University of Alaska Scholars Program

Scholarship Sponsored by University of Alaska

Description What it is

The UA Scholars Award is a merit scholarship that helps Alaska high school students pursue a degree within the University of Alaska system. It provides dedicated financial support targeted at undergraduate study and supports students through multiple semesters. The award is intended to be applied while the recipient is enrolled at any campus in the University of Alaska system.

Key takeaways:

• Merit scholarship for Alaska high school students
• Intended for undergraduate study at any UA campus
• Paid out over multiple semesters

Eligibility Who qualifies

Eligibility is determined by the student’s high school: schools designate students based on academic standing at the end of the junior year. The award is reserved for students who rank in the top 10% of their class at that point. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Key takeaways:

• Designation by high school, based on junior-year class ranking
• Must rank in the top 10% of the class at end of junior year
• Requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency

Award

Value and

Distribution Amount & disbursement

The total award value is $15,000 per recipient. It is distributed as $1,875 per semester for up to eight semesters, provided the student continues to meet eligibility requirements. Payment is applied toward the student’s university charges and administered through the campus financial aid office.

Key takeaways:

• Total award: $15,000
• Paid at $1,875 per semester for eight semesters
• Continued eligibility required to receive each disbursement

Covered

Expenses What the award can pay for

The UA Scholars Award applies to eligible educational costs associated with attendance at the University of Alaska. Typical covered items include undergraduate tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and approved study-abroad or national student exchange costs. The award can also cover other qualifying educational expenses as defined by the university.

Key takeaways:

• Covers tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies
• Can fund qualified study abroad and national student exchange costs
• May apply to other university-defined educational expenses

Application

Process and

Timeline How to claim the award

To secure the award, students must apply for admission to any of the University of Alaska campuses. UA Scholars receive a fee waiver for the application—use the waiver code provided in the award letter or request assistance by emailing scholars@alaska.edu. Follow the admission deadlines and enrollment procedures for the specific UA campus you plan to attend to ensure timely award activation.

Key takeaways:

• Apply for admission to any UA campus to claim the award
• Use the fee waiver code from your award letter; contact scholars@alaska.edu for help
• Adhere to campus-specific admission and enrollment deadlines

History and

Purpose of the

Award Origins and goals

Established in 1999, the UA Scholars Award was created to encourage academic excellence across Alaska and to motivate top students to continue their higher education within the state. The program supports schools’ efforts to provide high-quality education and aims to retain talented graduates at the University of Alaska. Scholars also serve as ambassadors from their communities, enriching the university’s academic environment and contributing to Alaska’s future leadership.

Key takeaways:

• Founded in 1999 to promote academic excellence in Alaska
• Designed to retain top students for in-state higher education
• Scholars contribute to campus diversity and community representation