Scholarships for Alaska

The Virginia Hyatt Memorial Scholarship

Due: 7/31/26 No min. GPA Required
$2,000
Apply now

The Tom Wardleigh Memorial Scholarship

Due: 7/31/26 No min. GPA Required
$2,000
Apply now

The Ellen Paneok Memorial Scholarship

Due: 7/31/26 No min. GPA Required
$2,000
Apply now

Lois Manley, K7LMZ, and Randall Pitchford, WW7ZZ, Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
Apply now

William Bennett, W7PHO, Memorial Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$500
Apply now

Joel R. Miller, (W7PDX), and Martha C. Miller STEM Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
Apply now

Wilse Morgan, WX7P, Memorial ARRL Northwestern Division Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$2,000
Apply now

Thelma Fisher Dewitty Scholarship

Due: 1/9/27 No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
Apply now

Dunham-Kerley Scholarship

Due: 1/9/27 No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
Apply now

Key things to know about Alaska scholarships

  • Alaska scholarships and grants can make college much more affordable. They can reduce tuition and help you spend or borrow less for school.
  • The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) is one of the state’s most important programs. It rewards academic preparation and can significantly lower tuition costs.
  • Grades aren't the only way to qualify. Some scholarships and grants consider financial need, background, or career goals.
  • Alaska students should look beyond state programs alone. Colleges, employers, and local organizations may also offer scholarships.
  • Applying broadly and staying organized can help maximize your aid. Filing the FAFSA® and tracking deadlines are both important.

College costs can feel like a lot, but there are plenty of options to help bring those costs down. If you’re looking for Alaska scholarships, think beyond just one program and look at scholarships, grants, and school-based aid together.

That effort can really pay off. In fact, Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that scholarships and grants covered 27% of total college costs, and 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. 

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship

No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less

What are Alaska scholarships?

Alaska scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, certificates, or other approved education and training programs. They may come from the state, colleges, local organizations, employers, and community foundations. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid.

When students apply for scholarships in Alaska, programs may look at things like:

What scholarships are available for Alaska students?

The top Alaska scholarship options usually fall into three groups: state scholarships, institutional scholarships, and local community awards. Using all three gives you more flexibility. Tools like Scholly Scholarships can also help you search for scholarships in Alaska that match your major, interests, and background. 

Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)

The Alaska Performance Scholarship, often called APS, is Alaska’s main statewide merit-based scholarship program. It encourages students to take challenging high school courses and prepare for college or career training.

Eligibility requirements may include:

  • Completing an approved high school curriculum
  • Meeting minimum GPA requirements
  • Earning qualifying standardized test scores

Award levels
APS offers multiple award tiers based on academic performance. Students with stronger academic records may qualify for higher award amounts.

Renewal requirements
To keep APS, students generally need to maintain satisfactory academic progress, complete enough credits, and stay enrolled in an eligible program. Because details can change, students should verify current rules through official Alaska resources.

Local and community scholarships

Alaska students should also look at local scholarships from community foundations, Alaska Native organizations, employers, service groups, and regional nonprofits. These scholarships can be easier to win because the applicant pool is often smaller. High school counseling offices and local organization websites are often good places to start.

Alaska college and university scholarships

Alaska colleges may offer their own scholarships based on merit, need, major, leadership, or talent. Some are automatic after admission, while others require separate applications. Students should check each college’s scholarship page carefully and compare options using Scout College Search.

Alaska state financial aid programs

Alaska offers a small number of statewide financial aid programs which can also play a major role in reducing college costs, especially for students who qualify for merit-based support like APS. 

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) oversees many of the state’s financial aid programs. ACPE administers APS, provides guidance on Alaska student financial aid programs, and helps students understand how to plan and pay for college. 

Scholly Scholarships

Find scholarships that are right for you

Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

Find scholarships now

How to find and apply for scholarships in Alaska

Applying for Alaska scholarships is easier when you break the process into clear steps and stay organized from the start. 

  1. Start with APS and state opportunities so you're prioritizing the biggest Alaska-specific programs first.
  2. Gather key documents early, including transcripts, activity lists, a resume, and a basic college essay or personal statement.
  3. Use scholarship search tools like Scholly Scholarships to find personalized matches and Scout College Search to compare schools and scholarship options.
  4. Submit the FAFSA® as early as possible so you can be considered for need-based aid. For step-by-step help, check our FAFSA® guide.
  5. Track deadlines and requirements with a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist so you do not miss important steps.
  6. Review each application carefully before you submit.

For an easier start, students can also explore Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Who qualifies for Alaska scholarships?

Alaska scholarship and grant programs often use some common eligibility requirements. These may include:

  • Alaska residency
  • FAFSA® completion for many need-based programs
  • Enrollment at an eligible college, university, or training provider
  • Minimum academic standards for merit-based programs
  • Financial need for certain grants
  • Satisfactory academic progress once enrolled

Some programs may also consider field of study, background, community involvement, or career goals.

When should I apply for Alaska scholarships?

The best time to apply depends on where you are in school, but earlier is usually better.

High school juniors and seniors
Students should start researching Alaska scholarships during junior year, especially if they want time to prepare for APS and other major opportunities. Senior year is when many deadlines arrive, so staying ahead matters.

Current college students
Scholarship opportunities don't stop after freshman year. College students should keep applying for institutional, departmental, foundation, and local scholarships each year they're enrolled.

Tips to improve your chances of winning scholarships

A strong scholarship strategy can help you make the most of available opportunities.

  • Apply broadly.
    Do not rely on just one state scholarship or one college award.
  • Start early.
    Researching scholarships before deadlines arrive can make the process much easier.
  • Focus on local awards.
    Smaller applicant pools may improve your chances of winning.
  • Stay organized.
    Tracking deadlines and required materials can help you avoid missing opportunities.
  • Check each college’s scholarship page.
    Institutional aid may add meaningful value on top of state programs.

Additional ways to pay for college

Scholarships are only one part of the bigger funding picture. Alaska students may also need federal aid, grants, work-study, or borrowing to cover the remaining cost of attendance.

To build a plan, review the FAFSA® guide, explore more financial aid resources, and compare student loans if needed.

Additional scholarship resources for Alaska students

Alaska students can expand their search with resources like these:

Your next steps

Combining Alaska scholarships and grants can lower your college costs by a lot, especially if you stay organized and stay on top of deadlines. A strong plan includes filing the FAFSA®, reviewing APS early, and applying for state, local, and college-based aid instead of waiting on one opportunity.

To keep your options open, pair Alaska-specific programs with tools like Scholly Scholarships and quick-entry opportunities like Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

FAQs about Alaska scholarships

What scholarships are available in Alaska?

Alaska students can apply for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, institutional scholarships from colleges, and local community awards from foundations, employers, and regional organizations. 

What is the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)?

APS is Alaska’s statewide merit-based scholarship program. It rewards students for strong academic preparation in high school and can help lower the cost of college or career training. 

Who qualifies for APS in Alaska?

Students generally need to meet Alaska residency, coursework, GPA, and test score requirements, and attend an eligible institution. 

How do I apply for scholarships in Alaska?

Start by completing the FAFSA®, reviewing state program requirements like APS, and applying for college and local scholarships. Scholarship search tools can also help you find additional matches. 

Are there full-ride scholarships in Alaska?

Full-ride scholarships are limited, but combining scholarships and grants can significantly reduce your college costs. 

When should I apply for Alaska scholarships?

Students should start researching scholarships during junior year of high school and continue applying through senior year and college. 

Can out-of-state students get Alaska scholarships?

Most Alaska state-funded scholarships require Alaska residency, but some college-specific or private scholarships may be open to non-residents. 

What is the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)?

ACPE is the state agency that oversees Alaska financial aid programs and helps students access scholarships, grants, and college planning resources. 

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.