TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Some students looking to transfer from a two-year college to the University of Alabama this fall will be getting a little help in the financial department.

The university is starting a new program called Alabama's Promise to help cover tuition and fees.

Eligible students have to complete two years of community college, have a "B" average and qualify for full federal Pell Grants awarded to students from low-income families.

If Congress approves increases to the Pell Grant Program, the need-based award will provide $4,600 annually for students.

Alabama will contribute more if the maximum Pell Grant award stays at $4,310.

The university will cover tuition and fees not paid by the grant, amounting to about $2,908 per student annually.

Trustees approved an allotment of $500,000, which would cover about 170 students.

Other states have similar programs, but this is the first of its kind in Alabama.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)