Alaska Performance Scholarship

circle with exclamation markIn June 2024, the Alaska governor signed legislation that resulted in a variety of updates to the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) program including increased award amounts, expanded eligibility criteria, and extended term of use.

Maintaining Eligibility

In order to continue receiving the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) each year, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be admitted to an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate program (Occupational Endorsement Certificates are not considered an eligible program for the APS)
  • Undergraduate students: for the full award, enroll full-time in 24+ credits each year; for the part-time award, enroll in 12 credits each year
  • Graduate students: for the full award, enroll full-time in 9+ graduate-level credits; for the part-time award, enroll in 5–8 graduate-level credits
  • Achieve a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Earn the following number of course credits:
    • During your first year as an APS recipient: complete 24 semester credits or equivalent for full-time students (12 for half-time students receiving a prorated award)
    • During your subsequent years as an APS recipient: complete 30 semester credits or equivalent for full-time students (15 for half-time students receiving a prorated award)
  • File a new FAFSA each year by June 30. We recommend filing by February 15 to maximize your chances of also being awarded UA Foundation or UAA scholarships.
  • Have unmet costs of attendance of $500 or more after considering all other non-loan aid, such as grants and other scholarships

For more detailed information about eligibility requirements, see the Alaska Performance Scholarship FAQs. Check your continuing eligibility status by visiting the Alaska Student Aid Portal.

When will my Alaska Performance Scholarship be paid to my student account?

New Students

UAA receives the roster of brand new APS students in the middle of August. We're required to make sure students are fully admitted in an eligible degree/certificate program before applying scholarship awards to student accounts. If eligible, your award will be posted in your student account 10 days before the first day of class.

Returning Students

For students in semesters 2–8 of their awards, we recheck your eligibility in case you took summer classes. We usually have this process completed so we can release awards to your student accounts 10 days before the first day of class.

icon of black circle with exclamation pointIf your award hasn't shown up on your student account by the first week of classes, you need to reach out to the UAA Office of Financial Aid to troubleshoot an admissions, enrollment issue, or eligibility issue.