Alaska Financial Aid

The state aid picture

Alaska's state aid is administered by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), combining a tiered merit scholarship and a need-based grant.

Need-based state grants

• Alaska Education Grant (AEG)Alaska's need-based grant for residents at eligible in-state colleges — file the FAFSA early, as funds are limited.

Merit & lottery scholarships

• Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)A merit award with award levels based on a student's high-school curriculum, GPA, and test scores, usable at eligible Alaska colleges and career-training programs.

College savings (529 plan)

The Alaska 529 (University of Alaska College Savings Plan) is the state's tax-advantaged plan (Alaska has no state income tax), with a tuition-value guarantee option for the University of Alaska.

Applying & the state agency

Nearly all state aid starts with the FAFSA. From there:

• File the FAFSA earlyIt's the trigger for state grants and many scholarships
• Register with Alaska Commission on Postsecondary EducationCreate the state agency's student account to track and claim awards
• Confirm your detailsVerify residency, GPA, and enrollment as required
• Meet any extra requirementsSome programs need a separate form, GPA, or service commitment
• Reapply every yearState aid is awarded annually

Deadlines & timing

State deadlines are typically much earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline, and some aid is first-come, first-served until funds run out. File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (in the fall) and confirm the state's specific priority date.

Tips to maximize state aid

• File the FAFSA as early as possiblePriority deadlines and limited funds reward early filers
• Confirm your residency and eligibilityMost state aid is for residents attending in-state schools
• Maintain the required GPAMerit awards usually require you keep a minimum GPA to renew
• Use the state agency's portalTrack, confirm, and claim your awards there
• Check renewal rules each yearKnow what keeps your award going

Frequently asked questions

• How do I get Alaska aid?File the FAFSA (and any state form) by the deadline; Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education administers the programs.
• Is it need-based or merit?Both — Alaska offers need-based and merit programs.
• Are the deadlines earlier than federal?Usually yes — file early, as some aid is first-come.
• Can I use it out of state?Most aid is for in-state schools (with exceptions); check each program.
• Does this list private scholarships?No — this guide covers official programs only.

Key facts

• MeritAlaska Performance Scholarship (tiered)
• Need-basedAlaska Education Grant
• 529Alaska 529 (UA College Savings Plan)
• AgencyAlaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

Where to learn more

Confirm current programs, amounts, and deadlines with the agency: