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Â鶹´«Ã½ Education Tax Credit

Photo of a student welding.The Â鶹´«Ã½ Education Tax Credit (ETC) program, administered by the Department of Revenue, gives tax credits (50% of the contribution) to third party entities that make charitable donations (of either cash or equipment) for the purpose of education in the state. The program empowers Â鶹´«Ã½ to maintain a highly effective partnership between businesses and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½, directly benefiting Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s workforce needs and fueling the economy.  

In 2024, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 148, which increased the combined ETC cap to $3 million and extended the program through Dec. 31, 2028. The $3 million tax cap, according to the Department of Revenue, applies to all donations made on or after June 27, 2024. (Note, the $1 million tax cap applies to donations made prior to the June 27, 2024 signed legislation). 

Businesses paying any of the following taxes can receive a 50% credit against their tax obligation during the calendar year a gift is given. Contributions to UA for direct instruction, educational support, facilities, and research are eligible to utilize the ETC. The credit can be applied on the following Â鶹´«Ã½ state taxes: 

  • corporate income tax
  • oil and gas production tax 
  • fisheries business tax
  • oil and gas property tax
  • fishery resource landing tax
  • insurance premium tax
  • mining license tax
  • title insurance premium tax

Benefits of the ETC
The ETC provides the ultimate return on investment. Contributed dollars go towards education and contributors receive a tax credit for their generosity.  The Â鶹´«Ã½ Legislature established the ETC in 1987 to encourage businesses to make charitable contributions to Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s educational institutions. It incentivizes targeted investments in UA student scholarships, research, centers of excellence, facilities, and internships that address industry demands.

The ETC promotes accessible in-state education and training, which is essential to Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s workforce and future economy. It strengthens the UA system’s partnerships with important industries such as seafood, mining, banking, tourism, insurance, and energy. As a result, it also provides UA graduates with exciting career opportunities in Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s job fields. 

See the ETC in Action at UA
Several companies have utilized the ETC to make value-stream investments in their workforce and communities through the University.  Those include: 

  • First National Bank Â鶹´«Ã½
  • Hecla Greens Creek Mining Company
  • Holland America Group (Holland America Line and Princess Cruises)
  • New York Life Insurance 
  • Trident Seafoods, Inc.

More Information
For additional information about how the ETC may be utilized to benefit UA, please contact the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation at 907-786-1111 or email foundation@alaska.edu. All other ETC questions should be directed to the Department of Revenue or a tax professional.