JUNEAU — More Alaska students are using a college scholarship paid to high-performing graduates after the Legislature increased award amounts last year, according to a recent report from the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy last year signed a measure into law that boosted the Alaska Performance Scholarship, and expanded the program’s eligibility qualifications. It was the first increase for the scholarship since it was established in 2011.
“We’re seeing some exciting things. I think the legislation did what it was intended to do,” said Kerry Thomas, acting executive director of the ACPE.
Recipients of the scholarship can use it at 24 institutions in Alaska, including at the University of Alaska, community colleges and technical training centers. The measure boosted each of the performance scholarship’s three award amounts by almost 50%. The top tier increased from $4,755 to $7,000 per year.
Eligibility qualifications were also expanded. Students can now use their grade-point average to qualify for the program, or a standardized test score, instead of both. Career and technical education classes also count for curriculum requirements.
Thomas said that as of fall 2024, the number of recent graduates choosing to use the scholarship had almost doubled from the year before. The scholarship is set to pay out a record amount this fiscal year: $13 million to over 2,200 students, she said on Friday.
Pat Pitney, president of the University of Alaska, welcomed the changes approved by the Legislature.
“The improvements are already showing incredible results — 65% more new APS-eligible students applied and enrolled at UA this year than last,” she said during a recent State of the University address.
The University of Alaska Board of Regents also increased the UA Scholars Award last year from $12,000 to $15,000. The award is offered to the top 10% of Alaska high school students to then study at the University of Alaska or its community colleges.
Students who receive both awards could get $1,500 more per semester to study in Alaska.
The Alaska Performance Scholarship was intended to keep more high school graduates studying and living in Alaska.
According to data from the ACPE, which manages the scholarship program, students who take the performance scholarship are more likely to stay and live in Alaska than those who don’t.
However, the scholarship program was in the doldrums two years ago. Acceptance rates had dropped to record lows, and the vast majority of eligible high school students were rejecting the scholarship and choosing to study Outside.
Juneau Democratic Rep. Andi Story, co-chair of the House Education Committee, said recent data showed the funding and eligibility changes were leading to more interest in the program.
“We’re very encouraged by that,” she said.
However, she said that many Alaska students don’t realize they also need to apply for federal student aid to qualify for that scholarship and other awards. Alaska has the lowest rate nationally of students who successfully navigate the federal aid application process.