College and Adult Child Support in Alaska: Post-Secondary and Disabled Adult Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Child support for college in Alaska is not provided for in the statutes we read. The express extension covers unmarried 18-year-olds still pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent training; for adult children, ask an Alaska attorney before the 18th birthday.

Does child support cover college in Alaska?

We found no Alaska statute that provides for court-ordered child support for college. The statutes we read cover children generally and expressly extend to unmarried 18-year-olds actively pursuing a high school diploma or an equivalent level of technical or vocational training and living as dependents with a parent, guardian or designee (AS 25.24.170(a)). Technical or vocational training counts only as an equivalent to a high school diploma at that age, not as post-secondary support.

What does the divorce judgment statute allow?

In a judgment in a divorce, the court may provide for payments “as may be just and proper for the parties to contribute toward the nurture and education of their children” (AS 25.24.160(a)(1)). The statute does not name adult children or college, and we cannot tell from it how far a court could go. Ask a licensed Alaska attorney before the child turns 18.

Is there child support for an adult child with a disability in Alaska?

We did not find an Alaska statute that provides for it, and we are not stating a rule we could not verify. If your child has a disability that will prevent self-support, talk to a licensed Alaska attorney well before the 18th birthday about what the court can order.

How is support during a divorce case different from support after the judgment?

While a divorce action is pending, the court may award reasonable support for minor children and for unmarried 18-year-old children who are actively pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent training and living as dependents with the spouse or designee (AS 25.24.140(a)(3)). After judgment, AS 25.24.170(a) lets the court modify the judgment to provide for the same group. Neither provision mentions college.

What does the agency list as a reason to extend support?

The agency’s modifications FAQ lists extending support for a child who is 18 but still living with a parent or guardian while pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent as a reason an order can be modified (agency FAQ). It does not list college.

Can parents agree to pay for college in Alaska?

Parents who want to share college costs can negotiate their own terms. Put any agreement in writing and have an attorney review how it would be enforced.

Can college costs before 18 be considered?

Child support for a minor is calculated under Civil Rule 90.3, and the court may vary the award for good cause on proof by clear and convincing evidence that manifest injustice would result (Rule 90.3(c)(1)).

So when does support end for most children?

For nearly every child it is the 18th birthday, or the end of the high school extension if the order provides for one. Use the Alaska child support end date calculator.

What about unpaid support?

Past-due installments stay owed: see whether Alaska arrears expire or can be forgiven.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• AS 25.20.010: age of majority
• AS 25.24.170(a): modification of judgment for 18-year-olds finishing high school
• AS 25.24.140(a)(3): support during a pending action
• Alaska Bar Association: how long does my responsibility to support my child last?
• Alaska Child Support Enforcement Division: modifications FAQ
• AS 25.27.225: support payments as judgments
• AS 25.24.160(a): judgment in a divorce action
• Alaska Civil Rule 90.3

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Alaska statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Alaska attorney.