How to win Alaska scholarships
Alaska is one of the most unique states in the United States, so it’s no wonder you are a curious student seeking Alaska scholarships!. From its snow capped mountains to its pristine wilderness and wildlife, there’s always a breathtaking view in Alaska! In order to win Alaska scholarships, you should highlight these unique and amazing aspects of Alaska in your scholarship application while simultaneously connecting with your own unique interests and passions!
Maybe you grew up in Alaska, hiking and spending time in the outdoors surrounded by mountains and incredible animals. Therefore, it’s not surprising that you want to pursue a career as a park ranger, veterinarian, or something in a related field. So make it known that the majesty of Alaska inspired your future career and passion! Doing so will allow you to be a well-rounded candidate for Alaska scholarships. Alaska scholarship grantors are looking for students who will help better their state by receiving an education in Alaska! So, be sure to detail how much Alaska means to you!
Writing resources for writing Alaska scholarship essays
Many Alaska scholarships may have you write an essay about yourself. These scholarship essays can vary in length from 250 words up to 500 words. Therefore, make a point to read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to not only reply to these Alaska scholarships but also win them! Additionally, check out our guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your Alaska scholarship application is flawless.
Alaska student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Alaska residents owe $2.3 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $34,024 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 49.4% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Keep on reading to learn more about top scholarships in Alaska, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Alaska!
Merit scholarships at Alaska colleges and universities
University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Eligibility: University of Alaska Fairbanks incoming freshmen with a 3.0+ GPA and have previous academic success
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: Admission of University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
- Eligibility: First year students who have a strong cumulative unweighted GPA
- Amount: $1,500 up to $7,000
- Deadline: Admission to Alaska Pacific University
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Eligibility: Be an Alaskan high school senior in the top 15% of your graduating class and not qualify for the UA Scholars award. Enroll full-time. Submit FAFSA annually.
- Amount: $500 up to full tuition
- Deadline: May 1
Iḷisaġvik College
- Eligibility: Iḷisaġvik College scholarships are supported by American Indian College Fund. Must be a Native American U.S. citizen and a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe. Have a 2.0+ GPA. Enroll full-time
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Ilisagvik College
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here is a well-known Alaska university and it’s in-state vs out-of-state tuition cost:
University of Alaska
- In-state tuition: $6,500
- Out-of-state tuition: $22,000
How do you get in-state tuition?
Earning in-state tuition for Alaska is tough as it requires students to establish a 2 year domicile in Alaska. In order to establish domicile in Alaska you will need to provide proof of some of the following:
- Lease or rental agreement in Alaska
- Proof of purchasing a home
- Employment proof
- An Alaska driver’s license or ID
- Alaska vehicle registration
- Voter registration in Alaska
Does Alaska offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, Alaska is a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) which is a limited regional tuition reciprocity agreement among select Western states. The WUE provides low-cost opportunities for Alaska students to study outside Alaska while maintaining all the benefits of Alaska residency. Accepted WUE students pay a reduced tuition fee of 15-% of resident tuition and participating 2-4 year college programs outside of Alaska.
Alaska scholarship spotlight
David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship
- Eligibility: Nursing students with a minimum college GPA of 3.0 who agree to practice as a nurse/RN in a small Alaskan community for a minimum of one year
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: Mid-March
Dr. John Halligan Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Alaskan high school seniors or recent graduates with plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in the health sciences to pursue a medical career at a University of Alaska campus
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: March 15
JJ Klein Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Alaskan high school seniors or recent graduates who have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.2 and plan on attending an institute of higher education or vocational school
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: March 3
Liam Hood Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Alaska residents who are graduating high school seniors with a 3.0+GPA and have been involved in music or art
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: March 15
Lucile Hope Special Education Scholarship
- Eligibility: Alaska residents enrolled in a K-12 special education program at an accredited college or university. Must have completed at least sophomore year. Preference for Matanuska-Susitna Valley residents
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: March 15
Scott Fibranz Memorial Baseball & Softball Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Students entering or enrolled in college or trade school who have participated in an Alaskan high school baseball or softball program during the semester immediately prior high school graduation
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: March 15
Sven & Lorraine Eriksson Alaska Fund
- Eligibility: Enroll full-time at the University of Alaska studying electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or music. Incoming freshmen must have a 2.5+ GPA
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: March 15
The Ron and Terri Davis Trades Scholarship
- Eligibility: Kenai Peninsula natives between the ages of 17-25 attending a trade school or associate program in Alaska. Applicants must have a 2.0+ GPA and demonstrate financial need
- Amount: $4,000
- Deadline: March 15
THS Patricia Roppel Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with a 2.9+ GPA who are studying the history of Alaska at an accredited college
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: March 15
Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students in their second, third or fourth year of an AOA approved college of osteopathic medicine with plans to practice medicine in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington
- Amount: $10,000
- Opens: Varies
UA Scholars Award
- Eligibility: Alaska high school students in the top 10% of their class who plan on attending any University of Alaska campus
- Amount: $12,000
- Deadline: May 1
MGMA Western Section Scholarship
- Eligibility: Residents of 13 states, including Alaska, who are members of MGMA and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program relevant to medical practice management.
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: End of May
Alaska Performance Scholarship
- Eligibility: Alaska high school graduates with a 2.5+ high school GPA, 21+ ACT, 1060+ SAT with plans to attend any participating college or university in Alaska
- Amount: $4,755, $3,566, or $2,378
- Deadline: End of June
Additional Alaska resources
Alaska Education Grant
The AEG program provides need-based financial assistance to eligible students attending qualifying postsecondary educational institutions in Alaska. Grant awards typically range from $500 to $4,000 per academic year. Award amounts vary based on financial need, date of FAFSA filing, and enrollment level.
FAFSA Guide
On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens nationwide. Students in Alaska should apply for the FAFSA ASAP because the Alaska Education Grant funds are available until depleted. Also, Alaska Performance Scholarships are also only available until depleted. To receive priority consideration, you will need to submit your application by June 30 of each year.
Frequently asked questions about Alaska scholarships
How do I apply for the Alaska Performance Scholarship?
What is the highest paying Alaska scholarship?
Do I need to be a Alaska resident to receive Alaska scholarships?
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