Getting Started
Prepare for Your Education
Start early; get organized, and follow up.
Choose a School
First, you’ll need to decide what school/college or university you want to attend.
Apply for Admission
Applying to schools means more than just filling out forms. You need to understand each school's requirements, gather information, meet deadlines, and pay fees for each submitted application. In this section, you'll get a look at the school application process. It may seem a little overwhelming, but once you have a clear picture of everything involved, you can determine what needs to be done. Getting organized will help eliminate a lot of stress.
Apply for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by virtually all two- and four-year colleges, universities and career schools for the awarding of federal student aid and most state and college aid.
You will need to apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. This will help the schools determine what kind of aid you will qualify for. The financial aid office can assist you in applying for grants, loans, payment programs, and scholarships. If you are a veteran, it is possible you may qualify for veterans' benefits.
Educational institutions may have internal (campus-based) funding in the way of scholarships and institutional aid, which can be based on need, academics, athletic programs, etc. Contact the admissions or financial aid office.
State Aid
Even if you are not eligible for federal aid, you might be eligible for financial assistance from your state. Contact Alaska Advantage for more information.
Free or Reduced Tuition Programs for Alaskan Natives, Native Americans and/or Low Income Families
There are several programs available at top schools. Click here for this section of our website.
Other Funding
Your employer may provide professional development to help pay for your education. Check with your human resource office.
Apply for Private Scholarships
You can find out about nonfederal scholarships and other sources of financial aid in several ways, including contacting the financial aid offices at the schools you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate. Don't get scammed. You don't have to pay to find scholarships.
There are many types of organizations that provide private scholarships. Each has its own requirements and qualifications. Typically scholarship applications are due at different times of the year. Make sure you follow the instructions and are aware of the deadlines.
Check our link to the scholarships available in the NANA region. To visit link, click here.
Maintaining Eligibility
While you are in school, there are certain requirements that you must meet in order to keep your account in good standing and remain eligible for financial aid.
Follow Up
Get the facts on financial aid, how to maintain it and what to do when school is over.
Additional Resources
Finding funding for your education can be a challenging process, but is worth your time. Below are some resources to help you:
- U.S. Department of Education Student Aid on the Web
- Bureau of Indian Education
- CIRI Foundation Education Resources Handbook Published annually by the CIRI Foundation, the handbook focuses on Alaska Native/Native American opportunities and contains post-secondary education planning suggestions and listings of print and web site scholarship and grant opportunities for attending colleges or training schools.
- Shareholder Developments Scholarship Presentation