Executive Director Efird Retires, Thomas Named Acting Executive Director
Juneau, Alaska – After almost 20 years of State of Alaska service, including four years as Executive Director of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)/Executive Officer of the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC), Sana Efird retires effective September 30, 2024.
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Governor Signs Landmark Alaska Performance Scholarship Legislation
Juneau, Alaska – The Governor signed key legislation aimed to improve access to and utilization of the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS).
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ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RELEASES
2024 ALASKA HIGHER EDUCATION ALMANAC
Alaska Performance Scholarship Legislation Passes House and Senate
Juneau, Alaska – The House and Senate passed legislation to modernize the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). The next step is for the legislation to be transmitted to the Governor for approval, change, or veto. No APS changes are in effect until this process is finalized.
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ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RELEASES
2024 ALASKA HIGHER EDUCATION ALMANAC
Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Alaska Higher Education Almanac. In its seventh year, the Almanac offers Alaska’s higher education stakeholders and policy-makers relevant content and data to use as a resource to develop and guide educational and workforce pathways.
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ACPE SUPPORTS FAFSA WEEK OF ACTION
Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) supports statewide
efforts related to the national FAFSA Week of Action. Currently ACPE leads the Alaska FAFSA
Completion Initiative (AFCI) in its goal of increasing FAFSA completion rates across the state.
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ACPE Launches New Strategic Plan
Juneau, Alaska – After a multi-year, comprehensive strategic planning process, ACPE launches its new Strategic Plan (2024-26).
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ACPE DELIVERS NEW FAFSA COMPLETION RESOURCES
JUNEAU- The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) continues efforts to increase Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates in Alaska.
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Alaska FAFSA Summit
JUNEAU- With support from the University of Alaska, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is thrilled to announce its first-ever Alaska FAFSA Summit. The FAFSA Summit will host highly regarded speakers and panelists from Alaska and the Lower 48, representing organizations including: State of Alaska Legislature, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the National College Attainment Network, and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid
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Alaska Performance Scholarship Reminder
Juneau - Students must earn a qualified score on the ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys in order to meet the testing requirement of the Alaska Performance Scholarship eligibility. The test requirement remains in place for the Class of 2024 as well as the recently graduated Class of 2023.
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ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RELEASES
2023 ALASKA HIGHER EDUCATION ALMANAC
Juneau – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is pleased to announce
the release of the 2023 Alaska Higher Education Almanac. In its sixth year of publication, the
Almanac offers Alaska’s higher education stakeholders and policy-makers relevant data to use as
a resource to develop and guide educational and workforce pathways.
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2023 ACPE Commissioners Support FAFSA Completion Initiatives
Juneau- The Commissioners of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) deliver statement of support for the Alaska FAFSA Completion Initiatives.
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2023 Alaska Performance Scholarship
JUNEAU- The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) is a merit-based award for Alaska high school graduates. Students qualify for one of three award levels by meeting specific criteria.
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2023 APS Outcomes Report Now Available
JUNEAU- The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) 2023 Outcomes Report is now available for review. This report reflects APS eligibility and usage trends from Fall 2011 – Fall 2022.
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2022 Alaska Higher Education Almanac
JUNEAU – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is pleased to announce the release of the 2022 Alaska Higher Education Almanac 2nd Covid-19 Edition. In its fifth year, the Almanac continues offering Alaska’s higher education stakeholders and policy-makers a source of relevant data and content about the landscape of higher education in Alaska.
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Alaska Performance Scholarship – Outcomes Report 2022
JUNEAU – The annual Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) Outcomes Report for 2022 is now available. This report, prepared by McKinley Research Group, highlights critical information regarding the following topics:
- APS Eligibility Definitions & Requirements
- APS Awarding Breakdowns by Population
- APS Eligibility – Student Survey
- Impacts of COVID-19
- APS & Postsecondary Outcomes
- APS Recipients in the Alaska Workforce
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ALASKA SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT FUNDING
Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
Washington, Wyoming, Alaska Montana, Idaho Regional Medical Education Program
(WWAMI)
JUNEAU- Yesterday evening the Governor announced that funding will be restored for the
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS), Alaska Education Grant (AEG), and WWAMI Medical
Education Program for the 2021-22 academic year.
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June 21, 2021 - FUNDING AVAILABILITY & DISTRIBUTION
Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
Washington, Wyoming, Alaska Montana, Idaho Regional Medical Education Program
(WWAMI)
The Alaska Education Grant (AEG), Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS), and the
Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho Regional Medical Education Program
(WWAMI) are funded through the Alaska Higher Education Investment Fund (HEIF). At this
time, a complete State FY2022 budget has not been passed, which means that HEIF funding is
not yet appropriated for the 2021-22 academic year.
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June 16, 2021 - ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION OFFERS
EDUCATION LOANS AT LOWER INTEREST RATE THAN
FEDERAL PLUS LOANS
JUNEAU – The Alaska Supplemental Education Loan (ASEL) and Family Education Loan
(FEL) through ACPE now offer fixed interest rates as low as 5.25%. ACPE’s loan programs
deliver a more cost effective option for Alaskan students in light of the recent announcement that the 2021-22 Federal PLUS loan program has an interest rate of 6.284%.
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May 6, 2021 - ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION LAUNCHES ENHANCED EDUCATION REFINANCE LOAN PROGRAM FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS
JUNEAU – To better address the challenges of student loan debt in Alaska, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) introduces an enhanced Education Refinance Loan program (REFI). In 2017, ACPE created the REFI program to deliver a path towards financial relief to student loan borrowers. Through ACPE’s continued commitment to serve Alaska’s students, REFI now offers a responsive refinance loan for borrowers in terms of credit score, repayment term, and at a competitive fixed interest rate that borrowers can count on.
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April 26, 2021 - ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION JOINED BY U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF FEDERAL STUDENT AID AND POSTSECONDARY
INSTITUTIONS ACROSS THE STATE TO LAUNCH THE
ALASKA FAFSA COMPLETION INITIATIVE
ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is pleased to
announce the Alaska FAFSA® Completion Initiative in collaboration with the U.S. Department
of Education Federal Student Aid (FSA) and a variety of postsecondary institutions across
Alaska. The intent of this initiative is to increase statewide FAFSA® completion levels.
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April 13, 2021 - ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION ADOPTS
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 94 & HB 114
Juneau – At its April 8, 2021, spring quarterly meeting, the Alaska Commission on
Postsecondary Education (ACPE) voted to adopt a resolution to support Senate Bill 94 and
House Bill 114, "An Act relating to the education loan program and Alaska supplemental
education loan program."
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March 30, 2021 - Kids2College Connects Students with College & Career Exploration
Juneau – ANCHORAGE – This spring, 5th-8th grade students from diverse communities across the state will participate in the first ever Kids2College Virtual Campus Events.
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March 19, 2021 - ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RELEASES THE ALASKA PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
Juneau – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is pleased to announce publication of the Alaska Performance Scholarship Program Review and Recommendations Report. The report, produced by McKinley Research (formerly McDowell Group), analyzes the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) program over the past ten years and provides valuable insights and recommendations on how the program can better serve Alaskans.
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February 26, 2021 - ALASKA PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP TEST SCORE REQUIREMENT UPDATE
JUNEAU – To preserve student access to the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS), and at the direction of the Alaska Department of Law, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) will continue to administratively suspend the APS testing requirements for Alaska’s 2021 high school graduates.
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February 16, 2021 - ALASKA COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RELEASES THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE ALASKA HIGHER EDUCATION ALMANAC
JUNEAU – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is pleased to announce publication of the 2021 Alaska Higher Education Almanac.
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September 15, 2020 - SANA EFIRD JOINS COMMISSION AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JUNEAU – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education has selected Sana Efird as the new Executive Director for the Commission. Ms. Efird will also serve as Executive Officer for the Alaska Student Loan Corporation.
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June 18, 2020 - ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RELIEF FOR ALASKA STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS
JUNEAU – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education has been awarded $786,000 in CARES Act funds to effectively reduce interest rates to 0% for qualifying Alaska Student Loan Corporation borrowers requesting forbearance as economic hardship assistance for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the top priorities for the Commission and the Corporation is ensuring real and immediate relief for Alaska's student loan borrowers. This new benefit adds to a number of strategies already implemented by the Commission to help minimize negative economic impact on borrowers.
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April 27, 2020 - Alaska Performance Scholarship Test Score Requirement Update
JUNEAU – In accordance with the Governor's emergency public health mandates and continued social distancing efforts across Alaska, and in consultation with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education will now also waive the WorkKeys test requirement for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS), in addition to the previously waived ACT and SAT test requirements. The waivers are based on the cancellation of test administrations across Alaska.
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April 24, 2020 - COMMISSION ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT LOAN REPAYMENT
JUNEAU - At its April 8. 2020, spring quarterly meeting, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education voted to approve a resolution to support student loan repayment assistance programs in Alaska.
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March 24, 2020 - ACPE offers resource to prevent default during the outbreak of COVID-19
Juneau – In this unprecedented environment, one of the primary concerns for the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is ensuring meaningful relief is available for the state student loan borrowers impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate adverse economic impacts, the Commission has implemented a number of strategies to support borrowers.
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March 20, 2020 - Alaska Performance Scholarship ACT/SAT Requirement Update
Juneau – Through our continued efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of the current health emergency faced across our state and country, and in consultation with statewide agencies, the Alaska Commission of Postsecondary Education and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development will waive the ACT and SAT requirement for Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) eligibility for Alaska high school graduates from the Spring 2020 class.
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March 13, 2020 - ACPE Outreach Events and Success Center Update
Anchorage – In consultation with statewide agencies and stakeholder groups, and out of an abundance of caution to protect students and communities across our state, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Success Center located in the Dimond Mall will temporarily be closed to walk-in services. Those in need of Success Center services are asked to call the Success Center staff at 907-269-7980 or email acpesucesscenter@alaska.gov. Read More
November 21, 2019 - Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Releases the Third Edition of the Alaska Higher Education Almanac
Juneau - The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (Commission) is pleased to announce publication of the 2020 Alaska Higher Education Almanac. The third edition of the Alaska Higher Education Almanac addresses the need for accessible and concise longitudinal information regarding higher education in Alaska. It offers a comprehensive picture of Alaska's postsecondary education by combining enrollment, credential attainment, and economic impact information, together with data on financial aid.
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July 24, 2019 - Commission Adopts Resolution to Support Alaskans' Educational Success and Contribution to a Healthy Alaska Economy
Juneau - At its July 24, 2019 quarterly meeting, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education voted to approve a resolution to support Alaskans' educational success and contribution to a healthy Alaska economy. Read More
Read the Resolution here
October 1, 2018 - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) NOW Available – Get Free Help at College Goal Alaska
Anchorage - Beginning in early October, financial aid experts are volunteering at locations across Alaska to help college and career training students and their families open the door to financial aid during the annual College Goal Alaska (CGA) events. Read More
August 2, 2018 - New Tool Will Help Families Navigate the College Process
Juneau - The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) has partnered with the Education Finance Council, which represents state-based and non-profit education financing agencies, in the launch of a new online tool — foryounotforprofit.org — which will help families more easily navigate the process of planning, saving, and paying for college. Read More
July 10, 2018 - New Interest Rate Structure; More Access to Alaska State Education Loans
Juneau - The Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) recently met to set interest rates for 2018-2019 state student loans, with base rates starting at 5.40% with additional rate discounts for students who attend school in Alaska or participate in Auto-Pay once they start repayment. Read More
February 26, 2018 - Commission Releases New Alaska Performance Scholarship and Alaska Education Grant Infographic
Juneau - The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education's newly released Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) Infographic highlights the benefits of the APS for low-income and first-generation students, as well as the positive impact the APS has on recipients' contributions to the Alaska workforce. Read More
July 5, 2017 - ACPE Cuts Refi Rates for Alaskans Repaying Student Loans
Juneau - Starting July 1, Alaska's state higher education agency is offering student loan refinancing at 4.95%. Qualifying borrowers can use Alaska Refi to consolidate private, state, and federal education loans; release co-signers; or transfer parent loans to the student's name. Read More
May 10, 2017 - Alaska Student Loan Rates Drop Sharply; Federal Rates Rise
Juneau – The Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) has set base rates for 2017-2018 student and family loans at 5.75%, with a discounted rate available to students who attend school in Alaska or who live in Alaska after graduation. This is a steep drop from the prior year, and a sharp contrast with federal rate increases. The rate on the federal PLUS loan for parents and graduate students is expected to be 7.0%. Read More
April 13, 2017 - Commission Adopts Resolution to Support the Alaska Performance Scholarship and Alaska Education Grants
Juneau - At its April 6, 2017 meeting, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education voted to approve a resolution that supports the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) and Alaska Education Grant (AEG).
As part of its mission to promote student access to and success in education beyond high school, the Commission is concerned that one of the key incentives for Alaska's students to excel in high school and be prepared for postsecondary and workforce success may be eliminated. Read More
March 15, 2017 - First Alaska Performance Scholarship Recipients Entering the Alaska Workforce
JUNEAU - "My decision to attend college in Alaska was greatly influenced by the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)."
Karen Clement was among the first students to be eligible for an Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS), created by the Alaska legislature in 2010. Now she's earned her degree and is a member of Alaska's health care workforce, with her story illustrating how the APS is delivering on its goals. Read More
February 1, 2017 - Commission Adopts Resolution to Support the Transfer of Credits Among Alaskan Institutions
JUNEAU - At its January 12, 2017 meeting, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education voted to approve a resolution that supports the development of credit transfer pathways between the University of Alaska system and the other accredited institutions in the state. Read More
August 1, 2016 - Refinance Program Can Help Alaskans with Student Loan Debt
JUNEAU - Alaska has a new option for residents struggling to repay high-interest student loans. The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is offering the new state Alaska Education Loan Refinancing Program, financed by the Alaska Student Loan Corporation, for qualifying Alaska residents seeking to reduce costs on student loans they or their family members borrowed to pay for higher education or training. Read More
April 22, 2016 - Barrans to Retire as Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Executive Director
JUNEAU - Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) Chair Becky Huggins has announced that Diane Barrans will retire effective June 1, 2016. Barrans has served as the executive director and executive officer of the Commission and Alaska Student Loan Corporation, respectively, for 20 years and prior to that served the state's higher education assistance agency in a variety of positions since 1983. Read More
June 16, 2015 - Alaska Performance Scholarship Shaping Alaska Students' Plans and Actions
JUNEAU - Students responding to a survey of eligible students from the first four graduating high school classes able to receive the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) report positive impacts. The graduates' responses reflect the APS's increasing influence on high school students doing more to prepare for postsecondary and career success. Read More »
March 3, 2015 - Alaska's Postsecondary Completion Crisis the Focus of Statewide Gathering
ANCHORAGE - Representatives from Alaska agencies, schools, businesses and institutions will meet in Anchorage March 17 and 18 for the first Alaska Postsecondary Access & Completion Network Conference. Read More »
February 19, 2015 - Alaska's Postsecondary Completion Crisis - "65 by 2025"
STATEWIDE - Alaska has a postsecondary completion crisis, consistently ranked among the poorest performing states in postsecondary access and completion. A broad cross-sector of engaged Alaskans and organizations are uniting to address this challenge through an Alaska Postsecondary Access and Completion Network. Read More »
April 1, 2014 - Kids2College Program Teaches Students to Plan for Their Future
ANCHORAGE – This spring, nearly 2,000 Alaskan 5th and 6th grade students from 17 communities will take what for many will be first steps toward exploring their college and career interests. Read More »
August 30, 2013 - Kendrick Lamar, James Harden and MTV's Sway Reward and Inspire Bethel High Students (Bethel)
BETHEL - Students in Bethel, Alaska, were recognized today with a star-studded celebrity event for their victory in a national competition demonstrating their commitment to college readiness. Read More »
April 10, 2013 - Kids2College Program Prepares Students for Success (Anchorage)
ANCHORAGE – April 12, 2013, 5th and 6th grade students from Fairview, North Star, and Willow Crest elementary schools, and 6th grade students from Clark Middle School will take what for many will be first steps toward exploring their college and career interests.
March 11, 2013 - Kids2College Program Prepares Students For Success (Statewide)
ANCHORAGE – This spring, Alaskan 5th and 6th grade students will take what for many will be their first steps toward exploring their college and career interests. Building on the success of the I'm Going To College program, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and UA College Savings Plan have partnered again, this time to put Kids2College into action across Alaska. This 20 year old program continues to grow and with Alaskan students enjoying the curriculum and preparing for their future, Kids2College now successfully operates in 28 states. This year we expect nearly 2,200 students in 13 communities to participate in the Kids2College program.
March 8, 2012 - Kids2College Program Prepares Students For Success
JUNEAU – March 8, 2013, 5th and 6th grade students from Auke Bay, Gastineau, Glacier Valley, Harborview, Juneau Community Charter, Mendenhall River, and Riverbend elementary schools will take what for many will be first steps toward exploring their college and career interests.
January 22, 2013 - FAFSA Workshops Connect Students With Financial Aid
ANCHORAGE - Alaska's 9th annual "College Goal" FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion program kicks off this week with events all across Alaska – from Barrow to Unalaska and Ketchikan. College Goal Alaska (CGA), part of the national College Goal SundaySM program, brings application assistance to help students, particularly low-income and first-generation college goers, complete the FAFSA—an essential annual step to receiving financial aid for postsecondary education. Read More »
November 5, 2012 - I Know I Can program inspires children in 34 Alaskan communities
STATEWIDE - Since 2007, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) and the UA College Savings Plan have partnered in bringing I Know I Can's message to second grade students across the state. Read More »
November 5, 2012 - I Know I Can program inspires children in 34 Alaskan communities
ANCHORAGE - Nov. 6-9, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) and the UA College Savings Plan will again partner to bring I Know I Can's message to second grade students in Anchorage schools. Read More »
November 2, 2012 - I Know I Can program inspires children in 34 Alaskan communities
JUNEAU - Nov. 5-16, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) and the UA College Savings Plan will again partner to bring I Know I Can's message to second grade students in Juneau schools. Read More »
August 27, 2012 - Education Loan Options for Alaska
ANCHORAGE - In an era of steadily escalating student debt levels and wide-ranging interest rates, there is some good news for Alaska students. Alaska's state programs' 2012-2013 interest rates have dropped for both student and family supplemental education loans. Read more »
June 27, 2012 - Alaska Receives Federal Grant to Build Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS)
JUNEAU - The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education accounced this week that Alaska has received a $4 million federal grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to build capacity in a statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS). Read More »
May 8, 2012 - I'm Going to College Program Sparks the Interest of Young Alaskans
JUNEAU – May 9 & 10th, Fifth graders from Auke Bay, Mendenhall River, Riverbend, Gastineau, Glacier Valley,Harborview, and Montessori Borealis elementary schools will visit the University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau Campus for two days of age appropriate classroom and hands-on activities. Read More »
May 3, 2012 - I'm Going to College Program Sparks the Interest of Young Alaskans
ANCHORAGE – May 4th, Sixth graders from Airport Heights, Lake Otis and Ursa Minor elementary schools, Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, and Begich Middle School will visit the University of Alaska Anchorage for a day of age appropriate classroom and hands-on activities. Read More »
March 28, 2012 - I'm Going to College Program Sparks the Interest of Young Alaskans
This spring, Alaska 5th and 6th grade children will attend their local colleges for a day of age-appropriate classroom and hands-on activities. Read More »
February 8, 2012 - FAFSA Workshops Connect Students With Financial Aid
Alaska's 8th annual College Goal Sunday (CGS) event kicks off at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2012. A national initiative, College Goal Sunday activities help students, particularly low-income and first-generation college goers, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Read More »
November 1, 2011 - Volunteers Help 2nd Grade Students Look To Their Future
This month University of Alaska and other postsecondary alumni volunteers are visiting 33 schools in 20 communities across the state to share in the UA College Savings Plan's I Know I Can outreach program, expected to reach over 1,600 second grade children. Read More »
August 19, 2011 - APS Application Deadline Extended
The deadline for eligible Class of 2011 high school graduates to apply for the 2011 Alaska Performance Scholarship has been extended to December 15, 2011. Read More »