New policy seeks to draw students north

July 29, 2014

University Relations

The University of Alaska System has a new program aimed at enticing Lower 48 students with family ties in Alaska to head north.

Come Home to Alaska waives the nonresident surcharge for students whose parents or grandparents currently live in the state. This means a substantial savings to an out-of-state student — more than $13,000 for 30 undergraduate credits a year. The program will start with the fall 2014 semester.

Associate Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Saichi Oba called the program “innovative.”

“The idea is to incentivize potential students with ties to Alaska who are living outside the state to come back home. Resident UA tuition is incredibly affordable compared to tuition at most other public colleges and universities in the Lower 48,” Oba said. “Our campuses offer exciting, hands-on, quality programs in the most spectacular state in the country — Alaska. Adventurous souls who come north, jump in and embrace all that UA has to offer will have an amazing experience.”

UA President Pat Gamble approved the waiver for the next two academic years to test its success. Students admitted under the program will continue to receive the waiver so long as they are continuously enrolled and qualify.

“Come Home to Alaska demonstrates our commitment to grow enrollment while maintaining quality and affordability. Educating students in Alaska is good for Alaska’s future, as graduates tends to remain in state and get jobs,” Oba said.