Financial Aid at UAF
The Financial Aid Office provides counseling and information to students and parents, and administers a comprehensive program of financial assistance. Read on to learn more about the types of financial aid available, how to apply for financial aid, financial aid deadlines and more.
Meet with a financial aid advisor
Get help paying for your college expenses. Most of our students receive some type of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and work study. You can use financial aid to help pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses such as housing and food.
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UAF Ranked Most Affordable College in Alaska
With in-state tuition well below the national average, UAF offers quality education and affordable tuition. But most of our students pay well below the full tuition price. US News & World Report regularly ranks UAF among the best and most affordable online colleges in Alaska. All distance learners at UAF pay in-state tuition and gain access to resources including academic advising, library services, a writing center and video tutorials. Our TRiO program offers tutoring and other resources to assist low-income and first-generation college students.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is funding that helps students and families pay for the cost of college. Need-based financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, Supplemental grants and Work-Study, are provided on the basis of the financial need of the student and is generally determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other types of financial aid are not determined by need, such as loans and merit-based scholarships.
We offer a wide selection of financial aid options, including more than 400 scholarships as well as grants, Federal Work Study and loans that make UAF an even greater educational value. Here’s a quick look at each and where to find more information.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans, state grants and scholarships and some private scholarships. There is no deadline for the FAFSA, but we recommend completing it before February 15 to be considered for all UAF scholarships. The state of Alaska requires the FAFSA by June 30 for state aid, including the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
Scholarships are free sources of financial aid you do not have to pay back. We offer more than 450 scholarships that you can apply for with a single application, as well as several merit-based admissions scholarships. You may also be eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, UA Scholars Award or other scholarships through outside agencies.
Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid after graduation and can be used for any educational expense. In addition to several need-based federal grants (such as the Pell grant) you may also be eligible for the needs-based Alaska Education Grant if you are an undergraduate student and Alaska resident.
College loans must be repaid but can offer a major source of assistance to meet the full costs of your education. Educational loans generally have long-term repayment schedules, offer low interest rates and may offer additional benefits related to financial need.
Federal Work Study is a form of student financial aid that allows you to work at your university to help meet expenses related to education. It’s offered to students who show financial need and indicate interest in programs other than grants when filling out the FAFSA.
Find Financial Aid resources to pay for the cost of graduate school, learn how to apply for scholarships, tuition assistance and loans. Graduate Financial Aid utilizes Unsubsidized loans, PLUS loans, Graduate Tuition Assistance and scholarships.
Apply for Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be a mix of loans, which you'll have to pay back, grants and other
forms of aid. Apply for aid to see what you qualify for.
Other types of aid at UAF
You may be eligible for scholarships, grants, Federal Work-Study and other types of
financial aid to costs of education.
Calculate your Costs
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