Best colleges in Alaska
Chill Out in Alaska
Cold temps and hot opportunities
Alaska’s sparse population makes for intimate class sizes and easy-to-navigate campuses. You can choose between one of the 10 colleges and universities, including 1 major public university, 5 public two-year institutions, and a handful of private schools.* And now that Alaska is growing, so are the opportunities. Since 2000, the state has seen a population growth of almost 14%.* Because Alaska’s economy relies heavily on tourism, fishing, and the oil and natural gasses industries, job opportunities are only increasing in these fields.
Alaska’s major universities are home to the Geophysical Institute, which operates the Poker Flat Research Range-the only collegiate rocket test range in the nation. You can also find the renowned School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Students in geology, atmospheric science and wildlife biology have a front-row seat to the state’s astounding topography and sprawling landscape of 540,641 square miles.* When you aren’t in the classroom, make time for fun-especially during the summer when daylight can be as long as 19 hours. Bundle up and catch a rare look at the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which kicks off in Anchorage every March. See other big-ticket cultural staples, such as the Sitka Whale Fest or Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Center. Or spend some time outdoors hiking, fishing, or skiing. You have to be tough to live in Alaska, but where else can you whale watch between classes?
*U.S. Census *Wikipedia, “Colleges and Universities in Alaska”, “Eskimos” *www.bestplaces.net/state/AlaskaBest Four Year Universities in Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks offers 250 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2019, 1,405 students graduated with students earning 595 Bachelor's degrees, 316 Certificates, 247 Associate's degrees, 210 Master's degrees, and 37 Doctoral degrees.
Alaska Pacific University offers 44 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 119 students graduated with students earning 53 Bachelor's degrees, 47 Master's degrees, 12 Certificates, 5 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Associate's degrees.
University of Alaska Southeast offers 94 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2019, 553 students graduated with students earning 218 Certificates, 129 Master's degrees, 113 Bachelor's degrees, and 93 Associate's degrees.
University of Alaska Anchorage offers 187 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 2,296 students graduated with students earning 1,142 Bachelor's degrees, 780 Associate's degrees, 217 Master's degrees, 151 Certificates, and 6 Doctoral degrees.
Alaska Bible College offers 4 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2019, 6 students graduated with students earning 5 Bachelor's degrees, and 1 Certificate.
Ilisagvik College offers 49 degree programs. It's a very small, public, four-year university in a outlying rural area. In 2019, 97 students graduated with students earning 77 Certificates, and 20 Associate's degrees.
Best Community Colleges in Alaska
Alaska Career College offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city. In 2019, 265 students graduated with students earning 229 Certificates, and 36 Associate's degrees.
Alaska Christian College offers 4 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2019, 10 students graduated with students earning 10 Associate's degrees.
List of all colleges in Alaska
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK | 21 : 1 | 7,179 | |
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Alaska Career College Anchorage, AK | 52 : 1 | 361 | |
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Alaska Pacific University Anchorage, AK | 14 : 1 | 529 | |
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Alaska Vocational Technical Center Seward, AK | 631 | ||
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University of Alaska Southeast Juneau, AK | 23 : 1 | 2,150 | |
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University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK | 28 : 1 | 12,766 | |
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Alaska Bible College Palmer, AK | 13 : 1 | 40 | |
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Alaska Christian College Soldotna, AK | 48 : 1 | 95 | |
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Ilisagvik College Barrow, AK | 19 : 1 | 233 | |
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University of Alaska System of Higher Education Fairbanks, AK | |||