Financial Aid Resources

University of Alaska Sees Noticeable Increase in Grant Aid to Students

University of Alaska students are filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as “the FAFSA,” in record numbers, resulting in a marked increase in need-based Pell Grants awarded to Alaskans.

Pell grants at UA nearly tripled in six years, from 4,035 grants valued at $8.9 million in 2007 to 7,848 grants valued at $25.8 million in 2012. In Alaska, more than 90 percent of Pell grant recipients who are dependent students enroll in a four-year institution--the highest percentage in the nation.

Increasing FAFSA participation has been a major goal since 2007. The "February FAFSA Frenzy" encourages students to fill out this form, raising awareness with drawings, contests, fun events and workshops. Also supporting increased FAFSA submission rates are the Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education’s College Goal Alaska (FASFA how to), which UA supports, and UA/ACPE’s College Application Week.