receive instructions about how to access your SAR via email. Typically, you should be able to access your SAR within two weeks of submitting your FAFSA.

Eligible Colleges

• Alabama A&M
• Alabama State University
• Athens State University
• Auburn University
• Auburn University at Montgomery
• Bevill State Community College
• Bishop State Community College
• Calhoun Community College
• Central Alabama Community College
• Chattahoochee Valley Community College
• Coastal Alabama Community College
• Drake State Community and Technical College
• Enterprise State Community College
• Gadsden State Community College
• Jacksonville State University
• Jefferson State Community College
• Lawson State Community College
• Lurleen B. Wallace State Community College-Andalusia
• Marion Military Institute
• Northeast Alabama Community College
• Northwest-Shoals Community College
• Reid State Technical College
• Shelton State Community College
• Snead State Community College
• Southern Union State Community College
• Trenholm State Community College
• Troy University
• University of Alabama
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Alabama in Huntsville
• University of Montevallo  
• University of North Alabama
• University of South Alabama
• University of West Alabama
• Wallace Community College-Dothan
• Wallace Community College-Selma
• Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

Admissions Letter

What: A letter sent to you by colleges that you have been accepted by. It will provide information about what steps to take to enroll at that school. 

How: After submitting an application letter and being admitted, you will typically receive a letter in the mail and/or be notified online via a portal. Colleges will let you know when you should expect to receive an admissions letter during the application process. 

Why: This letter will serve as your final confirmation of the school where you intend to use your funds from Birmingham Promise. It will also confirm who we should begin communicating with on your behalf to ensure you are able to enroll in a timely manner. 

Financial Aid Letter

What: A letter sent to admitted students who have completed their application and financial aid processes that explains what aid you are eligible for at the school you choose (including grants, scholarships, and loans).

How: You must be admitted and complete all financial aid requirements at your school of choice. You should receive a financial aid letter in the mail and/or be notified via email or portal when you receive a financial aid package. Please note: Birmingham Promise will not be reflected on the financial aid letter. 

Why: This letter will confirm that you have completed all financial aid information at your school of choice and help us provide an estimate of the support you can expect from Birmingham Promise so you can better plan your college finances.