ACPE is here each step of the way
Congratulations on your decision to work towards completing a postsecondary college or career training program. Whether you are returning to school after many years or starting for the first time, we are happy you're here!
As an adult, you bring an informed and experienced perspective to your education and your career goals. We encourage you to review information relevant to being an adult student, including opportunities for reskilling & upskilling, financial literacy considerations, funding solutions, and connecting with the ACPE Success Center for additional resources.
If you're interested in going back to school, but aren't quite sure where to begin or what to study, it may be worthwhile to consider areas for reskilling or upskilling. Perhaps you have been out of the work force for an extended period of time and your skills need to be refreshed. Or you might be looking to apply for a promotion but need to advance your skills or earn a credential to meet the qualifications for the position.
AKCIS 360 is a great place to start! By exploring high demand fields, qualifications, and job opportunities, you can hone in on potential programs of study and opportunities to reskill or upskill. From there, you can create and build your own Personal Learning & Career Plan. Connect with AKCIS 360 (for free) and plan your next move!
Whether looking to pursue college or career training, use the templates below to compare and prioritize programs and track important deadlines. Copy & save these templates to your personal Google Drive and add in details appropriate for yourself, using the examples provided.
Financial literacy means something different to adults who have a variety of responsibilities and life experience with things like budgeting, credit, debt, and more.
At ACPE, we understand your time is limited and so we've put together revelant financial literacy concepts to ensure you are making informed decisions when it comes to the funding opportunities available to you.
Check out ACPE's Resource Library for important information about Financial Literacy, Education Funding Solutions, and so much more!
There are three main types of education funding sources: Federal, State, and Institutional and in general, three types of funding: grants, scholarships, and loans.
Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the primary application to access federal and state aid. Many institutions also require FAFSA completion to be considered for institutional scholarships & grants as well. On the FAFSA, students (and their contributors) input income information to determine financial need. It is important to note that there is no income limit to complete the FAFSA. It is a myth that a person "makes too much money" to submit the FAFSA. If you need help completing the FAFSA, visit acpe.alaska.gov/alaskafafsacompletion.
State Aid: State-funded aid includes the Alaska Education Grant (AEG) and Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). Both aid programs require FAFSA completion and can be used at qualified institutions and training providers in Alaska. The AEG is a need-based grant program offering up to $4,000 per academic year. The APS is a merit-based scholarship students qualify for during high school, earning up to $28,000 total for a term of use up to 8 years after high school graduation.
Institutional Aid: This is financial aid you may be eligible to receive directly from your institution or training provider. This aid typically comes in the form of either a grant (need-based) or scholarship (academic/grade-based). Usually, a student needs to submit the FAFSA and/or a separate scholarship application to receive institutional aid. A student must also apply for and be granted admission to receive institutional aid.
Scholarships & Grants: These forms of aid are often provided by states or institutions (and sometimes community organizations). Often to qualify a student must submit an application and/or have demonstrated financial need. Usually scholarships are based on a student's academic performance (merit) and grants are based on finanical need.
Education Loans: Education loans are funds that a student borrows to pay remaining financial obligations to their institution. Loans should only be considered after all other types of financial aid solutions are used, like grants and scholarships. Remaining expenses for education can be paid for by borrowing education loans, if the student does not have other sources of payment. Education loans can be provided by Federal Student Aid, State lenders like ACPE, or private for-profit lenders.
If you are in need of education loans, it is important to determine how much you need to borrow to cover your remaining expenses without overborrowing. It is also important to consider the lender's interest rates and any fees involved.
ACPE's education loan solutions are offered at low, fixed rates (meaning your payment won't change over time), have no fees, and no pre-payment penalties. Check out our education loan programs on our Funding Solutions page!
If you would like assistance to move forward on any of theses funding solutions, connect with the ACPE Success Center. Our Success Center staff are here to help you complete the FAFSA, submit admissions & scholarship applications, and can even help you apply for an education loan.
You don't have to go through this process alone! Schedule an appointment through youcanbook.me or visit the ACPE Success Center site to learn more.
If you're planning to attend college or career training in the 2025-26 school year, complete your FAFSA before June 30, 2025. Visit ACPE's FAFSA Completion page for assistance.
Explore & create your Personal Learning & Career Plan
Complete the FAFSA & unlock funding solutions
Make sure remaining educational expenses are covered
Access support and assistance every step of the way