Alaska Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for Alaska students
Alaska offers the Alaska Performance Scholarship for students who meet academic benchmarks and the Alaska Education Grant for need-based assistance. The state's remote geography and high cost of living make financial aid particularly important for Alaska students.
Alaska grant programs
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
Merit-basedUp to approximately $4,755/year at universities; up to $2,378/year at community colleges
Eligibility
- Alaska resident
- Graduate from an Alaska high school
- Complete the required college-prep curriculum
- Minimum GPA and ACT/SAT scores (tiered — higher scores earn higher award levels)
- Enroll at an eligible Alaska postsecondary institution
Deadline: June 30 following high school graduation
Official info →Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
Need-basedUp to approximately $4,000/year
Eligibility
- Alaska resident
- Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA
- Enrolled at an eligible Alaska postsecondary institution
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Deadline: File FAFSA as early as possible — funds are limited
Official info →Tips for maximising Alaska aid
The Alaska Performance Scholarship has three tiers based on GPA and test scores — aim for the highest tier to maximize your annual award.
Alaska's Education Grant is need-based and funds are limited — file the FAFSA as early as October to be first in line.
Alaska's University of Anchorage, University of Fairbanks, and University of Southeast are the main public options — compare net costs since each may offer different institutional aid.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in Alaska that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.