With the Bucks for Books program, students who will have excess financial aid funds after other institutional charges are paid can charge up to $1,500 (or the available balance, whichever is less) in books at the UAB Bookstore. These charges will be placed on your student account and covered by your excess funds/credits.
These funds will be available by noon on the Wednesday before classes start so that you may purchase books before classes begin. Students may use the funds at the UAB Barnes & Noble Bookstore. The Bookstore will have your available aid amount at checkout the Wednesday before classes through the first day of classes.
If you choose not to participate, your excess aid will be disbursed to you in the form of a check or direct deposit at the end of the first week of classes. If you feel as though you will need those funds to purchase books before classes begin, be sure to take advantage of this program before classes begin.
Students must complete a Title IV authorization form in BlazerNET to be eligible to participate in this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the excess aid be available to be used?
The aid will be available for you to use by noon on the Wednesday before classes start.
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What if I have over $1,500 in excess funds?
If you have over $1,500 in excess funds/credits beyond your student account balance, the remainder will be available for a direct deposit refund or a refund check mailed to your address during the first week of classes.
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What if I did not use all of my available funds, can the remaining balance be refunded?
Yes. Any unused funds after the first day of classes will be reflected on your account and the remaining will be refunded to the student by the end of the first week of classes.
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I am an online student or would like to purchase my books online, how do I participate or use my funds?
For online purchases, simply put in the B# as your form of payment. You can also add a debit/credit card for anything your funds do not cover.
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Why did UAB make this policy change?
UAB administrators listened to students, who wanted a better way to access to their excess funds/credits in order to purchase books prior to the start of classes.
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What if I have specific questions about the books I purchased?
For detailed information about your Barnes & Noble purchases or questions regarding bookstore charges on your account, please contact Online Order department at 205-934-9003 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .For questions regarding the Bucks for Books program, you may e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or you may contact One Stop Student Services at 205-934-4300. -
What is the deadline to use my excess financial aid?
The Bucks for Books funds will be available Wednesday before the start of classes and can be used until Barnes & Nobles closes for business on the first day of classes.
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Can graduate students participate?
Yes, graduate students who are expecting a refund due to excess aid/credits can participate.
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What types of purchases are eligible for the Bucks for Books Program?
Eligible items include new and used textbooks, laptops, tablets, headphones, USB drives, and school supplies (pens, pencil, calculators, paper, etc.)
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How do I authorize UAB to charge bookstore purchases to my student account?
You can notify staff at the UAB Barnes & Noble Bookstore at the time of purchase that you would like to use your excess funds to make the eligible purchase.
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What is the time frame for Bookstore charges to show up on my student account?
Purchases under the Bucks for Books program will appear on your student account within 48 hours after the purchase.
Account Summary by Term
IMPORTANT: You must make payment by Due Date to avoid Late Payment Fee
Fall Term
| Description | Charge | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Student Athletic Fee | $25.00 | |
| Blazer Reg Term | $2,737.80 | |
| CAS Lab Fee Tier 2 | $100.00 | |
| Campus Dining Fee | $225.00 | |
| Meal Plan | $1,990.00 | |
| Tuition | $5,859.00 | |
| Freshman Enrollment Payment | $50.00 | |
| Anticipated Housing Deposit | $250.00 | |
| Anticipated Scholarship | $5,000.00 | |
| Anticipated Loans | $6,435.00 | |
| Total Charges (With Previous Balance) | $10,936.80 | |
| Total Payments (With Anticipated Payments) |
$11,435.00 | |
| Anticipated Account Balance | -$498.20 |
*Based on the example below, this student would have $498.20 to be used at Barnes & Noble to purchase books.