Scholarship Opportunity

Alaska Performance Scholarship

Offered by Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

A merit-based state scholarship rewarding Alaska high school graduates who complete a rigorous curriculum and meet qualifying academic standards while pursuing college or career and technical education in Alaska.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Student, Trade School Student

Eligibility

  • Be an Alaska resident who graduates from an Alaska public, private, or approved homeschool high school.
  • Complete one of the approved Alaska Performance Scholarship high school curriculum pathways.
  • Qualify through an eligible high school GPA or approved ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys score.
  • Be admitted to an eligible degree, certificate, or career and technical education program at a participating Alaska institution or training provider.
  • Have at least $500 in unmet cost of attendance after other non-loan financial aid is considered.
  • Meet all enrollment and continuing-eligibility requirements while receiving the award.
  • Award levels use alternative GPA or test pathways: Level 1 GPA 3.5/ACT 25/SAT 1210/WorkKeys 18; Level 2 GPA 3.0/ACT 23/SAT 1130/WorkKeys 15; Level 3 GPA 2.5/ACT 21/SAT 1060/WorkKeys 12, in addition to the approved curriculum.

Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA by the annual June 30 priority deadline.
  • If attending an eligible non-Title IV institution, submit the Alternative APS Application through the Alaska Student Aid Portal by June 30.
  • List an eligible Alaska institution or training provider on the FAFSA or alternative application.
  • Create an Alaska Student Aid Portal account to monitor eligibility and award usage.
  • Notify the participating institution that the student plans to use the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
  • Enroll in the required number of credits or qualifying career-training hours.
  • For undergraduate renewal, maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA and satisfactory academic progress; complete 24 credits in the first full-time award year, then 30 annually (12 then 15 for half-time).
  • Graduate or credit-based certificate recipients must maintain 2.5 GPA and complete 18 credits for full-time or 10 for half-time awards; verify current program-specific conditions.
  • Private school and privately homeschooled graduates must request eligibility determination from Alaska DEED with supporting documents by July 15 for the upcoming award year.
  • Full-time degree awards normally require 12 credits per term; half-time awards require 6. For non-credit training, meet ACPE's clock-hour and duration rules.
  • Ask ACPE about Step-Up to a higher award level after the required consecutive full-time terms or CTE certificates and a qualifying 3.0 or 3.5 GPA.

How to Apply

  1. 1Work with a school counselor to complete an approved APS high school curriculum.
  2. 2Earn a qualifying GPA or approved ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys score.
  3. 3Graduate from an eligible Alaska high school or approved homeschool program.
  4. 4Submit the FAFSA or Alternative APS Application by the annual priority deadline.
  5. 5Enroll in an eligible Alaska college, university, certificate program, or career and technical training program.
  6. 6Monitor eligibility and award information through the Alaska Student Aid Portal.
  7. 7Continue meeting academic-progress, enrollment, and credit-completion requirements each year.