The best universities in Alaska offer the best opportunities to learn from the world’s leading experts. They also provide students the chance to explore Alaska’s beautiful nature and quaint towns. They also give access to great facilities, amenities, and student clubs.
In this article, we will deep dive into the top 10 universities in Alaska. We also look at the best colleges in Alaska for specific majors. Continue reading to find out more about the Alaska universities ranked into various categories.
What Are the Best Universities in Alaska?
The best universities in Alaska include University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast, and Alaska Pacific University. These universities are the best in Alaska because of their graduation rates and wide range of program options.
How Many Universities Are in Alaska?
There are seven universities in Alaska. These are four-year public, non-profit, and for-profit institutions focused on research. Prospective students interested in attending a two-year institution can also find some community colleges in Alaska.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Alaska?
The biggest universities in Alaska are University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Charter College, University of Alaska Southeast, and Alaska Pacific University.
Largest Alaska Universities by Enrollment
- University of Alaska Anchorage | 11,953
- University of Alaska Fairbanks | 6,813
- Charter College | 2,120
- University of Alaska Southeast | 2,070
- Alaska Pacific University | 493
Alaska University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Alaska?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska Vocational Technical Center | Seward | 95% |
| 2 | Alaska Career College | Anchorage | 74% |
| 3 | Charter College | Anchorage, Wasilla | 51% |
| 4 | Alaska Bible College | Palmer | 50% |
| 5 | Ilisagvik College | Barrow | 45% |
| 6 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks | 38% |
| 7 | University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | 30% |
| 8 | University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau | 30% |
| 9 | Alaska Pacific University | Anchorage | 22% |
| 10 | Alaska Christian College | Soldotna | 11% |
How We Defined Alaska University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Alaska universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Alaska universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Alaska, Explained
In this section, we’ll explore the best colleges and universities in Alaska in more detail. We’ll also look at the best programs at each school. All the information below has been sourced from the universities’ official websites.
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Alaska University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Alaska are a high school diploma or GED and cumulative GPA of 2.5. Some schools require SAT or ACT scores.These requirements will vary between schools. International students also have separate requirements like English proficiency test scores.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Alaska
- High school diploma or GED
- Cumulative 2.5 GPA
- SAT or ACT scores
- Proof of English proficiency (international students)
How to Apply to Alaska Universities
To apply to Alaska universities, you first need to choose the program you wish to join and review the program details and deadlines. Next, you must fill out and submit an admissions application. After that, most schools require you to pay an application fee. You may also need to submit supplementary materials such as official school transcripts and test scores.
Alaska Universities Admissions Process
- Review program details and deadlines.
- Fill out and submit your admissions application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the remaining required admissions documents.
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Why Study in Alaska?
You should study in Alaska because the state offers excellent education and job opportunities, in addition to being a beautiful natural environment. Although the cost of living might be slightly higher than in many other states, the following factors more than makeup for it.
Job Opportunities
Alaska boasts a wide range of job opportunities for registered nurses, engineers, teachers, and others. One of the advantages of Alaska’s low population is that the job market isn’t as competitive as the more populated states.
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Natural Environment
Alaska universities boast beautiful natural environments, particularly those in rural areas. Because Alaska is the least populated state in the US, urbanization has not come at the expense of natural resources. There is a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic spots to explore throughout the state.
Educational Opportunities
The best universities in Alaska offer students a state-focused education, which is something you’ll be hard-pressed to find outside Alaska. Put differently, Alaska universities help students excel beyond the classroom by equipping them with essential skills to develop creative solutions to problems in Alaska’s communities.
More Alaska University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Alaska?
Below, we’ll take a look at Alaska university rankings for the best state, public, and private universities. We will also explore the best Alaska universities for online programs and international students.
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Top Alaska Universities by Major
The top Alaska universities offer an excellent foundation for students who want to study computer science, nursing, engineering, business, and elementary education. Below, we look at the top Alaska universities by major.
Tuition Costs for Alaska Universities
The tuition cost for Alaska universities ranges between $19,619 and $27,774. On average, in-state students enrolled in public universities in Alaska have annual tuition costs of $19,619, while out-of-state students in the same universities pay $26,767. You can expect to pay about $27,774 in tuition costs at a private Alaska university as an in-state or out-of-state student.
Most Affordable Universities in Alaska
- University of Alaska Fairbanks | Tuition: $234/Credit. UAF has one of the most affordable tuition rates for Alaska residents. The tuition for residents is $234 per credit while that of non-residents is $800 per credit.
- University of Alaska Southeast | Tuition: $234/Credit. Tuition fees for resident students at UAS are $234 per credit. The tuition cost is higher for non-resident students and students taking upper-division courses.
- University of Alaska Anchorage | Tuition: $234/Credit. The tuition at UAA is $234 per credit for resident students and $800 per credit for non-resident students. Tuition is $351 per credit for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) students.
- Alaska Bible College | Tuition: $425/Credit. Students at Alaska Bible College pay tuition costs of approximately $425 per credit or $5,100 per semester.
- Alaska Pacific University | Tuition: $545/Credit. The tuition cost at APU is $545 per credit for full-time undergraduate students, $848 per credit for part-time undergraduate students, and $475 per credit for professional studies students. Master’s degree students pay $650 per credit, while PhD students pay $840 per credit.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Alaska
The financial aid options for the best universities in Alaska include state and federal grants, student loans, scholarships, and federal work-study programs. We’ll discuss each type of financial aid option in this section.
Financial Aid for Alaska Universities: A Summary
- Grants. This is a gift aid offered by the state or federal government based on financial need. You don’t need to repay this financial support. Some of the grants available in Alaska include The University of Alaska Completion Grant, The Bureau of Indian Education, The Gear Up!, and The Alaska Advantage Grant.
- Student Loans. These are financial aid programs that add some interest. Alaska Supplemental Education Loan or ASEL is the most popular state-based student loan in Alaska.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are available based on academic merit, athletic ability, career objectives, and other special interests. Some of the best scholarships offered in Alaska include Alaska Performance Scholarships, CIRI Foundation Scholarships, Sealaska Scholarships, Calista Education and Culture Scholarships, and university-provided scholarships.
- Federal Work-Study Programs. These are federally subsidized programs that allow universities to employ students with a demonstrated financial need, or whose cost of attending the university is more than the expected family contribution they declared on FAFSA.
Alaska University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Alaska Universities?
- Financial need
- Admission to a financial aid-eligible program in Alaska
- US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Valid social security number
- Satisfactory academic progress as stipulated by the financial aid provider
Private Alaska Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Alaska Bible College. This private institution offers various state, federal, and tribal grants. It also has student loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and student discounts.
- Alaska Pacific University. The most common forms of financial aid at Alaska Pacific University include loans, work-study programs, grants, and scholarships.
- Charter College Anchorage. This college institution has various federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs, and US military and veteran benefits. Third-party funding is also available through employer assistance, corporate sponsorships, workforce investment initiatives, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
Universities in Alaska That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- Alaska Career College. Out-of-state students at Alaska Career College can apply for various loans and scholarships. These include the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, Alaska Supplemental Education Loan, Federal Pell Grant, and Beatrice McDonald Tuition Scholarship.
- Alaska Pacific University. APU offers various forms of financial aid to out-of-state students, such as scholarships and grants. Some of them are need-based while others are merit-based.
- University of Alaska Fairbanks. Scholarship opportunities are the main form of financial aid for out-of-state students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They include Foundation Scholarships, Nanook Commitment Scholarship, Alaska Adventure Award, Nanook Pledge Scholarship, and the Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Alaska State Universities
- Review your financial aid options.
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
- Formally accept the awarded aid.
Demographics of Universities in Alaska
White students make up the largest demographic of universities in Alaska at 58.7 percent. About 11.2 percent of students in Alaska are of two or more races, and 10.7 percent are of American Indian descent. Hispanic, Asian, Black, and Pacific Islander students comprise the rest of the demographics of Alaska universities.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Alaska
- White: 58.7%
- Black: 3.1%
- Hispanic: 8.8%
- Asian: 5.4%
- Pacific Islander: 2.2%
- American Indian: 10.7%
- Two or More Races: 11.2%
Alaska Employment Outlook for University Students
As of April 2022, Alaska has an employment-population ratio of 62.9 percent and unemployment rate of 4.9 percent, based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Registered nurses comprise some of the professionals with the highest employment prospects. Other fields with a bright employment outlook include business, manufacturing, engineering, and finance.
5 In-Demand Alaska Jobs
The five most in-demand Alaska jobs are in health, engineering, teaching, finance, and computer occupations. They include registered nurses, civil engineers, elementary school teachers, accountants and auditors, and networks and computer systems administrators.
Is a University in Alaska Right for You?
Yes, a university in Alaska is right for you if you want to get a job in nursing, engineering, computer and information technology, or education fields. The most valuable aspect of education from the best universities in Alaska is that they are Alaska-focused. That means that you will learn the most relevant skills to solve Alaska-specific problems in your profession.
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Best Universities in Alaska FAQ
The best university in Alaska for an MBA is University of Alaska Anchorage. Other top schools for an MBA are University of Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Pacific University.
The University of Alaska System is a space, land, and sea grant system of higher education. It consists of University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast.
The best school in Wasilla, Alaska is Charter College. Since 2007, Charter College has become a leading provider of healthcare education for the people of Mat-Su Valley. It offers a blended learning format of in-person and online classes.
University of Alaska Anchorage is the best-rated school in Anchorage. It has been featured as the best school in various top rankings, such as US News & World Report rankings. UAA offers highly rated business, engineering, computer science, and nursing programs.
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