Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Top Alaska Scholarships in 2022
Known for its majestic scenery and boundless wilderness, Alaska is also home to an extensive public university system that offers degree programs at thirteen campuses. Fortunately, there are plenty of great Alaska scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition in the state known as the “Last Frontier.” Continue reading to learn about the top Alaska scholarships and additional resources!
Jump ahead to:
- Top Alaska scholarships
- Merit scholarships at Alaska colleges and universities
- Additional Alaska resources
- Frequently asked questions
Top Alaska scholarships
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: Opens early January of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 of each year
Dr. John Halligan Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Alaskan high school seniors or recent graduates with plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in the health sciences at a University of Alaska campus
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
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. Must demonstrate financial need
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
Liam Hood Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Alaska residents who are graduating high school seniors. Have a 3.0+ GPA. Must demonstrate financial need
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
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: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
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: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
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. Continuing college students must have a 3.0+ GPA. Demonstrate financial need. MustHi demonstrate leadership qualities
- Amount: $2,500 annually for up to 4 years
- Deadline: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
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: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
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: Opens February 3 of each year. Application deadline is on or around March 17 or each year
Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students in their first, second, or third 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: February 28, 2023 (deadline TBD in April)
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 of senior year of high school
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: The last Friday of May each year
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: three maximum annual award levels: up to $4,755, $3,566, and $2,378
- Deadline: June 30 of each year
Merit scholarships at Alaska colleges and universities
University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Eligibility: University of Alaska Fairbanks offers the Nanook Pledge scholarship. Have a 3.34+ GPA
- Amount: $1,000 – $5,000 annually
- Deadline: June 15 and November 1
Alaska Pacific University
- Eligibility: Be enrolled full-time at Alaska Pacific University. Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. GPA requirements for each merit scholarship range from 2.5 – 3.85
- Amount: $1,500 – $7,000
- Deadline: February 1 and August 1
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: $1,000 per semester. $8,000 maximum
- Deadline: July 15
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: May 31
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
How do I apply for the Alaska Performance Scholarship?
Graduates of Alaska high schools who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). For each year that you apply for APS, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, but no later than June 30 of each year.
What is the highest paying Alaska scholarship?
The UA Scholars Award is one of the highest paying scholarships offered to students attending college in Alaska. Students awarded the scholarship receive $1,500 every semester they attend a University of Alaska campus. The UA Scholars Award amounts to $12,000 total, which can go a long way towards covering the cost of a college education in Alaska.
