Alaska has two state programs a high-school graduate may encounter: the Alaska Education Grant (AEG) and the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). AEG is need-based and uses FAFSA; APS rewards academic preparation in high school through rigorous-coursework and performance pathways. Both are limited to participating in-state institutions, but their eligibility, amounts, and renewal rules differ.
AEG lists awards from $500 to $4,000 per academic year. It is for students with demonstrated need who lived in Alaska for at least 365 days before filing FAFSA, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold a diploma or GED, enter an eligible program, and study at least half time. Students must also meet their institution’s satisfactory academic progress rules. AEG requires a new FAFSA each year; filing early matters because grants are prioritized and funds may run out.
APS can total up to $28,000. Its levels offer up to $7,000, $5,250, or $3,500 per year and consider high-school GPA or alternative ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys scores, along with an approved curriculum pathway. This is not a scholarship students can begin building on graduation day: course planning with a counselor matters well before then. Preliminary eligibility is generally reported during junior year; districts report final status after graduation.
The first APS award requires FAFSA, an eligible school on the application, admission to a qualifying program, and notice to the college before its enrollment-certification date. The state sets June 30 as the annual priority date. For 2026–27, that date has passed, so families planning for 2027–28 should watch FAFSA and ACPE’s next deadline. APS can support up to eight full-time disbursements within eight years of graduation, depending on credits, progress, and eligible costs remaining after other aid.
AEG and APS can coordinate with other aid, but they are not unrestricted cash. AEG is based on need and available funding; APS cannot exceed eligible costs remaining after other grants and scholarships. The college certifies enrollment and uses its recognized budget, which may treat program costs differently. Students in career training should specifically verify that their provider and certificate appear on the current state list.
AEG may fit students who demonstrate need and meet state criteria; APS is prepared during high school and rewards academic performance or test scores. Gather transcripts, course lists, scores, and prospective colleges. Use the official ASAP portal to follow your file, ask financial aid how grants coordinate, and do not count on the published maximum until an individual award is confirmed.
Alaska Education Grant — Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Alaska Performance Scholarship — Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
APS FAQs — Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Alaska Student Aid Portal — Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Guide checked against official pages on October 12, 2026. Amounts and requirements refer to the identified cycle; funding is limited and final eligibility is determined by each program or institution. Confirm the current cycle before enrolling or relying on an amount.
First determine whether you fit AEG’s need-based route, APS’s high-school preparation route, or both, then confirm dates and schools.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
PO Box 110505, Juneau, AK 99811
AEG offers $500–$4,000 per academic year to students with demonstrated need; FAFSA is the application, and at least one eligible Alaska institution must be listed. Requirements include Alaska residency for 365 days before FAFSA, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, a diploma/GED, at least half-time enrollment, and satisfactory academic progress. Applications are prioritized by FAFSA receipt, renewal status, enrollment, and need; eligibility does not guarantee funds.
State need-based grant for students at participating Alaska postsecondary institutions
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
PO Box 110505, Juneau, AK 99811
APS can provide up to $28,000 total: up to $7,000, $5,250, or $3,500 per year depending on award level. Students must graduate from an Alaska high school, complete a rigorous curriculum, meet the GPA or alternative test-score standard, and file by the annual priority date, generally June 30. The scholarship is limited to approved institutions and training, up to eight full-time disbursements within eight years, and cannot exceed eligible costs remaining after other non-loan a
State merit scholarship for Alaska high-school graduates at participating colleges and training programs
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Alaska Education Grant (AEG) ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Alaska Education Grant (AEG) ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) ↗
Primary source
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.