UAF Launches 4-Year Need-Based Scholarship Program

UAF has established a new renewable need-based scholarship program that could cover up to half of tuition costs for undergraduate students who qualify.

The Nanook Commitment Scholarship is the only one of its kind in the University of Alaska system.

“The availability of substantial renewable need-based financial aid has long been a challenge for Alaska students. It has been a gap for decades,” says Anna Gagne-Hawes, UAF acting director of admissions. “While UAF has many merit-based and discipline-specific scholarships, a holistic need-based scholarship program is a new and positive opportunity at UAF.“

When paired with the companion merit-based Nanook Pledge Scholarship and other state and federal grants and scholarships, the Nanook Commitment Scholarship brings the prospect of a full ride within grasp for UAF students.

Riley von Borstel, president of UAF’s student government, says scholarships can make or break a student’s ability to pursue higher education.

“I speak from personal experience,” she says. “If it weren’t for the generosity of scholarship donors, I wouldn’t have near as many opportunities in my education and in my future.”