What is 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 UAF 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 housing and food.

The Financial Aid Office provides counseling and information to students and parents and administers a comprehensive program of financial assistance. Specific information regarding financial aid programs at UAF is on the Financial Aid website. The Financial Aid Office is in 107 Eielson. Contact Financial Aid at 907-474-7256, toll-free at 888-474-7256 or at uaf-financialaid@alaska.edu.

Who Receives Financial Aid?

To receive financial aid a student must:

• Be admitted to a financial aid-eligible certificate or degree program at UAF;
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (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);
• Have a valid social security number;
• Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Financial Aid Office policy;
• 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;
• Have earned a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Costs of Attending UAF

The information in the Estimated UAF Living Expenses table below for a typical full-time undergraduate student for the school year will help estimate the total cost of attending UAF:

Estimated UAF Living Expenses

¹

Estimate includes undergraduate Alaska resident tuition costs. Includes consolidated, UA facilities and UA network fees. Does not include specific course fees, health insurance, books, supplies, parking, travel or special costs associated with international or exchange students. Add $16,980 for nonresident tuition. Costs are subject to change.

²

Double room and meal plan

Standard budgets do not always fit everyone. Financial Aid staff 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 income, a student may request a review of their eligibility if their income changes from loss of job, divorce, death or disability.

Where to Get More Information

Office of Financial Aid
University of Alaska Fairbanks
107 Eielson Building
P.O. Box 756360
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6360
Email: uaf-financialaid@alaska.edu
Telephone: 907-474-7256

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The forms to apply for federal, state and UAF financial aid programs are available at the Financial Aid Office or Financial Aid website.

All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.

FAFSA forms may be completed at the FAFSA website. The earliest date students may begin completing the form is Oct. 1.

The priority application deadline for UAF is Feb. 15. If a student misses the deadline, they may still apply for financial aid, but they might not be eligible for institutional scholarships.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Oct 1

Apply for federal aid with the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid. It is best to apply well before the time the students will need 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.

Feb. 15

UAF scholarship application is due. This application includes three short essays, which may be revised at any time, so applicants should start early. Apply online.

May to July

Federal student loan borrowers should complete federal loan promissory note and entrance counseling online. Processing time is approximately one week. If sent to UAF in time, loans will be disbursed 10 days before the first day of class each semester.

June 1 for fall; Oct. 15 for spring

Deadline for admission to graduate programs, with all supporting documentation, transcripts and test scores.

June 15

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. Application for fall Nanook Pledge and Nanook Commitment scholarships due (included in the Application for Admission).

Eligibility

How Eligibility Is Determined

After the FAFSA is filed, the Financial Aid Office receives an Institutional Student Aid Record 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 the office has received this report, students will receive an email either requesting more information (such as copies of income tax forms, proof of citizenship, etc.) or a financial aid offer notice detailing the student's eligibility for financial aid. This information is also available via UAOnline. Students should respond to requests for more information promptly to avoid delays.

The total amount of financial aid awarded will be based on the FAFSA results and the student’s cost of attendance.

Remaining Eligible for Aid

Students receiving financial aid are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Undergraduate students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 67% of the 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 website.

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.

Nanook Pledge Scholarship

The Nanook Pledge is a four-year merit scholarship for incoming first-year, transfer and readmitted students at UAF. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,000 per year and are based on high school or transfer GPA and tuition rate. Students must be admitted to a UAF baccalaureate program and enrolled full time to be eligible for the Nanook Pledge Scholarship. The Nanook Pledge is available for up to four years for continuous enrollment at UAF.

Nanook Commitment Scholarship

The Nanook Commitment is a four-year need-based scholarship for incoming first-year, transfer and readmitted students at UAF. Awards are based on high school or transfer GPA, tuition rate and need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid resources. Students must be admitted to a UAF baccalaureate program and enrolled full time to be eligible for the Nanook Commitment Scholarship. The Nanook Commitment is available for up to four years for continuous enrollment at UAF. 

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 a $12,000 scholarship paid over eight semesters at $1,500/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% 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 the costs of qualified student exchange programs. Contact the UA Scholars coordinator at the Office of Admissions at 907-474-7500 or 800-478-1823.

Alaska Performance Scholarship

The Alaska Performance Scholarship is available to Alaska residents who graduated from an Alaska high school (public, private or home school) in 2011 or later. Students must complete high school, achieve a high school GPA of at least 2.5, earn a minimum score on a college or career readiness test, enroll at least half time, remain in good standing and have qualifying education costs remaining after using all other non-loan aid. Students can receive up to eight semesters of awards with three maximum annual award levels of up to $2,378, $3,566 and $4,755. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA by June 30. For more information, visit the Alaska Performance Scholarship website or call 800-441-2962.

UAF Privately Funded Scholarships

Several hundred privately funded scholarships are available to all prospective and current students in a variety of academic majors. Students may apply online. New and prospective students must also apply for admission to UAF to be considered for scholarships. For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid at (907) 474-7256.

University of Alaska Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students attending any campus in the UA system. Applications are submitted online. The deadline is Feb. 15. For information, call 907-450-8033 or visit the University of Alaska Foundation website.

Army ROTC Scholarships

The U.S. Army awards four-year scholarships to high school students based on nationwide competitions. Students may use these scholarships to attend the university of their choice, provided that the university is also host to an Army ROTC program. The UAF Army ROTC program supports campus-based competition for two-, three- and four-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 a monthly stipend for living expenses ranging from $300-$500 depending on the length of the scholarship.

For more information about the Army scholarship program, eligibility requirements and the application process, contact the Department of Military Science at 907-474-6852 or email uaf-army-rotc-dept@alaska.edu.

Bureau of Indian Affairs 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-$3,000 or more each year. The average grant at UAF is $1,600. More information on BIA grants can be obtained from the BIA Regional Office, 1675 C Street, Anchorage, AK, 99501-5198, or by telephone at 907-271-4115.

Some regional and village corporations provide scholarships to shareholders. Contact local corporations for details on eligibility and application procedures.

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. A federal processor will send applicants a student aid report indicating whether they qualify. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is based on information reported on the FAFSA and enrollment intensity.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

This grant is for exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Alaska Education Grant

The Alaska Education Grant 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-$1,000 per academic year. Full-time awards range from $1,000-$4,000 per academic year.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) 

UAF participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange administered by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. 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 WUE, which reduces nonresident tuition to 1.5 times the resident tuition rate. WUE applicants must submit an application for admission and clearly mark their interest in WUE on the form. Priority deadline for reviewing WUE applications is Feb. 15. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-478-1823, 907-474-7500, or through the Office of Admissions website.

Note: Students attending any campus of the University of Alaska system under the Western Undergraduate Exchange 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 nonresident tuition policy.

Graduate Assistantships

Students 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 more information, see Graduate Assistantships.

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 at 907-474-7687, the Graduate School at 907-474-7464 or visit the Graduate School website.

Loans

Loans represent a major source of assistance as a student tries to meet the full costs of their education. Educational loans generally have long-term repayment schedules and offer low interest rates. They often have provisions for deferring payments and may offer more benefits related to financial needs.

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 the federal government. The program offers subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are for students who have a 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 interest accrues while in school. Loan repayment calculations are available on the program website.

Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to qualify for a federal loan. Yearly limits for dependent students are $5,500 for first-year students, $6,500 for second-year students and $7,500 for upper-level undergraduates. Independent students may borrow, including the subsidized federal loan, up to $9,500 as first-year students, $10,500 as second-year students and $12,500 as third- or fourth-year students. Graduate students may borrow $20,500. The interest rate varies annually and is capped at 8.25%.

The Federal Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students 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%, is determined each year for the federal PLUS programs.

Student Employment

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.  Job announcements and information on how to apply for positions are available from Human Resources, 907-474-7700, or at the Careers at UA website.

The Federal Work Study program provides jobs for graduate and undergraduate students with financial needs. 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. For additional information regarding Federal Work Study, contact the Financial Aid Office at 907-474-7256.

Veteran Services

The UAF Department of Military and Veteran Services monitors the educational progress and status of veterans who attend UAF using VA educational benefits. They also help veterans, service members and eligible dependents with the paperwork needed to begin and continue certification under the various GI Bill® benefits. If a student qualifies and wishes to use their benefits, they must be fully admitted to UAF and in a state-approved degree or certificate program. A complete list of benefit programs is available on the DMVS website. If a student is unsure whether if they are entitled to GI Bill benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at 888-442-4551 (888 GI BILL 1) or through the Department of Veterans Affairs website. Specific questions regarding veteran readiness should be directed to the Fairbanks Vet Center, 540 Fourth Ave., Suite 100, Fairbanks, AK 99701, or call 907-456-4238.

Because the Department of Veterans Affairs processes benefit payments as a reimbursement, the student should initiate their VA paperwork 60-90 days before classes start. They can apply for veteran benefits online. They can request certification of their UAF VA educational benefits at the DMVS website, or visit their office location, call 907-474-7400 or email uaf-va@alaska.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Payment to the Student

Disbursement of financial aid is usually in equal amounts by semester. Students are given half 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 initially credited to the student’s account to pay for any debt owed to the university. Any balance remaining is refunded to the student in accordance with the university’s refund policy. 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 the 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 the 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 speak with the Financial Aid Office about the potential impacts of withdrawing from courses.

Rights and Responsibilities of Accepting Financial Aid

As a financial aid recipient at UAF, students have the right to:

1. Know what financial programs are available.
2. Know how to apply, how eligibility is determined and what terms and conditions are related to a student's aid.
3. Know how the university determines whether a student is making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and what happens if a student is not making such progress.
4. Request an explanation of the student's financial aid package, including what portion is a gift and what portion must be repaid and the terms of repayment.
5. Know the costs of attending UAF and the refund policy for students who withdraw.

For continued receipt of financial aid, a student must:

1. Complete and file all financial aid forms accurately and on time.
2. Read and understand all documents signed. Students should also keep copies for their records.
3. Know the limits and conditions of financial aid programs.
4. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any change of address, name, marital status, attendance status or receipt of additional financial awards.
5. Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (see policy online).