Start of year appointments by drop-in only

Due to high traffic at the start of the fall semester, Financial Aid Advisors will be available for appointments on a drop-in basis only between August 18 and September 5, 2025.

Students who would like an appointment to discuss their financial aid for the upcoming semester are encouraged to

Financial Aid

Use financial aid to help pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing and a meal plan.

Contact Financial Aid

Welcome to the UAF Financial Aid Office

Whether you’re a prospective student or a seasoned graduate student, we have resources to help you navigate financial aid.

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.

How Much

Does It Cost to Attend?

Understanding the cost of tuition is vital information for your college plans. Visit our Tuition & Costs page for a clear breakdown of expenses and ways to plan your budget.

See Costs

Financial Aid Events

Aug12

Learn about managing your finances and be entered for a chance to win a scholarship!

Virtual (UAF Workshop)

4-5:30 p.m. Alaska time

Aug22

Student Success Resource Fair

UAF Wood Center Mall

8:30-10 a.m. Alaska time

Aug23

CTC New Student Orientation

UAF Community and Technical College

9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Alaska time

Aug24

Great 'Nook Look

TBA

TBA

Know the Types of Aid

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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.

Learn About FAFSA

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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.

Explore Opportunities

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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.

Learn About Grants

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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.

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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.

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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.

Learn About Graduate Student Financial Aid

New to Financial Aid?

If you’re new to the financial aid process, don’t worry — it’s simpler than it seems! At UAF, we’re here to make applying for aid easy and stress-free, so you can focus on what matters most — your education and future. From learning how to apply for aid to understanding the terms of your aid offer, we’re here to help guide you in your financial aid decisions.

How to Apply for Aid

Understand Your Offer

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

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Rate

If you're a resident of a qualifying state in the western U.S., you can receive the WUE tuition rate to reduce your tuition costs. At UAF, the WUE tuition rate is available to all undergraduate students who are from a WUE state and pursuing a UAF degree.

Check out More Aid Resources

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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.

Learn How to Apply

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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.

Understand Your Offer

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.

Take a Virtual Tour

Get Started with UAF

Apply for Admissions

Have questions? We have experts here to guide you through every step of the college admissions process.

Find Your Major

UAF offers 180+ degrees and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Find your next adventure.

Plan a Visit

The best way to really know what UAF is like, is to see campus for yourself — plan a custom tour in person, take a virtual tour or attend a virtual information session.