Grants
Grants are important sources of financial aid for students who need extra help paying for college. Here you will find information about Pell grants and other popular federal and state grant programs, how to apply and more.
What Are College Grants?
College grants are sources of financial aid that can be used for any educational expense and do not need to be repaid after graduation. Many grants for college 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.
What Types of College Grants Are Available?
There are a variety of state and federal grants you can apply for at UAF.
The Federal Pell grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students. Eligibility and award amount is determined each year by the FAFSA. The Pell grant ranges from $300 to over $3,000 per semester.
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.
Summer Pell Grants: You may also be eligible for summer Pell grants. To determine your summer Pell award, please submit a Notice of Summer Enrollment to the Financial Aid Office after you have registered for summer courses.
How to apply
Fill out the FAFSA. 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 in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.
The Alaska Education Grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students who are Alaska residents. The AEG ranges from $750 to $2,000 each semester. To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA before June 30. Grants are awarded to eligible applicants in order of the highest financial need and the date the FAFSA was filed.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. The award for this grant is about $250 a semester. Summer awards may also be available.