4 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Alaska

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 (UAA) 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 (UAF). 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 (WBU) 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.

Colorado State University Global

Students at Colorado State University (CSU) 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.

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.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 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.

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.

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.

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.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Alaska

Alaska residents can take advantage of several financial aid programs that work alongside FAFSA to make earning a college degree more affordable. These options can help cover tuition and other expenses for students enrolled in both traditional and online programs.

Alaska Education Grant

The Alaska Education Grant (AEG) provides need-based financial aid to Alaska residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at eligible institutions. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and meet the program’s residency and income requirements.

Online learners can use AEG funds to pay for tuition and required fees at participating colleges. Awards are renewable and based on financial need, helping students access affordable education without relocating.

Alaska Performance Scholarship

The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) rewards high school graduates who demonstrate academic excellence and plan to attend an eligible Alaska institution. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility and maintain qualifying GPAs and test scores.

APS funding can be applied to both on-campus and online degree programs. It’s a valuable opportunity for academically strong students seeking affordable education options close to home.

Alaska Supplemental Education Loan

The Alaska Supplemental Education Loan (ASEL) offers low-interest loans to Alaska residents or students attending Alaska colleges who need additional funding beyond grants and scholarships. While FAFSA isn’t required, completing it first is encouraged to identify free aid before borrowing.

Funds can be used for tuition, housing, or technology expenses related to online education. This loan helps bridge the gap between available financial aid and total education costs.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Alaska

Completing the FAFSA is one of the best ways to unlock federal and state financial aid for Alaska students. Below are answers to common questions about how FAFSA applies to online colleges in the state.

Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in Alaska?

Yes, you can use FAFSA for accredited online colleges in Alaska or any other state. Most regionally accredited institutions accept federal financial aid for both in-person and distance learning programs.

If your college is nationally accredited, check with the financial aid office to confirm FAFSA participation. Verifying this ensures that your student aid is processed correctly before classes begin.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have?

In addition to FAFSA, Alaska students can apply for state-based aid such as the Alaska Education Grant and the Alaska Performance Scholarship. These programs are designed to make college more affordable for residents pursuing degrees in-state.

Private scholarships and employer tuition assistance programs also provide valuable funding sources. Many of these opportunities can be combined with federal aid to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Can FAFSA Be Used for Online Courses?

Yes, FAFSA can be applied toward online courses just as it can for traditional programs. The key requirement is that the school and program are accredited and eligible to participate in federal aid programs.

FAFSA funds, like Pell Grants, loans, and work-study, can help cover tuition, books, and technology fees for online learners. Always confirm with your school’s financial aid office to ensure full eligibility.

Find an Affordable Online College in Alaska

Alaska students can combine federal, state, and private aid to make online education more accessible. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare programs, discover scholarship opportunities, and find the right fit for your goals.