Grants
Grants are an important source of financial aid for students who need extra help paying for college. They can be used for any educational expense and do not need to be repaid after graduation.
Many grants are based on financial need, which is determined from information provided in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are also merit-based grants that are awarded to students based on academic achievement, involvement in the community, or other criteria.
Because many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend that you complete your FAFSA as early as possible to receive the maximum funds you may be eligible for. Some award amounts are prorated based on your enrollment status.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Eligibility and award amount is determined each year by the FAFSA.
Awards for Federal Pell Grants are prorated based on your enrollment status. Full-time students (12 or more credits) are eligible for the full amount of the semester award. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2024–25 award year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025).
The amount you get, though, will depend on
your Student Aid Index (based on your FAFSA form),
the cost of attendance (determined by your school for your specific program),
your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
Enrollment Intensity
Beginning with the 2024–2025 aid year, the Pell Grant will no longer be based on enrollment status. Instead, disbursement amounts will now be calculated using Enrollment Intensity, which is a percentage value based on the number of credits a student is enrolled at Pell Recalculation Date. The Pell Recalculation Date is the date when we lock enrollment for Federal Aid purposes. Refer to the academic calendar for the exact dates.
How to Apply
To apply for the Pell Grant, complete and submit your FAFSA. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school.
Students may also be eligible to receive an additional Pell Grant award in the summer. To determine your summer Pell Grant award, please register for your summer courses and then contact the Financial Aid Office to confirm your award amount.
Alaska Education Grant
The Alaska Education Grant (AEG) is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students who are Alaska residents. The AEG ranges from $750 to $2,000 each semester. The Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education determines eligibility for this award around the first day of classes each semester. Summer awards are usually not available. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by June 30.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity (FSEOG) Grant
The FSEOG grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. The award is about $250 a semester.
Stay on Track/University of Alaska Grant
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors taking 15 credits or more can receive $1,500 per academic year. The UAS Financial Aid Office automatically awards the Stay on Track/University of Alaska Grant to eligible students. To be considered, complete the FAFSA, register for 15 credits or more, and meet program requirements.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. The UAS TEACH Grant Application can be found on the Financial Aid Forms Page.