4 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Alaska
Alaskan students can use financial aid from FAFSA for their online programs at several colleges and universities in their state and throughout the country.
Many students in Alaska opt to study online. Online programs are a great option for students who work full-time, take care of children or family, or don't live near a college campus. Online learning can often be less expensive overall, but many students still need financial aid to help pay for their programs, which they can receive through online colleges that accept FAFSA.
The best way to obtain financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Keep reading to discover the best online colleges that accept FAFSA including, affordable online colleges in Alaska.
4 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Alaska
Alaska is a huge state, but it's not a highly populated one, so it doesn't have a ton of colleges that offer online programs. However, the ones it does have accept FAFSA, and you can check these out below. Most schools listed are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
1. University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public university in Anchorage, AK. It's not only the largest campus in the University of Alaska system, but the largest by enrollment in the state.
The university offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as:
- education
- healthcare
- human services and social work
- psychology
UAA offers multiple scholarship opportunities and other financial aid options to help students pay for higher education. When filling out the FAFSA, use the school's code of 011462.
2. University of Alaska Fairbanks
The flagship campus of the University of Alaska is the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It offers online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in areas of study, such as business administration, biology, and history.
UAF is a public research university just outside of Fairbanks, AK. By using the FAFSA code 001063, students can access a range of financial aid options, including scholarships from the university.
3. University of Alaska Southeast
At the University of Alaska Southeast, students can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees through online learning. UAS is a public university in Juneau, AK.
Online and distance learning programs are available in fields such as business administration, education, liberal arts, and social sciences. The university offers a variety of scholarships and grants, and its FAFSA code is 001065.
4. Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University is a private, nonprofit Baptist university based in Plainview, TX. It also has several campuses across the U.S., including one in Anchorage and another in Fairbanks, AK. It offers online and distance education programs from the associate to the doctoral level in areas of study like:
- business administration
- criminal justice
- English
- history
Students can use scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for their online education by using the FAFSA code 003663. WBU holds regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Other Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in the U.S.
The great thing about online classes and distance learning is that you can choose an online college that isn't local to you. Although there are only a few online Alaska colleges, students in Alaska can earn their degrees through other online colleges. We've highlighted some top options from across the country below, all with regional accreditation.
1. Colorado State University Global
Students at Colorado State University Global can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs. Degrees are available in numerous fields, such as business, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare.
CSU Global is the online campus of the public Colorado State University. It does not charge an additional fee to out-of-state students and its FAFSA code is 042087.
2. National University
Various degrees, from associate to doctoral degrees, are available to online learners at National University. This institution is a private, nonprofit school in San Diego.
Students can earn degrees in areas of study like business administration, criminal justice, information technology, and teaching. The university offers several scholarship opportunities to help college students pay for their education. Students will need the FAFSA code 011460.
3. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university in Manchester, NH. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as:
- business administration
- computer science
- criminal justice
- healthcare administration
SNHU is well known for its online degrees, and most of its students study online rather than on campus — the majority are out-of-state students. You can apply for financial aid with the FAFSA code 002580.
4. UMass Global
The online degree programs at UMass Global are available as associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Areas of study include business, education, and information technology.
UMass Global is an online school that is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts System. Its FAFSA code is 041618.
5. University of North Dakota
At the University of North Dakota, students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. UND is a public research university in Grand Forks, ND.
Online degrees are available in fields such as earth science, engineering, healthcare, and psychology. Online students at UND pay the in-state tuition rate for programs, and the school's FAFSA code is 003005.
6. Washington State University Global Campus
Washington State University Global Campus is the online campus of the public Washington State University System. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study like:
- business administration
- communication
- engineering
- healthcare
Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as in-state students for their online degrees. The FAFSA code for all Washington State University campuses, including the global campus, is 003800.
Applying for FAFSA in Alaska
We've broken down the basics of what you need to know about applying for FAFSA in Alaska below.
Eligibility
There are very few requirements you need to meet to apply for FAFSA. They include:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- be planning to attend an accredited institution for postsecondary education (i.e., community college or four-year university)
There is no income limit just for filling out the FAFSA. All students who have financial need should fill out the form to determine their eligibility.
Steps To Apply
The first step to applying for FAFSA is to visit the U.S. Department of Education's financial aid website and create an account. Then, you'll need to gather your family's financial information. This includes personal information, such as Social Security numbers from your parents, if you're a dependent, or your spouse if you're married.
You'll then input all this information into the FAFSA form, as well as the school codes for any colleges you've applied to, even if you haven't been accepted yet. This process takes about an hour.
Once you've submitted your FAFSA, you can monitor its status through your online account. You'll learn what federal or state financial aid you qualify for and can use your FAFSA to apply for private financial aid as well.
FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Alaska
Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about using the FAFSA for college in Alaska.
Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in Alaska?
As long as an online college is accredited, you can use FAFSA, regardless of your state. All regionally accredited colleges should accept FAFSA, but if your college is nationally accredited, you'll want to double-check.
What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have?
Filling out the FAFSA allows you to qualify for need-based aid, such as the Pell Grant and the Alaska Education Grant. Many scholarship opportunities, including the Alaska Performance Scholarship, require you to fill out FAFSA as well.
However, many private student loans and scholarship programs do not require FAFSA. If you cannot apply for FAFSA or do not receive the aid you need, you can pursue these options instead.
Can FAFSA Be Used for Online Courses?
FAFSA can be used for online courses the same way it's used for in-person courses. If your institution is accredited and accepts FAFSA, you can use FAFSA student aid.
Earn Your Bachelor's Degree Online Today
Start your path to a rewarding career by checking out the high-quality online bachelor's degree programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools for more information on their online offerings and financial aid.