Financial aid •
University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid: a complete guide
Read this guide from Mos.com for everything you need to know about University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid.
If you’re looking for a dynamic institution with a wide range of degree options, and like the idea of exploring the great north, you can’t do much better than the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
Based in Fairbanks, Alaska, UAF’s 8,500 students are split between 7 campuses and a thriving online learning community. The school also boasts a range of NCAA athletic programs and scholarship opportunities for current and prospective students.
If you're interested in applying to the University of Alaska Fairbanks but wondering how you'll pay for it, we've got you covered.
Let's break it all down.
A snapshot look at University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) was founded in 1917 under the name “the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines.” Teaching started in 1922—and in 1935, the college transformed into the University of Alaska.
Fast-forward over 80 years, and UAF has definitely broadened its offerings.
UAF now has 7 campuses all across Alaska. UAF’s current student body sits at around 8,500 and represents 48 states and 50 countries from all over the world.
But it’s not just UAF’s location and student body that’s diverse. The university hosts 9 colleges and schools, which award 142 degrees and 37 certificates covering 114 different disciplines!
If you’re into sports, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has both NCAA Division I and Division II programs that include ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, cross-country running and skiing, swimming, and shooting.
Ranking: #299-391
Size: 7,477
Demographics:
Undergraduate: 87%
Graduate: 13%
International: 2%
Female: 60%
Male: 37%
Other: 3%
Median age: 25
Tuition:
$4,530 (undergraduate in-state)
$13,365 (undergraduate out-of-state)
$5,580 (graduate in-state)
$10,881 (graduate out-of-state)
Acceptance rate: 76% (Class of 2024)
Average GPA of accepted student: 3.4 (Class of 2024)
Key dates and deadlines (2021)
Application: June 15 (fall semester); November 1 (spring semester); May 1 (summer sessions)
Financial aid deadlines: February 15
A look at scholarships offered by the University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) provides loads of scholarship aid opportunities for undergraduate students, international students, and graduate school students.
Many awards are specific to certain majors, your high school performance, or whether you’re enrolling from public schools, a certain community, or an underrepresented background.
Let’s take a look at four scholarships at UAF.
Nanook Pledge
The Nanook Pledge scholarship program is a 4-year merit scholarship.
It’s designed for incoming freshmen or transfer students joining the University of Alaska Fairbanks—although readmitted students can also be considered for an award.
Nanook Pledge scholarships range from $1,000–$10,000 per year. The exact amount you’re eligible for depends on your GPA and whether you’re from out-of-state or an Alaska resident.
Nanook Commitment
While the Nanook Pledge scholarship program is more merit-based, the Nanook Commitment scholarship is need-based.
It’s a renewable award for incoming first-years, transfer students, or readmitted students to help make up the difference between what you can afford to pay in tuition versus the actual cost of attending UAF.
The amount you get as part of the Nanook Commitment scholarship depends on the information in your college application, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and other scholarships you’re already getting.
Foundation Scholarships
Although the Nanook Pledge and Nanook Commitment are by far UAF’s biggest scholarship programs, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
The university has over 400 Foundation Scholarships covering just about every demographic you can think of.
After submitting your application to UAF, the school automatically matches you with all the college-sponsored scholarships it thinks you qualify for.
Want to learn more about scholarships? It’s important to remember there are a lot more external scholarship options out there beyond what UAF offers.
Join Mos now, and we’ll walk you through all your options and help you apply.
Student loans
Most students can’t afford to fund their entire college tuition on grants and scholarships alone. That’s where student loans come in.
Student loans are funds that you borrow from a lender to pay for your tuition now. You’re then expected to repay that money in the future—with interest.
If you’re applying for a federal student loan, all you have to do is complete and submit a FAFSA.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks currently accepts:
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Federal PLUS Loans
UAF also accepts other credit-based loans from private lenders—but because federal borrowers benefit from fixed interest rates and a number of consumer protections, the school encourages you to accept all federally subsidized financial aid before taking out private loans.
Want to learn more about applying for UAF student loans? Join Mos now, and let’s get started.
FAFSA
You can apply for most University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid opportunities using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the US Department of Education’s universal application form that students can use to apply for federal grant aid, work-study, or federal loans all in one place.
It’s important to note some of UAF’s scholarships require separate application forms or more information. But don’t worry—we’re here to help.
For more on applying for FAFSA, including important dates and how to make sure your application is submitted successfully, head to our learning hub.
University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid FAQs
Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid.
Is financial aid available at UAF during summer sessions?
Yes, financial aid is available at UAF during the summer, but is decided on an individual basis.
After registering for summer classes, you’ll need to submit a special “Notice of Summer Enrollment Form” so the finance office can review your status. You’ll then be able to apply for summer scholarships.
Can you use UAF financial aid to pay for things other than tuition?
University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid isn't just for paying tuition. You can also use it to pay for essentials like textbooks—but only after all essential UAF charges get paid in full.
By “essential,” we mean tuition, fees, housing, and meals. You can purchase things like books out of pocket while you’re waiting for your refund. Or, you can apply for an “Advance of Funding” from the Office of the Bursar if you need money sooner.
How long does it take to get a refund from the University of Alaska Fairbanks?
If UAF owes you a refund, it’ll normally land in your bank account within 3–5 working days.
To speed things up, you can sign up for direct deposit on UAOnline. This is the University of Alaska’s online portal that allows students to register for classes, check their financial aid status, and pay any bills.
Universities like the University of Alaska Fairbanks that you might be interested in
If you’re still unsure about whether UAF is where you belong, there are other universities in Alaska worth checking out.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Based in the capital city of Anchorage, the University of Alaska Anchorage is quite a bit bigger than UAF. The school offers over 100 majors, 13 NCAA sports, and 100 clubs and student organizations.
University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast is based in Juneau, Alaska. The tuition fees are a little bit higher than UAF and in the same ballpark as the University of Alaska Anchorage.
The school also has campuses in the coastal communities of Ketchikan and Sitka and uses those locations to specialize in marine biology and maritime-based degrees.
Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University is also based in Anchorage, Alaska. APU is also a lot newer than other colleges, having been founded in 1960.
Undergraduate degrees are delivered via 3 different institutes, and much of student life at the university centers around a thriving program of outdoor activities.
Conclusion
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable school with lots of majors and specializations, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a fantastic option!
Looking for the best way to pay for a school like UAF? Mos can help.
We can help you apply for hundreds of scholarships and grants and negotiate for more financial aid. Check out Mos.com to learn more.
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