UA Scholars Award

The UA Scholars Award is a $12,000 scholarship awarded to Alaska high school students who are in the top 10% of their class at the end of their junior year as determined by their school. The Award may be used at any University of Alaska campus and is distributed in the amount of $1,500 per semester for eight semesters provided the Scholar remains eligible.

The scholarships are funded by the University of Alaska Land Grant Trust Fund. The endowment receives revenue from property sales and resource development conducted on Trust lands.

 

 

Frequent Questions

• Is there a separate application for the housing scholarship?

  No, there is not a separate scholarship application. However, students must meet UA Scholars application deadlines, be degree-seeking students and must apply for Housing separately from the application.

• What is the Award amount and terms?

  The UA Scholars Award is a four-year, $12,000 scholarship to Alaska high school students who are in the top 10% of their class which is determined by their school. The award may be used at any campus in the University of Alaska system.  Recipients will receive $1,500 per semester for  eight semesters, as long as they maintain eligibility. The UA Scholars Award is not tied to the cost of tuition.

• Is the UA Scholars Award a full-ride scholarship?

  It is not a full-ride scholarship; however, the award foes a long way toward the cost of an education at the University of Alaska.  Each semester you attend UAA, you receive $1,500 to help cover your educational expenses.

• Is there a deadline to apply for the scholarship?

  Yes. You must apply for admission by May 1st of your senior year in high school to the UA campus of your choice. If you do not apply for admission by the deadline, you award will expire. 

• Can I apply for admission online?

  Yes. You can complete your admission application online. Learn How to Apply.

• Does the Award expire?

  The Award expires under any of the following conditions:

  • You miss more than two semesters of enrollment after your high school graduation
  • You have been paid the entire amount of the Award
  • You fail to uphold the obligations of the ‘Scholar Requirements’ as stated in the Program Information Booklet
• What must I do to maintain good academic standing?

  In order to maintain good academic standing and remain eligible for the UA Scholars Award, a Scholar must:

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
  • Maintain full-time enrollment status (12 or more credits) during each fall and spring semester
  • Complete 24 credits during the first academic year; and
  • Complete 30 credits each academic year thereafter until the Award has concluded
  • Make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of a certificate or degree program
  • Meet the UA Student Code of Conduct (Board of Regents policy 09.02.02 and University Regulation 09.02.020)
• Can I take a semester off after I've started attending the University?

  You can take up to two regular semesters off after you have begun attending the University and still receive your UA Scholar Award. If you are gone for three or more consecutive semesters without an approved extended leave of absence, your Award will expire.

• How is my Award paid to me?

  Your Award will be posted to your student account at the University you are attending once you have been accepted into a degree program and are enrolled as a full time student. If you have met all requirements for the Award, your scholarship normally posts to your student account approximately one week before courses begin for the semester.

• What if I have other funds?

  If you have funding from the UA College Savings Plan, Alaska Performance Scholarship (or another college savings program), additional scholarship(s) or financial aid, you may be reimbursed for overpayment if you have met your obligations to the University for the semester. However, the Scholars Award may impact certain financial aid and additional scholarships by reducing the amount awarded, including loans and the Alaska Performance Scholarship.

• Can I use my award on a qualified exchange program?

  Yes, after you complete a year at a UA campus. For more information on exchange programs, visit National Student Exchange, call the NSE Coordinator at 907-786-1069 or email nse@alaska.edu.

• Can I use the Award during the summer term?

  Yes. You can begin using your Award during a summer term, but you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. Contact Financial Aid if you plan on using your award.

• Does my UA Scholar Award work in conjunction with the Alaska Performance Scholarship?

  Yes. However, in some cases the amount of the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) award may be reduced. The APS amount may not exceed an award recipient's unmet costs of attendance after all other non-loan aid a recipient is eligible for has been applied. 

  The sum of all other aid for which a student is eligible (including your UA Scholars Award) will be deducted from the cost of attendance before the APS is applied. Visit ACPE's Alaska Performance Scholarship website for more information.