Financial Aid
Most students will need financial aid to help pay for the cost of attending college. Financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and employment is available at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to eligible students who need assistance to attend school.
Financial aid can be used to help pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses such as room and board.
The financial aid office provides counseling and information services to students and parents and administers a comprehensive program of financial assistance. Specific information regarding financial aid programs at UAF can be found online at www.uaf.edu/finaid/. Definitions for many financial aid terms can be found in the glossary at the back of this catalog.
The financial aid office is located in 101 Eielson. We can be reached by phone at 907-474-7256, toll-free at 1-888-474-7256, or via e-mail at financialaid@uaf.edu.
To receive financial aid you must:
- Be admitted to a financial aid eligible certificate or degree program at UAF;
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (F-1 and J-1 students are not eligible for state or federal financial aid, but may apply for University of Alaska Foundation or UAF privately funded scholarships, and graduate fellowships or assistantships.);
- Be registered with Selective Service if you are a male 18 or more years old;
- Have a valid social security number;
- Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the financial aid office policy (policies and forms can be found online at www.uaf.edu/finaid/.);
- Not be in default on any federal education loan and not owe a refund because of overpayment of a previous federal grant or loan at any college or university;
- Receive passing scores on either the COMPASS or ASSET tests if you don't have a high school diploma or equivalent and weren't home schooled. Passing COMPASS scores are: Pre-Algebra/Numerical: 25 or higher; Reading: 62 or higher; Writing: 32 or higher. Passing ASSET scores are: Numerical: 33 or higher; Reading: 35 or higher; Writing: 35 or higher.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The forms needed to apply for federal, state and UAF financial aid programs are available at the UAF Financial Aid Office or on our website www.uaf.edu/finaid/.
All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, loans and work study.
FAFSA forms may be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The earliest date students may begin completing the form is Jan. 1.
The priority application deadline for UAF is Feb. 15. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply for financial aid, but you might not be eligible for institutional scholarships or some state/federal grants.
Remember to apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at www.pin.ed.gov, which you will use to electronically access and sign your FAFSA. Parents of dependent students will also need a PIN.
The information in the table below for a typical full-time undergraduate student for the school year is provided to help students estimate the total cost of attending UAF:
| Estimated UAF living expenses | ||
| Single student living alone off campus | Single student living in UAF residence hall | |
| Tuition and fees* | $5,379 | $5,379 |
| Books, supplies | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Room and board | $7,830 | $6,030 |
| Transportation | $1,800 | $432 |
| Misc./personal | $2,070 | $2,070 |
| TOTAL | $18,379 | $15,211 |
* Estimate includes Alaska resident tuition costs, estimated course and lab fees and student life, technology, transportation and health center fees. Add $9,420 for non-resident tuition. Graduate students add $888 for resident or $6,450 for non-resident tuition. Costs are subject to change.
Standard budgets do not always fit everyone. The financial aid office will try to provide methods of covering unusual expenses such as medical bills, special child care or emergency items. Since eligibility is based on prior year income, you may request a review of your eligibility if your income changes from loss of job, divorce, death or disability.
Within two to four weeks after the FAFSA is filed, the financial aid office will receive a student aid report from the U.S. Department of Education. The information on this form is used to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid at UAF.
Once our office has received this report, students will receive an e-mail from our office either requesting additional information (such as copies of income tax forms, proof of citizenship, etc.) or an award notice detailing your eligibility for financial aid. This information is also available via UAOnline at http://alaska.edu/uaonline. Students should respond to requests for additional information promptly in order to avoid delays.
The total amount of financial aid awarded will be based on the FAFSA results and the student's cost of attendance.
Scholarships, Grants and Tuition Waivers
Grants are usually based on financial need, whereas scholarship awards are based on academic achievement as well as financial need. These types of aid do not have to be repaid. Most grants and scholarships are designed for undergraduate students.
- University of Alaska Scholars Program
UA Scholars are exceptional graduates of Alaska high schools who are offered a unique opportunity to attend the University of Alaska with an $11,000 scholarship paid over eight semesters at $1,375/semester. The UA Scholars Program encourages Alaska's high school graduates to pursue their advanced education in the 49th state. Alaska high schools designate the top 10 percent of the junior class at the end of their junior year for the UA Scholars Award. UA Scholars may use their awards at any of the UA system campuses. The award may also be applied to costs of qualified student exchange programs. Contact the UA Scholars coordinator at the Office of Admissions at 907-474-7500 or 1-800-478-1823. - Chancellor's Scholarship
This award is available to high school students transitioning to college for the first time. A UAF application for admission, including the scholarship supplement form that is part of the application, must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for this award. You may apply online at http://alaska.edu/uaonline. For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 907-474-7500 or 1-800-478-1823. - Human Achievement Award
This service award is given to graduating high school seniors and transfer students who demonstrate a record of volunteerism, community service and a commitment to high academic standards. A UAF application for admission, including the scholarship supplement form that is part of the application, must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for this award. You may apply online at http://alaska.edu/uaonline. For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 907-474-7500 or 1-800-478-1823. - Talent Grant Award
Awards are for graduating high school or transfer students who have demonstrated talent in music, theater, creative writing or art. A UAF application for admission, including the scholarship supplement form that is part of the application and a sample or portfolio, must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for this award. You may apply online at www.uaf.edu/admissions/ or at http://alaska.edu/uaonline. For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 907-474-7500 or 1-800-478-1823. - UAF Privately Funded Scholarships
Several hundred privately funded scholarships are available to all prospective and current students in a variety of academic majors. For information on specific scholarships visit www.uaf.edu/advance/scholarships/. A UAF application for admission, including the scholarship supplement form that is part of the application, must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for most scholarships. Continuing students must complete the scholarship supplement form only. You may apply online at http://alaska.edu/uaonline. For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid at 907-474-5372 or 1-888-474-7256. - University of Alaska Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students attending any campus in the UA system. Applications are available in the UAF financial aid office or at the UA Foundation Office, 206 Butrovich Building. The deadline is Feb.15. For information telephone 907-474-7687, e-mail sdfnd@alaska.edu, or visit www.alaska.edu/uafound/. - UAF Merit Scholarship
This four-year scholarship is available to National Merit Finalists (as determined by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation) who have selected UAF as their first-choice institution. For information contact the Office of Admissions at 907-474-6231 or 1-800-478-1823. - Army ROTC Scholarships
The U.S. Army awards four-year scholarships to high school students each year based on nationwide competitions. Students may use these scholarships to attend the university of their choice provided that university is also host to an Army ROTC program. The UAF Army ROTC program supports campus-based competition for four-, three- and two-year scholarships for qualified UAF students. These scholarships may be used for undergraduate or graduate programs. Army ROTC scholarships pay UAF tuition and mandatory fees, $900 annually for books and supplies, and provide a monthly stipend for living expenses ranging from $300 to $500 depending on the length of the scholarship.
For additional information about the Army scholarship program, eligibility requirements and the application process, contact the Department of Military Science at 907-474-6852 or e-mail rotc@uaf.edu. - Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Native Corporation Scholarships
The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs offers grants to undergraduate full-time students. Applicants must be at least one-quarter American Indian or Alaska Native. These grants supplement other financial aid and are based on financial need. Grants range from $50 to $3,000 or more each year. The average grant at UAF is $1,600. Further information on BIA grants can be obtained from the BIA Regional Office, 1675 C Street, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501-5198, or by telephone at 907-271-4115.
Some regional and village corporations provide scholarships to shareholders. Contact your local corporation for details on eligibility and application procedures. - Horizon Grant
The Horizon need-based tuition assistance grant is awarded to eligible undergraduate students pursuing bachelor's degrees in business administration, accounting, biological sciences, civil engineering, computer science, elementary education, electrical engineering, fisheries, geological engineering, geological/environmental studies, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, natural resources management, petroleum engineering, rural development and wildlife biology. Current and transfer UAF students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Incoming freshman must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or ACT scores higher than 24 (SAT higher than 1100). The actual award amount ranges from $800 to $2,000 per academic year. Students must also be enrolled and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). - Pell Grant
The federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students to help pay college costs. Since this grant is based on financial need, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A federal processor will send applicants a Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating whether they qualify. Federal Pell Grants will go up to $4,310 for the 2008 - 2009 school year. - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
This grant is for exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Award amounts range from $600 to $1,000 each year. - Student Support Services Program (SSSP) Grants
Student Support Services offers grant aid to qualified program participants who have made use of the SSS academic support services and are receiving Pell Grant funds. To be eligible to participate, you must be a first generation college student (neither parent has a college degree), have a documented learning or physical disability, or qualify as a low income student. Visit www.uaf.edu/sssp/ for more information. - Academic Competitiveness Grant
An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year to full-time students who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant and who successfully completed a rigorous high school program. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to a Pell Grant award. - AlaskAdvantage Grant
The AlaskAdvantage need-based grant is awarded to Alaska residents attending Alaska institutions. Priority is given to students pursuing degrees in Alaska workforce priority programs (such as allied health, social and community services, or teaching) or who have an ACT score of 25 or higher or SAT score of 1180 or higher. Part-time awards range from $500 to $1,000 per academic year. Full-time awards range from $1,000 to $2,000 per academic year. - National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
A National SMART grant will provide up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. The student must also have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. The National SMART Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award. - Western Undergraduate Exchange Award
UAF participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) administered by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Only new undergraduate degree applicants claiming residency in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington or Wyoming are considered for a WUE award that reduces non-resident tuition to 1.5 times the resident tuition rate. WUE award applicants must submit an application for admission and clearly mark their interest in WUE on the form. Admission is restricted to an approved list of degree programs. Priority deadline for reviewing WUE applications is Feb. 15. For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-478-1823 or 907-474-7500, or online at www.uaf.edu/admissions/.
Note: Students attending any campus of the University of Alaska system under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program are assumed to be receiving the benefit of reduced tuition because of their residency in a partner state. Therefore, time spent in WUE does not count toward the time required to establish residency in Alaska for tuition purposes. If students end their participation in WUE, they could begin establishing residency for tuition purposes as set forth in the resident and non-resident tuition policy.
You must be admitted to a graduate program to receive an assistantship. Research and teaching assistantships are awarded to qualified graduate students by each department or program. For application information, contact the department or program directly. For additional information, see How to Earn a Graduate Degree, page 192.
Fellowships are available through the University of Alaska Foundation, the Graduate School and private organizations. A limited number of these awards are granted each year, and the amounts vary. For information, contact the UA Foundation, 907-474-7687 or the Graduate School, 907-474-7464, or visit online at www.uaf.edu/gradsch/.
Loans represent a major source of assistance as you try to meet the full costs of your education. Educational loans generally have long-term repayment schedules and offer low interest rates. They often have provisions for deferring payments and may offer additional benefits related to financial need.
Any student who borrows money for college should understand the specific conditions and requirements regarding disbursements, deferments and repayment options. Students who fail to meet the conditions of the satisfactory academic progress policy may be denied all federal aid.
UAF participates in the Federal Student Loan Program. The Federal Stafford Loan provides loans from a lender such as a bank through a guarantee agency and UAF. The program offers subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are for students who have financial need; the government makes interest payments on the loan while the student is in school, in grace period or in deferment. Unsubsidized loans are those for which the student is responsible for interest payments even while in school.
Table 12 below outlines estimated monthly payments over a 10-year repayment period. Loan repayment calculations are available at www.finaid.org.
| Student loan repayment schedule | |||
| Total Loan | Monthly Payments | 8.25 Percent Interest | Total Repayment |
| $ 5,000 | $ 61 | $2,359 | $ 7,359 |
| $10,000 | $123 | $4,718 | $14,718 |
| $15,000 | $184 | $7,098 | $23,078 |
| $20,000 | $233 | $8,965 | $28,965 |
| $25,000 | $307 | $11,796 | $36,796 |
Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to qualify for a state or federal loan. Yearly limits for dependent students are $3,500 for first-year students, $4,500 for second-year students and $5,500 for upper-level undergraduates. Independent students may borrow, including the subsidized federal loan, up to $7,500 as first-year students, $8,500 as second-year students and $10,500 as third- or fourth-year students. Graduate students may borrow $20,500, of which $8,500 can be a subsidized loan. The interest rate varies annually and is capped at 8.25 percent.
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a program for parents of dependent students. The cost of attending UAF determines the annual loan limits. A variable interest rate or finance charge, not to exceed 9 percent, is determined each year for the federal PLUS programs.
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) offers both federal and state loan programs. These loans are available to all students attending UAF. Through its federal component, AlaskAdvantage offers Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) and PLUS loans. State loans include the Alaska Supplemental Education Loan (ASEL), the Family Education Loan, the Teacher Scholarship Loan, and the Winn Brindle Scholarship Loan.
Students seeking an Alaska Supplemental Education Loan (ASEL) must apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the ASEL Master Promissory Note.
The ASEL loan can be used as a supplement to any other aid, provided the total amount of aid does not exceed a student's calculated cost of attendance. ASEL approval also requires a student to have good credit. Undergraduates may borrow up to $8,500, and graduate students up to $9,500. Repayment begins no later than six months after the borrower stops attending school at least half time. The interest rate is variable and is made public every July. Interest is charged from the day of disbursement.
The Alaska Family Education Loan Program allows the student's family to share the cost of the student's education. A family member can borrow up to $8,500 for an undergraduate and up to $9,500 for a graduate student. The interest rate is 5 percent and the borrower begins repayment within 60 days of the final disbursement.
The Teacher Scholarship and Winn Brindle Scholarship loans can be used only for specific fields of study. For information on these two programs, please contact the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), 3030 Vintage Boulevard, Juneau, Alaska 99801, telephone 1-800-441-2962, or visit online at www.state.ak.us/acpe/.
Applicants must apply each year and applications are available for all Alaska loan programs via the ACPE website or through their offices. UAF receives ACPE loan disbursements via electronic funds transfer (EFT). Loans are processed within 7-10 days from time of receipt at ACPE offices in Juneau or Anchorage and can be disbursed to a student's UAF account within two days of receipt by the financial aid office.
Textbook loans are administered by UAF for enrolled students who have unexpected financial demands. These short-term loans allow students to borrow up to $500. Applicants are required to verify their need for the loan. They must be in good academic standing and have no outstanding debt with UAF. Applications are accepted year-around. A $10 service charge is assessed for each loan. Applications and additional information are available at the UAF Business Office.
Campus jobs help many UAF students pay college costs. Many student positions are available across UAF campuses, as well as the University of Alaska statewide system offices in Fairbanks; more than 1,000 students are employed in these jobs. Full-time student status is not required unless specified by a department. However, students who are less than full time are subject to FICA withholding, and departments that hire part-time student employees are subject to the applicable benefit rate charge.
Student employees may work up to 20 hours each week while classes are in session and up to 40 hours when classes are not in session. Pay rates are based on the job classification. The average pay varies from $300 to $500 each month. Since there is no "pool" for workers, students apply directly to the departments with position vacancies. Job announcements and information on how to apply for positions are available from Career Services, fifth floor Gruening Building, 907-474-7596, or from Human Resources, Administrative Services Center, 907-474-7700.
The Federal Work Study program provides jobs for graduate and undergraduate students with financial need. Job placement and working conditions are similar to regular student employment. To qualify for FWS, students must be eligible for federal financial aid as determined based on information provided on the required FAFSA form.
Veterans' Services advises and monitors the educational progress and status of Chapters 30 (New Montgomery GI Bill), 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), 32 (VEAP), 35 (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program), and 1606 (selected reserve). If you are qualified and wish to use your VA educational benefits under Chapters 30, 32, 35, and 1606, you must be admitted to a state-approved degree or certificate program. If you are unsure whether you have a GI bill entitlement, you should contact the VA in Muskogee, Okla., at 1-888-442-4551 or online at www.gibill.va.gov.
If you are qualified and wish to use Chapter 31 (vocational rehabilitation) benefits, you must meet with the local DVA vocational rehabilitation counselor, who will review, recommend and authorize use of your benefits and forward your paperwork to the UAF veterans' services office.
Specific questions regarding establishing disability or using Chapter 31 benefits, or general information not associated with education benefits, should be directed to the local Veterans' Center, 540 Fourth Avenue, Suite 100, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701, or call 907-456-4238.
Because the Department of Veterans' Affairs processes benefit payments as a form of reimbursement, you should initiate your VA paperwork 60-90 days prior to your school start date. The Department of Veterans' Affairs offers an advance pay program available through the UAF veterans' services office. To determine if you qualify, stop by the veterans' services office, 101 Eielson, call 907-474-7256, toll-free: 1-888-474-7256 or e-mail financialaid@uaf.edu.
Students receiving financial aid are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Undergraduate students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 75 percent of total credits attempted each year and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (3.00 for graduate students).
Students may appeal the suspension of aid. Appeals must be in writing and must state the reasons for failure to maintain satisfactory standards of progress, as well as the steps the student will take to meet those standards in the future. Appeals should be directed to the financial aid office, which will determine if the requirements for satisfactory academic progress will be waived. Academic progress requirements are subject to changes in federal or state law and institutional policy. A complete description is available at the financial aid office or at www.uaf.edu/finaid/.
Disbursement of financial aid is usually in equal amounts. Students are given one-half of the total award at the beginning of each semester. Tuition, fees and all other amounts due to UAF at the time financial aid is released to the student must be paid before the balance of aid is released to the student.
All financial aid checks as well as checks from outside organizations (such as Native corporations, clubs, etc.) are released to students through the Business Office in Signers' Hall. Students must present proper photo identification before the Business Office will release a check.
Students who receive federal financial aid and totally withdraw from classes during a semester may have to pay back a portion of the federal financial aid received for that semester. The amount to be repaid is based on the number of class days attended before withdrawal compared to the total days in the semester and amount of federal aid received. If the withdrawing student is entitled to a refund of tuition and fee charges, all or part of the refund may be returned to the federal financial aid programs. The amount of a refund, repayment or return of federal financial aid is based on U.S. Department of Education regulations concerning return of federal financial aid. Any refund or repayment calculation exceeding the amount of refund determined by university policy will be charged to the student. Financial aid recipients are strongly encouraged to confirm the amount of any personal liability before processing a total withdrawal from classes.
- January 1
Apply for federal aid with the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). It is best to apply well before the time you will need the financial aid. - February
Apply for admission to UAF. Financial aid cannot be processed for students who have not been admitted to a UAF degree or certificate program. - February 15
UAF scholarship application due. This application usually requires two to three weeks to complete, so applicants should start early. - May to August
Complete and mail the Alaska Supplemental Education Loan Application to Juneau or Anchorage or apply online at www.state.ak.us/acpe/. - May to July
Submit federal loan applications to UAF financial aid office or apply online at www.uaf.edu/finaid/. Processing time is three to four weeks. If sent to UAF in time, loans will be disbursed during fee payment. - June 1 for fall; Oct. 15 for spring
Deadline for admission to graduate programs, with all supporting documentation, transcripts and test scores. - July 1
Deadline for undergraduate admission to UAF for the fall semester. This is an absolute MUST. UAF cannot process financial aid for students who have not been admitted.
Rights and Responsibilities of Accepting Financial Aid
As a financial aid recipient at UAF, you have the right to:
- Know what financial programs are available to you.
- Know how to apply, how eligibility is determined and what terms and conditions are related to your aid.
- Know how the university determines whether you are making satisfactory academic progress toward your degree and what happens if you are not making such progress.
- Request an explanation of your financial aid package, including what portion is gift and what portion must be repaid and the terms of repayment.
- Know the costs of attending UAF and the refund policy for students who withdraw.
For continued receipt of financial aid you must:
- Complete and file all financial aid forms accurately and on time.
- Read and understand all documents you sign. You should also keep copies for your records.
- Know the limits and conditions of financial aid programs.
- Notify the financial aid office of any change of address, name, marital status, attendance status or receipt of additional financial awards.
Office of Financial Aid
University of Alaska Fairbanks
101 Eielson Building
P.O. Box 756360
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6360
E-mail: financialaid@uaf.edu
Online: www.uaf.edu/finaid/
Telephone: 907-474-7256
Toll-free: 1-888-474-7256