The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) introduces a unique opportunity for out-of-state and international students: the Live and Learn in Alaska initiative. This program dramatically reduces the cost of education by offering on-campus residents in-state tuition rates for both online and in-person courses. Imagine saving up to $566 per credit – potentially over $20,000 annually! Beyond the financial benefits, you’ll be immersed in a supportive, academically focused community nestled in the stunning Alaskan landscape. For a detailed breakdown of costs, explore the Financial Aid Office’s Cost of Attendance calculator.
Choosing to live’learn on campus at UAA is not just about savings. It’s about investing in a richer college experience. And for UA Scholars and University Honors College students, the advantages multiply with the Academic Honors Housing Scholarship, offering an additional $1,500 annually.
Who Qualifies for Live and Learn in Alaska?
Eligibility is straightforward. If you’re classified as a non-resident or international student by the university, and you choose to live in UAA student housing, you’re in. Once you’ve moved into your campus residence, the Office of the Bursar will adjust your tuition to the in-state rate.
For students with “pending” residency status, finalizing this with the Office of Admissions is the first step to unlock the Live and Learn in Alaska tuition benefit. You can easily check your residency status on UAOnline under Student Services, Account Information, and Student Records. For comprehensive details, refer to the Alaska Resident Tuition webpage. Any residency status queries should be directed to the Office of Admissions at [email protected]. Resolving your residency status is crucial to ensure accurate tuition and housing rates.
To participate, students must also meet all general requirements for on-campus living and have a valid housing agreement with the Department of Residence Life. It’s important to note that UAA currently doesn’t offer family housing for non-student spouses or dependents. For application details and housing eligibility, visit the How to Apply for Housing webpage.
The Live and Learn in Alaska initiative welcomes international students and graduate students. Even students already benefiting from the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, paying 150% of residency tuition, are automatically eligible for this initiative without needing to take any extra steps.
This initiative is specifically for UAA’s Anchorage campus. While UAA values offering courses from UAF and UAS, the tuition adjustment applies only to courses directly offered by UAA Anchorage. This also extends to partner programs with other universities – the course registration must list the campus as Anchorage to qualify.
Initiative Timeline and Long-Term Benefits
The Live and Learn in Alaska initiative is confirmed by the UAA Chancellor to continue through the 2025-2026 academic year. The university will evaluate its future during that year to decide on continuation beyond this period. Originally a two-year pilot program starting in 2022-2023, it has now been extended. Students who begin living on campus within the initiative’s approved timeframe will continue to receive the tuition reduction for up to four years, as long as they maintain on-campus residency during fall and spring semesters. This long-term commitment ensures that students who choose to live’learn at UAA can plan their finances with confidence throughout their degree program.
Tuition Rate Adjustments Explained
Eligible students will see tuition rate adjustments in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. After you check into your student housing at the start of the semester, the Office of the Bursar will review your account and typically process the adjustment within two weeks. You might initially see the non-resident tuition rate reflected in your account before the payment deadline, but rest assured the adjustment is coming.
The Office of the Bursar continuously reviews and adjusts tuition rates for on-campus students throughout the semester to accommodate residency status updates and students moving in later. Tuition rates are considered final after the withdrawal deadline each semester. Students moving onto campus after the withdrawal deadline will not be eligible for the Live and Learn in Alaska tuition reduction for that semester. Once your tuition rate is adjusted, it will remain at the in-state rate even if you move off-campus during that semester. However, any misuse of the initiative may result in revocation of eligibility for future semesters. Embrace the opportunity to live’learn affordably at UAA and make the most of your Alaskan adventure.
