Alaska Performance Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by State of Alaska
Description What the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) is
The Alaska Performance Scholarship is a state program that helps qualified Alaska high school graduates pay for postsecondary education within the state. It is a performance-based award tied to academic preparation and exam performance, intended for use at Alaska colleges, universities, and approved career and technical education (CTE) programs. The award is paid directly to the participating institution on the student’s behalf.
Key takeaways:
- Helps cover the cost of Alaska postsecondary education.
- Performance-based; tied to academic preparation and exam results.
- Funds are disbursed directly to the institution.
Eligibility Who qualifies
To be eligible, students must be Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school) and meet specified academic criteria. Eligible graduates include those finishing high school in 2011 or later. Students must complete a rigorous high school curriculum, earn at least a 2.5 GPA, and achieve a qualifying score on a college or career entrance exam.
Key takeaways:
- Alaska residency and graduation from an Alaska high school required.
- Must graduate in 2011 or later and meet qualifying requirements.
- Requires a rigorous curriculum, minimum 2.5 GPA, and qualifying exam score.
Award
Value Award levels and enrollment limits
The APS has three maximum annual award levels: $4,755; $3,566; and $2,378. Eligibility for funding can continue for up to eight semesters (typically four academic years) of enrollment. Award amounts are caps; the actual payment depends on a recipient’s remaining approved education costs after other non-loan aid is applied.
Key takeaways:
- Three maximum award tiers: $4,755; $3,566; $2,378 per year.
- Up to eight semesters of eligibility.
- Award amounts are capped and adjusted to remaining approved costs.
Use and
Disbursement Where funds may be used and how they are paid
APS funds are available for use only at participating Alaska postsecondary institutions and approved CTE programs in the state. The scholarship is sent directly to the institution to be applied toward the recipient’s cost of attendance. Before APS funds are applied, recipients must use other non-loan aid (state or federal grants, other scholarships); APS will not cover costs beyond the remaining allowed expenses.
Key takeaways:
- Usable only at participating Alaska colleges, universities, and approved CTE programs.
- Scholarship disbursed directly to the postsecondary institution.
- Other non-loan aid is applied first; APS covers remaining allowable costs only.
Application
Timeline and
Expiration Eligibility period and allowable extensions
APS awards must be used within six years of high school graduation unless the student qualifies for an extension. Typical eligibility covers up to eight semesters of enrollment during that six-year period. Extensions are available under specified circumstances—examples include military service or delays caused by unavailable coursework—and are governed by state regulation (see 4 AAC 43.045).
Key takeaways:
- Standard usage window: within six years of high school graduation.
- Maximum of eight semesters of award eligibility.
- Extensions may be granted for military service or other approved delays under 4 AAC 43.045.
History of the
Award Scope since 2011
Current APS eligibility applies to Alaska residents who graduated from an Alaska high school in 2011 or later and who meet the program’s qualifying requirements. The program is administered under state education rules and lists participating institutions and regulatory details through state channels. Students and families should consult official state resources for the most current program rules and participating-institution lists.
Key takeaways:
- Eligibility effective for graduates from 2011 onward.
- Administered under state education regulations.
- Check official state resources for up-to-date rules and participating institutions.