Alaska Performance Scholarships

The APS provides an opportunity for Alaska high school students to earn a scholarship to help cover the cost of an Alaska postsecondary education.

Eligibility requirements for APS include:

• Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school);
• Take a rigorous curriculum,
• Earn minimum of 2.5 GPA;
• Meet qualifying score on college/career entrance exam
• The APS can be used at any participating college or university in Alaska, or for approved career and technical education programs in the state. Click here for more information on participating Alaska postsecondary institutions.
• Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school), in 2011 or later and meet the qualifying requirements are eligible for an APS award.

HOW MUCH IS THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD?

There are three maximum award levels: $4,755 a year, $3,566 a year, and $2,378 a year. APS recipients may remain eligible for up to eight semesters of enrollment within six years of graduating from high school. In every case, award recipients must apply for and use any other non-loan aid they receive, such as state or federal grants or other scholarships, before the Alaska Performance Scholarship is applied toward payment of their remaining education costs. The recipient will not receive an APS in an amount that exceeds the remaining costs of attendance.

WHERE CAN THE SCHOLARSHIP BE USED?

The APS can be used at participating institutions in Alaska. The scholarship will be disbursed directly to the postsecondary institution.

DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP EXPIRE?

Yes. It must be used within six years of graduating high school unless the recipient qualifies for an extension, such as military service or an enrollment delay due to the availability of coursework that is beyond the student’s control. The State Board of Education & Early Development sets allowable extensions in regulation through a public process (see 4 AAC 43.045 Extensions of eligibility period).