Helping Mat-Su residents reduce the cost of higher education.

Mat–Su Health Foundation is committed to helping Mat-Su residents achieve their higher education goals. Your commitment to education not only improves your economic mobility but also supports the health and well-being of residents in the community.

Applications for 2026 are now closed. Applications for 2027 will open next January.

Are you a returning applicant?

Learn More

Eligibility and requirements

What types of academic programs are eligible?

  • Diploma, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs at accredited colleges or universities
  • Programs in early childhood education, special education, physical education, healthcare, human services, and nonprofit management

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Students eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid
  • Programs in early childhood education, special education, physical education, healthcare, human services, and nonprofit management
  • Students attending school outside of Alaska must remain eligible for the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend and must be able to confirm Mat-Su residency (via Mat-Su voting registration, an Alaska driver’s license, or Alaska state).

Who is not eligible to apply?

  • MSHF staff, directors, officers, program committee members, and family* members of the above.
  • Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Board and their family* members.
  • Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Trustee members.

* Family members of a disqualified person include a disqualified person’s spouse, siblings (whether by whole or half-blood), spouses of siblings (whether by whole or half-blood) and their children by whole or half blood or by adoption, ancestors, children (including a legally adopted child), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (whether by whole or half-blood).

What information is required to apply as a first-time applicant?

Cost of Attendance (COA)

  • The estimated total cost for one academic year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
  • Here is a sample COA.
  • If applying for a scholarship for one semester, divide the annual COA in half.

FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI)

  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number that helps schools figure out how much financial aid you might need. It is based on your and your family’s financial resources, minus the amount needed for basic living expenses. The left over financial resources could go toward college costs. The lower your SAI, the more financial help you may qualify for. 
  • Your SAI is noted on your FAFSA Submission Summary.
  • To learn more visit What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)? | Federal Student Aid.

How do I apply for FAFSA?

Visit FAFSA.gov to complete your application. For FAFSA Completion Resources and support, visit the Alaska FAFSA Completion Initiative website.

Once you submit your FAFSA, you will need your FAFSA Student Aid Index to submit a scholarship application. The SAI is noted on the FAFSA Submission Summary.

Academic Scholarship Application Timeline 2027

Note: This timeline only applies to first-time applicants. For returning applicants, please follow instructions here.

Submit Application

Applications will be accepted from January 5, 2027 through March 2, 2027

Application reviewed by scholarship team

By March 30

All applications will be reviewed by March 30. If the scholarship team requires any additional information, applicants will be contacted during this time. 

Notification of Decision

By April 30

Applicants will be notified by email of scholarship decisions by the end of April.

Award Confirmation

By June 30

If awarded a scholarship, recipients must complete an award confirmation form by June 30.

Payment

By September 1

Scholarship checks will be mailed directly to recipients’ schools.

For Returning Applicants: Renewing your Academic Scholarship

You will receive an email invitation in early January to complete your renewal application through the Giving Data portal. If you have not received your invitation, check your spam or junk folder, and mark “Giving Data” as a safe sender. If you still have not received your invitation, please contact us at scholarships@healthymatsu.org.

What to expect:

The renewal application is an opportunity to make changes. It will ask you to confirm:

  • Scholarship eligibility
  • Contact information
  • Education details
  • Employment details
  • Anticipated graduation date

Have more questions?

Join an Info Session

Have questions or want to learn more? Attend one of our upcoming Academic Scholarship Information Sessions to get guidance on eligibility, application tips, and deadlines.

Scholarship Information Sessions

Presentations will begin at 4:00 p.m., and repeat at 5:00 p.m.

  • January 14, 2027
  • January 28, 2027
  • February 11, 2027
  • February 25, 2027

Location: MSHF Scholarship Office, Suite B-111
Meals will be provided!

For More Information:

  • Call us: (907) 352-2863
  • Email us: scholarships@healthymatsu.org
  • Visit us: Mat-Su Health Foundation, 777 N. Crusey, Suite B-111, Wasilla, AK 99654