Today, October 1, is the first day that you will be able to complete your 2020-2021 FAFSA. Whether you are currently a senior in high school or a student who has more years of postsecondary education ahead, you will need to complete it if you want federal aid. Here are some common questions we receive in our office regarding the FAFSA.

When looking for college or career training options, there’s nothing bad about going out of state but there are great benefits to staying in state – specifically in Alaska. Below are a few I’ve listed;

Most students would like to finish their program as soon as possible but you should take into account that each course requires x-amount of hours of coursework outside the classroom per week (read our blog post on school schedule for more information). Before you register for a class, read the full course description in the course catalog to get a better grasp on what each course fully entails.

If loans are part of your plan for college or career training, the first way to save is to do your research and pick the best loan. But there’s another secret to big savings: payments in school.

Today, AVTEC is still the only statewide post-secondary vocational training center operated by the State of Alaska; and strives to provide students with career-focused training that can be applied in the modern Alaska workforce. Integrated with industry-standard technology, software, and equipment, students gain real-world, hands-on experience. AVTEC now offers 10 professional programs, with curriculum that is designed to meet the specific needs of employers throughout Alaska. Prospective studen...

The start of yet another college/training school year is upon us. If you’re one of the many students who have completed your Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and are anxiously waiting for your federal financial aid funds to be transferred to your student account (to help pay your tuition, fees and books), here’s a little advice – Be patient. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your financial aid is moving. First, know that it is your college or training school t...

One of the most common questions I hear at financial aid offices is, “have you completed your FAFSA?” Most students, this time of year, have. However, there may be other requirements that you need to complete before receiving your federal loans. Your financial aid is sent to the institution, but before they disburse the funds, you may need to sign the master promissory note and complete entrance loan counseling. Here’s what you need to know:

Students are being affected by “Summer Melt”. No, we aren’t talking about the record-high temperatures we have been having in Alaska. This is happening across the nation. Students who graduate from high school in May/June with postsecondary plans are not entering the doors to classes and training programs in the August/September.

Before you can attend any classes, you have to schedule them. Here are some tips to maximizing your time at school.

We can all agree that college is not cheap. Figuring out a clear plan for you to achieve the goal of finishing takes a great deal of time, energy, and finances. Choosing how to invest your money is something to seriously think about, and above all—life happens. With all the people who start college or career training, more than half do not finish. We encourage those who haven’t finished to go ahead and try again. Here’s why: