Born and raised in Alaska. When I graduated high school, I took classes at the community college and got a general two year degree. I applied to UAA's nursing program and there was a three year waiting list to get in. I went out of state for nursing school, coming back and working at the local nursing home over every Christmas and summer break. the PFD was imperative in helping with (some) tuition and travel expenses. I came back and now work in a local hospital. To take the PFD from college students who go out of state due to NO OPTIONS here in Alaska would be horrible. 

Maybe the government should figure out spending habits rather than slashing the PFD as a first line option.