Paying for an Alaska Online Education

Once you figured out that you are right for an Alaska online education and get your schedule of classes worked out, you will need to find a way to pay for your Alaska online education. Learn about the many educational financing options available to you here.

Your Employer

Most employers are willing to help their employees pay for the cost of Alaska online education through tuition reimbursement or assistance programs. Depending on the quality of the program your employer has, you may be able to receive reimbursement for 100% of your tuition costs as well as your expenses for materials, books, etc. Your company's human resources department should have more information on the tuition assistance program, if one is available. In addition, your employer may qualify for a tax credit if they help pay for your education. Several states now offer tax breaks to businesses who pay for employees' tuition.

Grants & Scholarships

Scholarships and grants provide students with funds that do not have to be repaid. Usually, scholarships are based on merit and/or financial need. Grants are typically more need-based than scholarships. Students who work full-time, have dependents, or are otherwise non-traditional will find an abundance of scholarship opportunities available to them. To find scholarships and grants for which you qualify, try searching online for awards available in your state. You may also check with your online school's financial aid office for information on relevant scholarships and grants.

Student Loans

Federal, state, and private education loans are available to Alaska online education students as long as they are enrolled in an accredited institution. Your best resource for information on student loans is your online college's financial aid advisor. Typically, online institutions have a special page on their site dedicated to financial aid information. Your school can also put you in touch with a financial aid coordinator to discuss your individual options. If you would like to apply for federal aid, make sure you fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application as soon as you can.

Loan Forgiveness Programs

If you graduate from an Alaska online education program with student debt, you can participate in any number of loan forgiveness or repayment programs. Most fields have government-sponsored programs that encourage recent graduates to go into under served regions by offering loan repayment/forgiveness incentives. For example, if you graduate with an education degree, the government may forgive your loans if you agree to teach in a rural or inner-city school for a certain number of years.