FAQs
- What is the UA Scholars Award?
- The UA Scholars Award is an $11,000 scholarship to use at any campus of the University of Alaska. The Award is distributed in the amount of $1,375 per semester for eight semesters (over five years) provided the scholar remains in good standing. The Award covers eligible expenses which include undergraduate tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and other educational costs incurred for attendance at the University of Alaska.
- Are there any deadlines I have to meet?
- All Scholars must apply to a UA campus by May 1, even if you wish to utilize your leave of absence. If you miss the application deadline your Award will expire. You can apply online at uaonline.alaska.edu.
- Can I apply for the Award?
- No, to qualify for the Award, you must be designated by your high school.
- How do high schools decide who is a Scholar?
- High schools set their own academic criteria to determine the top 10 percent of their students. Typically, cumulative GPA is the primary consideration. Schools may consider additional academic factors: however, the criteria cannot be based on a student's financial need, intention to enroll or not to enroll at the University of Alaska, continued enrollment at the high school, or results from the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam.
- What if I think I qualify but have not been notified?
- If you think you should be a recipient of the UA Scholars Award but have not received an award letter, you should contact an administrator at your school.
- Should I read the Program Information Booklet from cover to cover?
- Absolutely!
- Is the UA Scholar Award a full-ride scholarship?
- The Award goes a long way toward the cost of an education at the University of Alaska; however, it is not a full-ride scholarship. Each eligible semester you will receive $1,375 to your student account to help cover your educational expenses.
- What can I use the Award for?
- You can use the Award to pay for undergraduate tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation and other expenses associated with attending the University of Alaska.
- What if I have other funds?
- If you have funding from the UA College Savings Plan (or another college savings program), additional scholarship(s) or financial aid, you may be reimbursed for overpayment, if you've met your obligations to the University for the semester.
- What if I do not qualify for a Scholars Award but need financial assistance?
- There are many additional opportunities for other scholarships, work-study programs, grants and loans. Contact a financial aid office at the University of Alaska to find out what is available. In addition to campus specific opportunities, the UA Foundation also offers a variety of scholarships, grants and awards available to UA students.
- Can I start using the Award before I have my high school diploma?
- No, you must have a high school diploma before you can start using your Award. If you receive a certificate of achievement or GED instead of a diploma you will not be eligible to redeem your Award.
- Do I have to start classes right after graduation?
- Unless using your leave of absence (page 12 in the Program Information Booklet), you must begin using your Award the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
- How do I take advantage of my leave of absence?
- If you are requesting a leave of absence the first fall semester after high school graduation, you still need to apply to a UA campus by May 1, and meet the campus requirements to postpone your admission. Visit our Student Resources page for contact information for the main campuses. You do not need to submit additional paperwork to the UA Scholars Program to utilize your leave of absence. Remember, your Award will expire if you miss more than two semesters.
- Do I have to attend a campus orientation session?
- Yes, check with your campus for more information.
- Can I use my award on a qualified exchange program?
- Yes, after attending UA for at least one year, Scholars can apply to participate in the National Student Exchange, Study Abroad, and International Exchange programs. Scholars must maintain their status as a UA student and pay their fees to UA in order to have their Award applied to their student account. For more information on the different exchange programs please visit our Student Resources page for contact information.
- Can I use the Award during the summer term?
- You can't begin using your Award during a summer term. In order to receive a payment during a summer term, you must have received a distribution from your Award during the previous spring semester. UAA students must complete a Summer Aid Request Form, available online. UAS students can notify their financial aid office verbally or in writing. UAF students must complete a Notice of Summer Enrollment Form, which is available online.
- When does the Award expire?
- The Award expires under any of the following conditions:
You miss the May 1 application deadline
You miss more than two semesters of enrollment after your high school graduation
You have been paid the entire amount of the Award
You fail to uphold the 'Obligations of the Student' as stated in the Program Information Booklet - What must I do to maintain good academic standing?
- You must be making progress in a certificate or degree program, complete a minimum of 12 credits every regular semester (fall and spring) and maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA.
- How and when is my Award paid to me?
- Every eligible semester, financial aid will disburse $1,375 to your student account the week before classes begin. The Award is disbursed for a total of eight semesters, within a five year period.
- What if I complete my degree before I've used up my UA Scholars Award?
- As long as you maintain eligibility, you may continue using your award after you graduate. However, your Award can only be applied to an undergraduate program. You may not receive more than $1,375 from your Award in one semester.
- Can I use the Award at any UA campus?
- Yes, you may attend any campus of the University of Alaska and may transfer (if academically eligible) to any other campus within the University system. This includes the main or branch campuses of University of Alaska.
- What academic requirements do I have to uphold to stay in good standing?
- Academic progress will be reviewed annually to ensure eligibility. A Scholar in good standing who falls below the minimum percentage of cumulative credits will be placed on academic probation if, in their most recent semester, the Scholar completed at least 75% of the credits attempted. Some Scholars may be evaluated on a semester basis. Examples include but not limited to Scholars who are on an approved appeal, Scholars in a probationary status, and those who do either an official or unofficial total withdrawal. Grades of AU, DF, F, I,W,NB,NC,and NP indicate unsatisfactory completion of courses for financial aid purposes.
907-474-5105 ph • 1-877-257-2465 toll free • 907-450-8023 fax
scholars@alaska.edu
