Financial Aid
Use financial aid to help pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing and a meal plan.
Welcome to the UAF Financial Aid Office
Financing college is a big step, but at UAF, you’re never alone in the process. UAF's financial aid team is here to guide you every step of the way as you explore options like scholarships, grants and loans to make your education affordable. With the right resources and support, we’ll ensure you’re set up for success.
Know the Types of Aid
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal grants and loans, state grants and scholarships, and some private scholarships. 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
Scholarships are free sources of financial aid you do not have to pay back. UAF offers more than 500 scholarships that you can apply for with a single application, as well as several merit-based admission scholarships. You may also be eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, UA Scholars Award or other scholarships through outside agencies.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid after graduation and can be used for most educational expenses. You may need to maintain good academic standing to continue receiving a grant. In addition to several need-based federal grants (such as the Pell Grant), you may also be eligible for the need-based Alaska Education Grant if you're an undergraduate student and Alaska resident.
Loans
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.
Work-study
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 when filling out the FAFSA.
Graduate Student Financial Aid
Learn about aid opportunities that are available to graduate students, like unsubsidized loans, PLUS loans, graduate tuition assistance and scholarships. Contact your program's department directly to ask about available research or teaching assistantships, which often include work experience and a tuition waiver.
Meet Lorena Smith
Prospective Student
“After high school, I sought opportunities that would keep me close to home, but UAF gave me an opportunity that I could not pass up: a free education. Thanks to scholarships like the Nanook Pledge and work-study opportunities, I can solely focus on my studies without the financial stressors associated with it. Even if I get the chance to attend another school, UAF will always be my #1 choice."
— Lorena Smith, Prospective Student
Check out More Aid Resources
How to Apply for Aid
The FAFSA is important because it opens the door to a wide range of financial assistance, and it's usually required by most colleges and universities before they can award you any kind of financial aid.
How to Read Your Offer
You can view your award offer at any time on your UAOnline account. Scholarships may be added to your award offer throughout the year, and will include individual instructions for accepting each scholarship.
Experience UAF With a Virtual Tour
Explore UAF from wherever you are with a virtual tour, designed to give students a comprehensive look at UAF's facilities, research spaces and stunning surroundings. Start your journey today by seeing what makes UAF such a unique and inspiring place to study.
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