Scholarships
Scholarships and Eligibility
There are a variety of UAA, University of Alaska, and State of Alaska grants and scholarships available to our students. Some scholarships require an application, some are automatically awarded once eligibility conditions are met after submitting your first application for admission, and some you qualify for by completing specific requirements before graduating from an Alaska high school. Below are a list of scholarships you may see on your UAOnline>Financial Aid Overview screen.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Many of these programs require recipients to meet specific conditions if they are multi-year awards. In order to qualify for federal, state and institutional aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov and use UAA’s school code (011462).
- Incoming Students
Incoming Students
Most scholarships for incoming UAA students do not require an application other than the application for admission and FAFSA.
Seawolf Start is a one-time, $500 award for first-time freshmen that meet three deadlines:
- Complete the application for admission by May 1, 2023.
- Complete the FAFSA by May 1, 2023.
- Register for a minimum of 3 credit hours at the UAA-Anchorage campus by July 15, 2023.
No extra application other than the Admissions & FAFSA applications are needed. See link above for full eligibility and information.
- A $1,000 per semester scholarship for Alaska high school seniors in the top-15% of in their graduating class that don't qualify for the UA Scholars award.
- Submit your FAFSA by July 15, 2023.
- Complete the application for admission by July 15, 2023.
- Register for a minimum of 12 credit-hours by July 15, 2023.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and renew FAFSA yearly for automatic renewal.
- No extra application other than the Admissions & FAFSA applications are needed. See link above for full eligibility and information.
National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). To be eligible for National Merit Scholarships, you must take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of your junior year – if completing high school in four years – and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, among other requirements. You also have to get a top score on the test.
TO RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP FROM UAA:
- Submit a copy of your National Merit Letter to UAA Honors College
- Contact the UAA Financial Aid Office
- You must take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of your Junior Year.
- Meet General Student Eligibility Responsibilities
- Enroll in classes required to complete your degree program
UAA Recruitment Scholarships
The UAA Recruitment Scholarship is open to Incoming, first-time freshmen. UAA administration will use information provided on the submitted Application for Admission, and additional details such as high school GPA, ACT/SAT test scores, and the completed FAFSA to make award decisions. Eligibility conditions may change based on the size of the applicant pool. This is a first-come, first-served award and most decisions will be made by between December and February for the upcoming academic year. If additional funds become available as students decline or do not attend, new pools of students who applied after February 15th may be considered.
- Have submitted a UAA application for admission into a degree or certificate program, and be officially admitted before the Fall semester ends.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for those students who took UA classes during high school.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5
UAA Recruitment Scholarships are limited to Cost of Attendance. Students who receive other combinations of grants or scholarships equal to, or in excess of, their Cost of Attendance will not be eligible. An example of a UAA recruitment scholarship is the UAA Seawolf Start Scholarship. For more information, please visit the page provided for specific guidance to qualify
The UA Scholars program offers a merit-based scholarship that students qualify for based on their class ranking in high school. The purpose of the UA Scholars Award is to provide an incentive for Alaska's middle and high school students to achieve academic excellence, to nourish efforts of schools to provide high quality education, and to encourage the top high school graduates from every community in Alaska to attend the University of Alaska.
Eligibility for the UA Scholars Award is based on academic standing at the end of the high school, junior year. Each eligible high school in Alaska is responsible for notifying the UA Scholars Program about the students who qualify for the UA Scholars Award through a "Designation Process" which takes place from May 1 - October 1 each year. The program office then notifies eligible students what action to take before May 1st of their senior year in high school. It is a $12,000 scholarship to any of the 15 University of Alaska campuses. With over 500 degree and certificate programs to choose from you are likely to find a program that will help you meet your career goals.
- For initial and continuing eligibility criteria, award information, and more, visit the UA Scholars Program website.
- For new or current UA Scholars, review the "UA Credit Milestones chart" available on the program website to help you determine how to remain in program compliance.
Alaska Performance Scholarship
APS is a scholarship offered by the State of Alaska, and UAA is one of the eligible Alaska institutions qualified to participate. To earn this award, Alaska high school graduates must have completed specific courses and achieved required national test scores before they graduated. To review your eligibility and award amounts for State of Alaska programs, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Alaska Education Grant, please create an account and login to Alaska's myAlaska – ACPE Student Aid Portal as these awards will not be reflected on your UAA award letter, until we receive notice from the State in mid-August. Continuing students must meet specific completion benchmarks and file a FAFSA by June 30th priority deadline in order to receive an award in the upcoming academic year. For more information, including eligibility criteria visit UAA's Alaska Performance Scholarship information page.
- Who can RECEIVE the APS?
Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school) in 2011 or later and meet the qualifying requirements as determined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
Visit ACPE's website for further information regarding the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
- How do I USE the APS at UAA?
Using the APS scholarship at UAA is a great way to pursue your degree or certificate with as little debt as possible.
So you've qualified and applied for the APS - now what?
To receive the first award at UAA, you must also:
- Apply for admission to UAA before the enrollment certification deadline that you plan to attend using an APS award
- Be admitted to a qualifying degree or certificate program.
- Collegiate Track: associate, bachelor's, and/or graduate program
- Vocational Track: certificate program - NOTE: "Occupational Endorsement Certificates" are not eligible certificate programs.
- Enroll in either Full-time (FT) credits or more (12+ credits for undergraduate students and 9+ credits for Graduate students) or Half-time (HT) credits (6- 11 undergraduate credits or 5-8 graduate credits).
- Have unmet costs of attendance of $500 or more listed on the UAOnline Financial Aid Awards after considering all other non-loan aid, such as grants and other scholarships.
If you want to receive the maximum number of awards, remember:
- You must file a new FAFSA every year by June 30th!
- You must meet continuing eligibility requirements listed in the "How do I MAINTAIN APS continuing eligibility?" section.
- You have six years after high school graduation to fully use up to four years (eight semesters) of awards.
- When will UAA receive the list of APS-ELIGIBLE students?
APS-eligible students will be able to see their APS awards on UAOnline in mid-to-late August.
Why does it take so long?
Alaska schools report K-12 information to the Department of Education & Early Development (EED) during the summer months. EED reviews the data for completion and accuracy prior to extracting high school graduates and their APS eligibility information and transmitting this population to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). Upon receipt of the APS eligibility file, ACPE’s internal processes match the student records to submitted FAFSA information before it can be sent to UAA.
* Continuing students in award years 2-4 are then reviewed by UAA to make sure they have met continuing eligibility benchmarks.
* Transfer APS students should make sure they have UAA identified on the MyAlaska AK Student Aid Portal.
- How do I MAINTAIN APS continuing eligibility?By the end of your first year:
- earn 24 semester credits (12 for half-time students)
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
By the end of each subsequent year:
- earn 30 semester credits (15 for half-time students
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
As a graduate student:
- earn 18 semester credits (10+ for half-time students)
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
*You must also meet UA Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
For APS certification purposes, Full-time (FT) is defined as 12 credits or more for undergraduate students and 9 credits or more for Graduate students. Half-time (HT) is defined as between at least 6 and 11 credits or between 5 and 8 credits for Graduate students.
Regardless of a student's FT or HT status, the APS is designed as an eight disbursement only format to be used within 6 years of graduation from high school.* This means that a half time student will receive a proration of their eligibility, while a full time student will receive up to 100% of their award. This is contingent on continued eligibility based on academic progress, enrollment status, other need based money student may have received in their budget, Cost of Attendance and that the student maintains the minimum required GPA as outlined below.
- Certificate students have the additional requirement of completing the certificate in order to meet continuing eligibility requirements.
- Graduate Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA for the entire enrollment period.
- How do I MAXIMIZE the APS awards?
UAA would like to help you maximize your scholarship and promote the most efficient way to use your financial assistance to complete your goals successfully.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is required to certify student enrollment as of the census date, or the add/drop deadline for each term. This ensures students are meeting continuing eligibility requirements and are being paid accurately for any coursework adjustments made as of that deadline. To receive the maximum amount of award you are eligible for, please make sure you have finalized your registration as early as possible.
- A FT student is nearly finished with a Bachelor's degree if they meet continuing eligibility requirements after 8 disbursements. This student has maximized their use of the scholarship.
- A HT student in pursuit of an Associate's degree would be nearly finished with their goals after 8 disbursements. Students may decline a half-time award in order to maximize their use and receive a full-time award in a later term.
- How does the Full-time award COMPARE to the Half-time award?
Year in School Award Level Number
of
PaymentsGPA Required Full-Time
Completed
Credits
Required
to ProceedFull-Time
Amount(s)
Disbursed by
Award LevelHalf-Time
Completed
Credits
Required
to ProceedHalf-Time
Amount(s)
Disbursed by
Award LevelYear 1 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 24 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0012 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 2 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 3 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 4 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Overall Totals 8 114 $19020.00
$14264.00
$9512.0057 $9510.00
$7132.00
$4756.00 - Is it possible to APPEAL an APS Expiration?The State Board of Education adopted the APS regulation allowing for an extension of eligibility (4 AAC 43.045) when special circumstances have prevented the student from participating and receiving all disbursements within the six (6) year window, such as health, military service, etc. Students must appeal directly to the Commissioner of the AK Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and include documentation to confirm personal or academic circumstances beyond their control which caused delayed participation in the APS program. [14.43.820 and 14.43.825] Typically all exceptions must be received before the eligibility expires, unless circumstances have prevented an earlier appeal.
The requirements for all extension requests are:
- The student must submit to the commissioner of the AK Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) a written request for a scholarship eligibility extension.
- The student should submit evidence to support circumstances occurred that were beyond their control.
- The eligibility extension request must be postmarked no later than 30 days before the student's period of scholarship eligibility under AS 14.43.825(b) is set to expire. The address for the submission is PO BOX 11050, Juneau, AK. 99811-0500.
Appeals based on unavailability of UAA curriculum required additional steps:
- The appealing student must meet with an academic advisor who will create a DegreeWorks academic plan in UAOnline. The advisor will then reach out on behalf of the student to work with UAA Academic Affairs to accommodate the request for the required statement from UAA showing agreement that required coursework was not available for the student to have steady degree progression within the six (6) year window.
- The request sent to DEED must be accompanied by a signed statement from the UAA Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, attesting that the student has experienced or is experiencing an enrollment delay due to the availability of UA coursework required by the degree program the student is pursuing and that the enrollment delay is beyond the student's control. Students may not have other gaps in attendance due to personal choice, such as having taken a previous "gap year".
- For new incoming transfer student or a former degree-seeking student at UAA who has some college credit but no bachelor’s degree.
- $2,000 for full-time enrollment (12 credit-hour minimum)/ $1,000 part-time enrollment (6 credit-hour minimum)
- Must be an Alaska Resident
- Must have applied for, and be admitted to, a baccalaureate or associate program for Fall 2023.
- Complete the application for admission by June 15, 2023.
- Complete the FAFSA by July 15, 2023.
- Must have not taken a UAA class since Summer 2020 to be eligible.
- Meet all deadlines.
- Show satisfactory academic progress.
- Renewable for continuous enrollment up to $8,000 maximum.
- No extra application is needed. See link above for full eligibility and information.
U.S. Armed Forces ROTC Programs Available at UAA
- Army ROTC scholarships are offered at more than 1,000 colleges. For application packets, information about eligibility, and the telephone number of an ROTC advisor in your area, call 1-888-550-ARMY (1-888-550-2769) or visit the Army ROTC web page.
- The Air Force ROTC college scholarship program targets students pursuing certain foreign language and technical degrees, although students entering a wide variety of majors may be accepted. For more information, call 1-866-4-AFROTC (1-866-423-7682) or visit the Air Force ROTC Scholarship web page.
-
The Navy ROTC offers both four-year and partial scholarships. To learn more, call 1-800-NAV-ROTC (1-800-628-7682) or visit the Navy ROTC website.
UAA ROTC PROGRAM LINKS
- UAA U.S. Army ROTC
- UAA U.S. Air Force ROTC
UA Foundation Scholarships
UA Foundation Scholarships require an additional application through the UA Scholarship Portal. However, incoming freshman students are not required to complete an application to be considered for UA Foundation freshman-only scholarships. This is optional application for incoming students.
- Submit the UA General Application from the UA Scholarship Portal between October 1st and February 15th to be considered for scholarships in the upcoming academic year.
- To increase the likelihood of receiving a scholarship, submit the FAFSA for the same academic year. The FAFSA is open October 1st.
- Previous year application answers and essays are deleted in September so it is wise to save a copy outside of the portal.
- Some scholarships accept applications all year long. File your scholarship application even if the deadline has passed.
- Current Students
The Seawolf Persist Scholarship is funded through generous donations to the UAA Seawolf Opportunity Scholars fund. Seawolf Persist recipients receive $1,000 per semester if they're enrolled full-time (12+ credit-hours) or $500 per semester if they're enroled half-time (6+ credit hours). The Seawolf Persist award is a renewable award up to eight (8) disbursements, if you continue to meet eligibility conditions.
To be eligible, a student must:
- Maintain continuous enrollment at UAA.
- Register for a full-time (12+ credit hours) or a half-time (6+ credit hours) course load at UAA's Anchorage Campus for the desired award amount.
- Register for semester classes by required deadlines.
- Renew your FAFSA every year to continue receiving an award.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
See link above for full eligibility and information.
UAA Administration Scholarship
UAA Administration Scholarships are awarded by many different departments and programs throughout the University. Please contact the department for which you would like to be considered and request additional information.
Common rules to be eligible for the UAA Administration Scholarship include:
- Be admitted into a degree or certificate program at UAA
- Be in an ELIGIBLE Satisfactory Academic Progress status
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 for a graduate program, 2.8 for school and college awards for undergraduate students and 2.5 for administrative department awards for undergraduate students
- Application Required
UAA Foundations Scholarships
- Submit the UA General Application from the UA Scholarship Portal between October 1st and February 15th to be considered for scholarships in the upcoming academic year.
- To increase the likelihood of receiving a scholarship, submit the FAFSA for the same academic year. The 2022-2023 FAFSA is open October 1st.
- Previous year application answers and essays are deleted in September so it is wise to save a copy outside of the portal.
- Some scholarships accept applications all year long. File your scholarship application even if the deadline has passed.
- Application Required
UAA Workforce Advancement / UAA Incentive Grant
Funds for this program are in limited supply and were provided by the State of Alaska to support enrollment initiatives. UAA is using these funds to support Occupational Endorsement Certificates (FAST TRACK career certificates).
-
For the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 terms: Applicants are eligible for renewable awards in the amount of $500 for part-time enrollment (6-11 credits) and $1000 for full-time enrollment (12+ credits). To be eligible, a student must be admitted, enroll in one of the certificate programs and complete at least 67% of Fall 2020 courses while maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
The UA Scholars program offers a merit-based scholarship that students qualify for based on their class ranking in high school. The purpose of the UA Scholars Award is to provide an incentive for Alaska's middle and high school students to achieve academic excellence, to nourish efforts of schools to provide high quality education, and to encourage the top high school graduates from every community in Alaska to attend the University of Alaska.
Eligibility for the UA Scholars Award is based on academic standing at the end of the high school, junior year. Each eligible high school in Alaska is responsible for notifying the UA Scholars Program about the students who qualify for the UA Scholars Award through a "Designation Process" which takes place from May 1 - October 1 each year. The program office then notifies eligible students what action to take before May 1st of their senior year in high school. It is a $12,000 scholarship to any of the 15 University of Alaska campuses. With over 500 degree and certificate programs to choose from you are likely to find a program that will help you meet your career goals.
- For initial and continuing eligibility criteria, award information, and more, visit the UA Scholars Program website.
- For new or current UA Scholars, review the "UA Credit Milestones chart" available on the program website to help you determine how to remain in program compliance.
Alaska Performance Scholarship
APS is a scholarship offered by the State of Alaska, and UAA is one of the eligible Alaska institutions qualified to participate. To earn this award, Alaska high school graduates must have completed specific courses and achieved required national test scores before they graduated. To review your eligibility and award amounts for State of Alaska programs, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Alaska Education Grant, please create an account and login to Alaska's myAlaska – ACPE Student Aid Portal as these awards will not be reflected on your UAA award letter, until we receive notice from the State in mid-August. Continuing students must meet specific completion benchmarks and file a FAFSA by June 30th priority deadline in order to receive an award in the upcoming academic year. For more information, including eligibility criteria visit UAA's Alaska Performance Scholarship information page.
- Who can RECEIVE the APS?
Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school) in 2011 or later and meet the qualifying requirements as determined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
Visit ACPE's website for further information regarding the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
- How do I USE the APS at UAA?
Using the APS scholarship at UAA is a great way to pursue your degree or certificate with as little debt as possible.
So you've qualified and applied for the APS - now what?
To receive the first award at UAA, you must also:
- Apply for admission to UAA before the enrollment certification deadline that you plan to attend using an APS award
- Be admitted to a qualifying degree or certificate program.
- Collegiate Track: associate, bachelor's, and/or graduate program
- Vocational Track: certificate program - NOTE: "Occupational Endorsement Certificates" are not eligible certificate programs.
- Enroll in either Full-time (FT) credits or more (12+ credits for undergraduate students and 9+ credits for Graduate students) or Half-time (HT) credits (6- 11 undergraduate credits or 5-8 graduate credits).
- Have unmet costs of attendance of $500 or more listed on the UAOnline Financial Aid Awards after considering all other non-loan aid, such as grants and other scholarships.
If you want to receive the maximum number of awards, remember:
- You must file a new FAFSA every year by June 30th!
- You must meet continuing eligibility requirements listed in the "How do I MAINTAIN APS continuing eligibility?" section.
- You have six years after high school graduation to fully use up to four years (eight semesters) of awards.
- When will UAA receive the list of APS-ELIGIBLE students?
APS-eligible students will be able to see their APS awards on UAOnline in mid-to-late August.
Why does it take so long?
Alaska schools report K-12 information to the Department of Education & Early Development (EED) during the summer months. EED reviews the data for completion and accuracy prior to extracting high school graduates and their APS eligibility information and transmitting this population to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). Upon receipt of the APS eligibility file, ACPE’s internal processes match the student records to submitted FAFSA information before it can be sent to UAA.
* Continuing students in award years 2-4 are then reviewed by UAA to make sure they have met continuing eligibility benchmarks.
* Transfer APS students should make sure they have UAA identified on the MyAlaska AK Student Aid Portal.
- How do I MAINTAIN APS continuing eligibility?By the end of your first year:
- earn 24 semester credits (12 for half-time students)
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
By the end of each subsequent year:
- earn 30 semester credits (15 for half-time students
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
As a graduate student:
- earn 18 semester credits (10+ for half-time students)
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
*You must also meet UA Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
For APS certification purposes, Full-time (FT) is defined as 12 credits or more for undergraduate students and 9 credits or more for Graduate students. Half-time (HT) is defined as between at least 6 and 11 credits or between 5 and 8 credits for Graduate students.
Regardless of a student's FT or HT status, the APS is designed as an eight disbursement only format to be used within 6 years of graduation from high school.* This means that a half time student will receive a proration of their eligibility, while a full time student will receive up to 100% of their award. This is contingent on continued eligibility based on academic progress, enrollment status, other need based money student may have received in their budget, Cost of Attendance and that the student maintains the minimum required GPA as outlined below.
- Certificate students have the additional requirement of completing the certificate in order to meet continuing eligibility requirements.
- Graduate Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA for the entire enrollment period.
- How do I MAXIMIZE the APS awards?
UAA would like to help you maximize your scholarship and promote the most efficient way to use your financial assistance to complete your goals successfully.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is required to certify student enrollment as of the census date, or the add/drop deadline for each term. This ensures students are meeting continuing eligibility requirements and are being paid accurately for any coursework adjustments made as of that deadline. To receive the maximum amount of award you are eligible for, please make sure you have finalized your registration as early as possible.
- A FT student is nearly finished with a Bachelor's degree if they meet continuing eligibility requirements after 8 disbursements. This student has maximized their use of the scholarship.
- A HT student in pursuit of an Associate's degree would be nearly finished with their goals after 8 disbursements. Students may decline a half-time award in order to maximize their use and receive a full-time award in a later term.
- How does the Full-time award COMPARE to the Half-time award?
Year in School Award Level Number
of
PaymentsGPA Required Full-Time
Completed
Credits
Required
to ProceedFull-Time
Amount(s)
Disbursed by
Award LevelHalf-Time
Completed
Credits
Required
to ProceedHalf-Time
Amount(s)
Disbursed by
Award LevelYear 1 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 24 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0012 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 2 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 3 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 4 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Overall Totals 8 114 $19020.00
$14264.00
$9512.0057 $9510.00
$7132.00
$4756.00 - Is it possible to APPEAL an APS Expiration?The State Board of Education adopted the APS regulation allowing for an extension of eligibility (4 AAC 43.045) when special circumstances have prevented the student from participating and receiving all disbursements within the six (6) year window, such as health, military service, etc. Students must appeal directly to the Commissioner of the AK Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and include documentation to confirm personal or academic circumstances beyond their control which caused delayed participation in the APS program. [14.43.820 and 14.43.825] Typically all exceptions must be received before the eligibility expires, unless circumstances have prevented an earlier appeal.
The requirements for all extension requests are:
- The student must submit to the commissioner of the AK Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) a written request for a scholarship eligibility extension.
- The student should submit evidence to support circumstances occurred that were beyond their control.
- The eligibility extension request must be postmarked no later than 30 days before the student's period of scholarship eligibility under AS 14.43.825(b) is set to expire. The address for the submission is PO BOX 11050, Juneau, AK. 99811-0500.
Appeals based on unavailability of UAA curriculum required additional steps:
- The appealing student must meet with an academic advisor who will create a DegreeWorks academic plan in UAOnline. The advisor will then reach out on behalf of the student to work with UAA Academic Affairs to accommodate the request for the required statement from UAA showing agreement that required coursework was not available for the student to have steady degree progression within the six (6) year window.
- The request sent to DEED must be accompanied by a signed statement from the UAA Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, attesting that the student has experienced or is experiencing an enrollment delay due to the availability of UA coursework required by the degree program the student is pursuing and that the enrollment delay is beyond the student's control. Students may not have other gaps in attendance due to personal choice, such as having taken a previous "gap year".
- Returning Students
- For new incoming transfer student or a former degree-seeking student at UAA who has some college credit but no bachelor’s degree.
- $2,000 for full-time enrollment (12 credit-hour minimum)/ $1,000 part-time enrollment (6 credit-hour minimum)
- Must be an Alaska Resident
- Must have applied for, and be admitted to, a baccalaureate or associate program for Fall 2023.
- Complete the application for admission by June 15, 2023.
- Complete the FAFSA by July 15, 2023.
- Must have not taken a UAA class since Summer 2020 to be eligible.
- Meet all deadlines.
- Show satisfactory academic progress.
- Renewable for continuous enrollment up to $8,000 maximum.
- No extra application is needed. See link above for full eligibility and information.
The UA Scholars program offers a merit-based scholarship that students qualify for based on their class ranking in high school. The purpose of the UA Scholars Award is to provide an incentive for Alaska's middle and high school students to achieve academic excellence, to nourish efforts of schools to provide high quality education, and to encourage the top high school graduates from every community in Alaska to attend the University of Alaska.
Eligibility for the UA Scholars Award is based on academic standing at the end of the high school, junior year. Each eligible high school in Alaska is responsible for notifying the UA Scholars Program about the students who qualify for the UA Scholars Award through a "Designation Process" which takes place from May 1 - October 1 each year. The program office then notifies eligible students what action to take before May 1st of their senior year in high school. It is a $12,000 scholarship to any of the 15 University of Alaska campuses. With over 500 degree and certificate programs to choose from you are likely to find a program that will help you meet your career goals.
- For initial and continuing eligibility criteria, award information, and more, visit the UA Scholars Program website.
- For new or current UA Scholars, review the "UA Credit Milestones chart" available on the program website to help you determine how to remain in program compliance.
Alaska Performance Scholarship
APS is a scholarship offered by the State of Alaska, and UAA is one of the eligible Alaska institutions qualified to participate. To earn this award, Alaska high school graduates must have completed specific courses and achieved required national test scores before they graduated. To review your eligibility and award amounts for State of Alaska programs, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Alaska Education Grant, please create an account and login to Alaska's myAlaska – ACPE Student Aid Portal as these awards will not be reflected on your UAA award letter, until we receive notice from the State in mid-August. Continuing students must meet specific completion benchmarks and file a FAFSA by June 30th priority deadline in order to receive an award in the upcoming academic year. For more information, including eligibility criteria visit UAA's Alaska Performance Scholarship information page.
- Who can RECEIVE the APS?
Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school) in 2011 or later and meet the qualifying requirements as determined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
Visit ACPE's website for further information regarding the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
- How do I USE the APS at UAA?
Using the APS scholarship at UAA is a great way to pursue your degree or certificate with as little debt as possible.
So you've qualified and applied for the APS - now what?
To receive the first award at UAA, you must also:
- Apply for admission to UAA before the enrollment certification deadline that you plan to attend using an APS award
- Be admitted to a qualifying degree or certificate program.
- Collegiate Track: associate, bachelor's, and/or graduate program
- Vocational Track: certificate program - NOTE: "Occupational Endorsement Certificates" are not eligible certificate programs.
- Enroll in either Full-time (FT) credits or more (12+ credits for undergraduate students and 9+ credits for Graduate students) or Half-time (HT) credits (6- 11 undergraduate credits or 5-8 graduate credits).
- Have unmet costs of attendance of $500 or more listed on the UAOnline Financial Aid Awards after considering all other non-loan aid, such as grants and other scholarships.
If you want to receive the maximum number of awards, remember:
- You must file a new FAFSA every year by June 30th!
- You must meet continuing eligibility requirements listed in the "How do I MAINTAIN APS continuing eligibility?" section.
- You have six years after high school graduation to fully use up to four years (eight semesters) of awards.
- When will UAA receive the list of APS-ELIGIBLE students?
APS-eligible students will be able to see their APS awards on UAOnline in mid-to-late August.
Why does it take so long?
Alaska schools report K-12 information to the Department of Education & Early Development (EED) during the summer months. EED reviews the data for completion and accuracy prior to extracting high school graduates and their APS eligibility information and transmitting this population to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). Upon receipt of the APS eligibility file, ACPE’s internal processes match the student records to submitted FAFSA information before it can be sent to UAA.
* Continuing students in award years 2-4 are then reviewed by UAA to make sure they have met continuing eligibility benchmarks.
* Transfer APS students should make sure they have UAA identified on the MyAlaska AK Student Aid Portal.
- How do I MAINTAIN APS continuing eligibility?By the end of your first year:
- earn 24 semester credits (12 for half-time students)
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
By the end of each subsequent year:
- earn 30 semester credits (15 for half-time students
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
As a graduate student:
- earn 18 semester credits (10+ for half-time students)
- maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA
*You must also meet UA Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
For APS certification purposes, Full-time (FT) is defined as 12 credits or more for undergraduate students and 9 credits or more for Graduate students. Half-time (HT) is defined as between at least 6 and 11 credits or between 5 and 8 credits for Graduate students.
Regardless of a student's FT or HT status, the APS is designed as an eight disbursement only format to be used within 6 years of graduation from high school.* This means that a half time student will receive a proration of their eligibility, while a full time student will receive up to 100% of their award. This is contingent on continued eligibility based on academic progress, enrollment status, other need based money student may have received in their budget, Cost of Attendance and that the student maintains the minimum required GPA as outlined below.
- Certificate students have the additional requirement of completing the certificate in order to meet continuing eligibility requirements.
- Graduate Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA for the entire enrollment period.
- How do I MAXIMIZE the APS awards?
UAA would like to help you maximize your scholarship and promote the most efficient way to use your financial assistance to complete your goals successfully.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is required to certify student enrollment as of the census date, or the add/drop deadline for each term. This ensures students are meeting continuing eligibility requirements and are being paid accurately for any coursework adjustments made as of that deadline. To receive the maximum amount of award you are eligible for, please make sure you have finalized your registration as early as possible.
- A FT student is nearly finished with a Bachelor's degree if they meet continuing eligibility requirements after 8 disbursements. This student has maximized their use of the scholarship.
- A HT student in pursuit of an Associate's degree would be nearly finished with their goals after 8 disbursements. Students may decline a half-time award in order to maximize their use and receive a full-time award in a later term.
- How does the Full-time award COMPARE to the Half-time award?
Year in School Award Level Number
of
PaymentsGPA Required Full-Time
Completed
Credits
Required
to ProceedFull-Time
Amount(s)
Disbursed by
Award LevelHalf-Time
Completed
Credits
Required
to ProceedHalf-Time
Amount(s)
Disbursed by
Award LevelYear 1 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 24 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0012 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 2 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 3 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Year 4 Level1
Level2
Level32 2.5 30 $4755.00
$3566.00
$2378.0015 $2377.00
$1783.00
$1189.00Overall Totals 8 114 $19020.00
$14264.00
$9512.0057 $9510.00
$7132.00
$4756.00 - Is it possible to APPEAL an APS Expiration?The State Board of Education adopted the APS regulation allowing for an extension of eligibility (4 AAC 43.045) when special circumstances have prevented the student from participating and receiving all disbursements within the six (6) year window, such as health, military service, etc. Students must appeal directly to the Commissioner of the AK Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and include documentation to confirm personal or academic circumstances beyond their control which caused delayed participation in the APS program. [14.43.820 and 14.43.825] Typically all exceptions must be received before the eligibility expires, unless circumstances have prevented an earlier appeal.
The requirements for all extension requests are:
- The student must submit to the commissioner of the AK Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) a written request for a scholarship eligibility extension.
- The student should submit evidence to support circumstances occurred that were beyond their control.
- The eligibility extension request must be postmarked no later than 30 days before the student's period of scholarship eligibility under AS 14.43.825(b) is set to expire. The address for the submission is PO BOX 11050, Juneau, AK. 99811-0500.
Appeals based on unavailability of UAA curriculum required additional steps:
- The appealing student must meet with an academic advisor who will create a DegreeWorks academic plan in UAOnline. The advisor will then reach out on behalf of the student to work with UAA Academic Affairs to accommodate the request for the required statement from UAA showing agreement that required coursework was not available for the student to have steady degree progression within the six (6) year window.
- The request sent to DEED must be accompanied by a signed statement from the UAA Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, attesting that the student has experienced or is experiencing an enrollment delay due to the availability of UA coursework required by the degree program the student is pursuing and that the enrollment delay is beyond the student's control. Students may not have other gaps in attendance due to personal choice, such as having taken a previous "gap year".
For more financial aid opportunities that are available to students enrolled or accepted within the University of Alaska, visit the UA Scholarship Portal.