Alaska Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students
Get the inside scoop on Alaska colleges with our ultimate guide for prospective students. Check out all the details you need to know about the best educational institutions in Alaska.
- By: The College Compass Team
While college options in Alaska may be sparse, that doesn’t mean you should overlook this incredible state. From Fairbanks to Anchorage and everything in between, attending a college or university in Alaska offers exciting opportunities, from outdoor recreation and post-degree job prospects to internships or research programs focusing on the environment.
With students from all over the world, an array of fields of study to choose from, and rigorous academics provided at each institution, there is bound to be something for everyone who chooses to explore the college scene in Alaska.
Plus, if you are looking for a break from school but don’t want to leave the area entirely just yet, there is no shortage of things to do with your extra time! Whether it’s touring Denali National Park or visiting glaciers accessible by boat, some activities will keep one interested during your college experience in The Last Frontier.
Higher Education in Alaska: Overview & Important Info
Alaska is home to diverse higher education options, offering access to on-campus and online programs at its universities and colleges. You can pursue degrees in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and more.
Quick facts about colleges in Alaska:
- Types of Colleges in Alaska – Public colleges, Private colleges for profit, Private colleges not for profit, and Community colleges
- Number of Colleges & Universities by type – 3 public colleges, 3 private colleges, 4 community colleges
- Number of Students – 22106 students
Average tuition cost from colleges listed – $11497 - Popular student cities, areas, or towns – Fairbanks, Palmer, and Anchorage
The Most Popular Colleges in Alaska in 2023
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is more than just your typical college – since its founding in 1917, UAF has become a distinguished center for research and learning.
With 120 degree programs to choose from, including health sciences, engineering, business, and the arts, as well as engaging research centers dedicated to preserving Alaskan heritage, plus outdoor amenities like hiking trails right on campus, it’s no wonder why students flock here!
There are many student life opportunities with housing options ranging from dorms to off-campus apartments. You could say you’ll never have an issue finding something fun or interesting outdoors at UAF!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$9,870
Duration
4 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Close, Selective
SAT
Required
Graduation Rate
34%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Biological sciences
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer science
• Nursing
• Business administration
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK
At the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), you’ll find a welcoming, vibrant community dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. The academic programs offer a range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.
With small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty and staff, UAS creates an enriching learning environment where you can grow and thrive.
UAS provides various student services to ensure every student has the necessary resources to succeed.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$6,690
Duration
2 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Close, Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
36%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Police and Criminal Science
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Elementary Education
• Social Science Research Methods
• Medical Records Administration
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK
Located in the heart of Anchorage, UAA is a beacon of academic excellence.
Established over 65 years ago as the Alaska Methodist University, this public research university has grown to become one of three universities under the prestigious University System and boasts accreditation from NWCCU.
Fostering an environment encouraging intellectual development, UAA offers you diverse opportunities ranging from undergraduate degrees like Accounting to more specialized topics such as Wildlife Management at its various institutes dedicated solely to research work.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$11,782
Duration
4 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Close, Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
32%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business
• Accounting
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Mechanical Engineering
Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK
Alaska Pacific University (APU) has provided an exceptional education for over 60 years.
Nestled in the heart of Anchorage, this private liberal arts university offers more than 40 undergraduate majors across five schools and two graduate programs – Business Administration & Education – with small class sizes and personalized faculty attention to ensure success.
APU also provides various student services, such as academic advising, career counseling, job placement assistance, and on-campus housing options, allowing you to transition seamlessly into your future endeavors.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$16,000
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, Not for Profit
Enrollment
Close, Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
36%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business
• Counseling Psychology
• Natural Sciences
• Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
Alaska Bible College
Palmer, AK
Alaska Bible College is a Christ-centered atmosphere where you are encouraged to pursue your calling and become influential leaders.
Its curriculum consists of Biblical studies, theology, pastoral care & counseling, as well as Christian leadership & ministry with experiential learning opportunities such as internships and community service.
Plus, Various recreational activities, including camping trips, retreats, and mission trips, ensure that Alaska Bible College provides an enriching experience for all its attendees!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$10,200
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, Not for Profit
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
29%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate & Bachelor’s
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business
• Counseling Psychology
• Natural Sciences
• Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
• Accounting
Ilisagvik College
Barrow, AK
Ilisagvik College is a unique and special higher education institution located in the far northern U.S. that provides an engaging educational experience.
It carries forward Iñupiat culture through a curriculum emphasizing small classes, hands-on learning experiences, and cultural awareness while offering Associate of Arts or Applied Science degrees in business, health care, and other exciting programs. Furthermore, it has many services on campus to support academic success, including career advice centers, counseling facilities, financial aid offices, and creative outlets like galleries, theater, film video studios, and music recording studios, ready to be explored!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$4,920
Duration
2 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
29%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate & Bachelor’s
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Business
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• General Construction Trades
• Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping
• Dental Hygiene
Alaska Christian College
Soldotna, AK
Discover a world of possibilities and prepare to make an impact at Alaska Christian College!
Located in Soldotna, this private, faith-based institution was founded in 2015, offering undergraduate degrees such as Biblical Studies, Missions, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Professional Studies.
You can benefit from experiential learning opportunities through internships abroad or service-learning programs closer to home with faculty members ready to provide mentorship toward reaching individual goals.
Avg. Tuition Cost
$8,500
Duration
2 Years
Type
Public
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates & Associate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Divinity, Ministry, and Pre-Theology
• Behavioral Sciences
• Teaching Assistant
Alaska Career College
Anchorage, AK
Gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive job market with Alaska Career College!
With an emphasis on smaller classroom settings, you will receive personalized instruction for extra help. From certificates through associate degrees, every program is tailored to give you the tools needed for career advancement. Plus, the learning environment encourages limitless growth so that all individuals have access to building upon what they already know.
Make your success story begin with studying at Alaska Career College – unlock your potential today!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$16,245
Duration
2 Years
Type
Private, for Profit
Enrollment
Open, Nonselective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Classes
On-campus
Types Of Degrees
Certificates & Associate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Insurance Coding
• Massage Therapy and Bodywork
• Accounting
• Phlebotomy Technician
Wayland Baptist University (Alaska)
Anchorage, AK
At Wayland Baptist University (Alaska), you can gain the combination of a private, Christian education along with access to an impressive variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
With five sessions per year and relaxed evening or online classes, earning your desired certificate or degree is convenient and achievable in any busy schedule.
From business majors to clinical psychology doctoral degrees, there’s no need to wait any longer; choose from a wide selection now!
Avg. Tuition Cost
$22,368
Duration
4 Years
Type
Private, Not for Profit
Enrollment
Less Selective
SAT
Not Required
Graduation Rate
45%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Classes
Online, On-campus & Hybrid
Types Of Degrees
Certificates, Associate, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate
Popular Degrees & Majors
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
• Human Services
• Religious Studies
• Early Childhood Education
Disclaimer:
All of the data about acceptance rates, graduation rates, tuition costs, and other relevant details for the list of popular colleges in Alaska mentioned above is sourced from CollegeScoreCard by the U.S. Department of Education and each college’s respective official website.
Please use the information and data provided only as a general guideline and verify it before making decisions based on it.
Accreditation for Alaska Colleges
Alaska has many accredited colleges and universities, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska Southeast, and the University of Alaska Anchorage.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) provides accreditation for these institutions, ensuring that students receive quality education and degree training.
NWCCU-accredited programs are generally accepted across institutions in the United States and abroad, giving students increased flexibility when considering transferring credits.
Things to Consider when Choosing a College in Alaska
Whether you’re a history buff eager to explore Gold Rush pioneer sites or an outdoor enthusiast fascinated by glaciers and wildlife, choosing Alaska as your college destination ensures you’ll have plenty of outstanding experiences during your years as a student.
Reasons to choose Alaska
- The University of Alaska Anchorage is ranked in the top 60% of U.S. universities, while the University of Alaska Fairbanks gets an overall score of 4.0 out of 5 stars from Princeton Review, making it one of the “Best Northwestern Colleges.”
- With its proximity to the ocean, mountains, and glaciers, as well as its abundance of wide open spaces and trails, Alaska provides an unparalleled opportunity for you to experience the wilderness.
- The state’s close proximity to Canada makes it a convenient choice for students from across North America.
- With its strong economy and opportunities in the oil and gas industry and hospitality, tourism, and research sectors, Alaska offers plenty of practical work experiences.
- Alaska offers various internship programs that give you a chance to get hands-on experience in their field of study.
Student tips for choosing a college in Alaska
- Make sure you have transportation: There may be limited public transportation options in some parts of Alaska, so you must have your form of transportation if needed (a car or bike). This will make it easy to get around if necessary!
- Take advantage of natural resources: Living in a state like Alaska gives students access to amazing natural resources for recreation and exploration, such as lakes, forests, mountains, and glaciers – take advantage of these opportunities!
- Dress for the weather: Alaska has cold temperatures, so make sure to bring warm clothing and layers. It will help you stay comfortable while studying outdoors or indoors.
Campus Life at Alaska Colleges
Regarding campus resources, Alaska colleges have comprehensive libraries with ease-of-access study spaces, cozy armchairs, and plenty of desktops. The recreational facilities offered are also impressive – think pools, running tracks, and activity courts.
What’s more, many colleges provide essential aid through outreach coordinators who help incoming out-of-state students with transition advice on housing and transportation when they decide to move. From subsidized dormitories to affordable housing options, there are choices for living arrangements that fit virtually any budget.
Transportation is also abundant, with public and private options ranging from buses and trains to taxi services and ride-sharing apps. Many universities also provide helpful information about these resources on websites, helping you hit the ground running as soon as they arrive!
Financial Aid & Cost of Living
Living in Alaska is known to be expensive, but compared to other states, it’s actually quite reasonable.
The cost of groceries and housing tends to be lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many people looking for a more affordable lifestyle. Additionally, transportation costs more because it’s so far away from many cities and other services. However, a few special initiatives are in place to help students and newcomers adjust to the higher costs of living in the state.
Programs like the Alaska Passport and the Alaska Access Grants are just some of how the state offers help, providing funding and subsidies for housing, transportation, food stamp services, health care insurance, daycare options, and education-only grants.
Furthermore, by keeping tuition costs low at two-year colleges across the state, Alaska makes higher education more accessible to all its residents – regardless of income or other circumstances.
FAQ about Alaska Colleges
The general admissions requirements for colleges in Alaska are:
– High school diploma or GED
– Submission of official transcripts from all high schools and postsecondary institutions attended
– Official SAT/ACT scores, if required
– Teacher/counselor recommendations, if applicable
– Application essay (s)
– Interviews with faculty members or staff
– Demonstration of financial need for some programs (e.g., scholarships or grants)
Note: Every college has different admissions requirements, so it is important to check the specific requirements for each one.
The hardest colleges in Alaska to get into are the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Southeast, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The colleges in Alaska that accept the majority of their applicants are Iḷisaġvik College, Alaska Christian College, and Alaska Bible College.
Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for college students in Alaska. The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) offers some state-funded scholarships specifically for students attending an accredited college or university in Alaska. These include the Alaska Performance Scholarship, the Access Grant Program, the Alaska Education Grant Program, and the Robert B. Atwood Endowment Fund.
Yes, several research opportunities are available to students at Alaska colleges and universities.
For instance, the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers the McNair Scholars Program, which allows undergraduates to engage in research and graduate school preparation activities.
Additionally, the Undergraduate Research & Scholarly Activity (URSA) program administered by UAF encourages undergraduates to participate in research and creative activities.
To get involved in these programs, contact the institutions or organizations offering them for more information.
Alaska’s colleges and universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. Depending on the college or university, some popular activities may include student clubs, intramural sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball, student government organizations, debate teams, and honor societies.
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides various support services to students with disabilities enrolled in college or university courses. These services include accommodations and modifications to classes, exams, and activities; disability awareness training; adaptive technology; assistive devices; individualized learning opportunities; and more. Additionally, many institutions in the state also offer specialized programs for students with disabilities, such as speech-language pathology, physical therapy, orientation, and mobility training.
Summary
All in all, Alaska offers a unique college experience for those seeking something completely different from the typical college lifestyle.
With a mixture of small and large cities, secluded rural settings, and incredible outdoor activities, colleges in Alaska offer an interesting combination of academic and recreational opportunities.
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