Top Universities in Alaska 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
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Dreaming of a university experience that mixes academic excellence with jaw-dropping natural beauty? Welcome to Alaskaโwhere college life means cozy classes, career-focused programs, and weekend adventures in the great outdoors. Whether youโre into marine biology, nursing, Arctic research, or faith-based learning, Alaskaโs universities have something truly unique to offer.
In this guide, weโll walk you through the top universities in Alaska for 2025, covering rankings, popular programs, tuition fees, and what makes each campus special. Letโs explore your options and find the perfect fit in Americaโs Last Frontier!
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), located in Alaskaโs biggest and busiest city, gives you the best of both worlds: a vibrant city vibe and breathtaking outdoor experiences all in one place. Founded back in 1954, UAA is known for being hands-on and career focused. Whether you’re into nursing, engineering, business, or health sciences, UAA has over 100 programs that prepare you for real-world success.
With around 10,000 students and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you wonโt feel lost in a crowdโyour professors will actually know your name. The university campus is massiveโover 1,700 acresโmaking it the largest in Alaska. Plus, since itโs located in Anchorage, youโll have easy access to jobs, internships, cool cafes, local events, and everything else a student could want. Following are the key details of University of Alaska Anchorage:
Category | Details |
Location | Anchorage, Alaska |
Year of Establishment | 1954 |
University Type | Public University (Part of the University of Alaska system) |
Campus Size | Over 1,700 acres |
Global/National Rankings | U.S. News & World Report: #1127 (National Universities) |
Total Enrollment | Around 10,200 students (7,700 undergrads, 2,500 grad students) |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 |
International Student % | Estimated 2โ3% |
Popular Programs | Nursing, Engineering, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Psychology |
Average Tuition Fees | In-state: $8,576/year; Out-of-state: $25,556/year |
Acceptance Rate | 67% |
Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.2 |
English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 71, IELTS: 6.0, Duolingo: 95 |
Application Fee | $50 (Undergraduate); $75 (Graduate) |
Official Website | uaa.alaska.eduย |
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), founded in 1917, UAF is the main campus of the University of Alaska system. Hereโs the cool part (literally): UAF is one of the few land, sea, and space grant universities in the U.S. That means it leads in big research areas like Arctic engineering, geophysics, climate change, and wildlife biology. With around 6,800 students and over 140 programs to choose from, you get tons of academic options without ever feeling like a number.
The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means your professors actually know your nameโand your goals. Plus, life in Fairbanks is something else. Imagine seeing the northern lights after class, hiking in the summer sun that barely sets, or connecting with a super supportive campus community. Following are the key details of University of Alaska Fairbanks:
Category | Details |
Location | Fairbanks, Alaska |
Year of Establishment | 1917 |
University Type | Public; Land-Grant, Sea-Grant & Space-Grant |
Campus Size | 2,250 acres |
Global/National Rankings | U.S. News & World Report: #263 in National Universities |
Total Enrollment | ~6,800 students (5,000 undergrads, 1,800 grad students) |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
International Student % | Around 3โ4% |
Popular Programs | Arctic Engineering, Geophysics, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Business, Education |
Average Tuition Fees | In-state: $8,640/year; Out-of-state: $24,000/year |
Acceptance Rate | 76% |
Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.28 |
English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 79, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 105 |
Application Fee | $50 (Undergraduate); $75 (Graduate) |
Official Website | uaf.eduย |
University of Alaska Southeast
Looking for a university where you can study marine biology by the corner, explore rainforests after class, and still get personal attention from your professors? Then say hello to the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) in Juneau! Founded in 1972, UAS is part of the University of Alaska system and is best known for programs in marine biology, education, liberal arts, and environmental science.
With just around 2,000 students, the vibe here is super friendly and close-knit. Your classes will be small, your professors will know your name, and thereโs always support when you need it. Because itโs located in Alaskaโs capital city, youโll also have access to exciting internships and career opportunities in government, environmental agencies, and native organizations. Following are the key details of University of Alaska Southeast (UAS):
Category | Details |
Location | Juneau, Alaska |
Year of Establishment | 1972 |
University Type | Public (Part of the University of Alaska system) |
Campus Size | 200 acres (Main campus in Auke Bay; regional campuses in Ketchikan & Sitka) |
Global/National Rankings | U.S. News & World Report: #1152 in National Universities |
Total Enrollment | Around 2,000 students (undergrad, graduate, and online learners) |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 9:1 (small classes and personalized attention) |
International Student % | Estimated ~2% |
Popular Programs | Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Education, Liberal Arts, Business Administration |
Average Tuition Fees | In-state: $7,092/year; Out-of-state: $20,844/year |
Acceptance Rate | 63% |
Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.15 |
English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 71, IELTS: 6.0, Duolingo: 95 |
Application Fee | $50 (Undergraduate); $75 (Graduate) |
Official Website | uas.alaska.eduย |
IIisagvik College
Ever thought about studying in the northernmost city in the U.S.? Welcome to Iแธทisaฤกvik College in Utqiaฤกvik, Alaskaโa truly one-of-a-kind place where education meets culture, community, and the Arctic way of life. Founded in 1996, Iแธทisaฤกvik is Alaskaโs only tribal college and the only federally recognized tribal college in the Arctic. Even though itโs small (with around 179 students), thatโs part of the charm!
Youโll get super personalized attention, small class sizes, and a strong sense of belonging. Whether you’re studying business, healthcare, construction, or Iรฑupiaq culture, this is a place where learning feels meaningful, relevant, and connected to the land and people around you. Following are the key details of Iแธทisaฤกvik College:
Category | Details |
Location | Utqiaฤกvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska |
Year of Establishment | 1996 |
University Type | Public Tribal Community College (Federally recognized, tribally controlled) |
Campus Type | Remote Arctic region |
Total Enrollment | Around 179 students |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 (great for one-on-one learning) |
International Student % | Very low (mainly Alaska Native and local rural students) |
Popular Programs | Business Administration, Allied Health, Construction Technologies, Iรฑupiaq Studies, Early Childhood Education |
Degrees Offered | Certificates, Associate Degrees, bachelor’s in business administration |
Average Tuition Fees | $205 per credit hour; around $4,920 per year (full-time undergrad) |
Acceptance Rate | Around 33% |
Average GPA | Open admission; flexible entry based on potential and motivation |
English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 61, IELTS: 5.5 (for non-native English speakers) |
Application Fee | No fee required |
Special Programs | Iรฑupiaq Language Certificate, Arctic summer camps, cultural fieldwork |
Official Website | ilisagvik.eduย |
Alaska Pacific University
Looking for a university where you can learn in small classes, get real-world experience, and still enjoy the perks of city life and the great outdoors? Welcome to Alaska Pacific University (APU) in Anchorage! Founded in 1957, APU is a private liberal arts university thatโs rooted in Christian values through the United Methodist Church, but it welcomes students from all backgrounds and beliefs.
What makes APU stand out is how much it focuses on learning by doing. Forget just sitting in lecturesโhere, youโll work on hands-on projects, go on field trips, dive into research, and gain internship experience that gets you career-ready. With a small student body of around 578 students and a super friendly 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, youโre never just a numberโyour professors will actually know your name. Following are the key details of Alaska Pacific University (APU):
Category | Details |
Location | Anchorage, Alaska |
Year of Establishment | 1957 |
University Type | Private, Liberal Arts University |
Religious Affiliation | United Methodist Church (open to all students) |
Campus Size | 170 acres (next to the Alaska Native Medical Center & University of Alaska Anchorage) |
Global/National Rankings | Washington Monthly (2024): Ranked #30 among U.S. Bachelorโs Colleges |
Total Enrollment | Around 578 students (Fall 2023) |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 (plenty of one-on-one support!) |
International Student % | Estimated 3โ5% |
Popular Programs | Environmental Science, Outdoor & Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, Psychology, Business |
Degrees Offered | Associate, Bachelorโs, Masterโs, and Doctorate programs |
Average Tuition Fees | $848 per credit hour or approx. $10,175/semester (for full-time undergrads) |
Acceptance Rate | 86% |
Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.3 |
English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 79, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 100 (for international students) |
Application Fee | $25 (Undergrad); $35 (Grad) |
Official Website | alaskapacific.eduย |
Alaska Bible College
If youโre looking for a college that feels like family and helps you grow both in your faith and your future, then Alaska Bible College (ABC) in Palmer might be just what you’re searching for. Founded in 1966, ABC is Alaskaโs only four-year Christian college, focused on Bible-based learning, ministry training, and building strong Christian leaders.
What makes ABC special is its small and close-knit campusโwith just about 39 students, everyone knows each other by name. Itโs a place where students study together, pray together, and support one another like a real community. Following are the key details of Alaska Bible College (ABC):
Category | Details |
Location | Palmer, Alaska (in the beautiful Matanuska Valley) |
Year of Establishment | 1966 |
University Type | Private, Christian, Non-denominational |
Campus Setting | Rural and peaceful |
Total Enrollment | Around 39 students |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 (lots of personal attention and support) |
International Student % | Very low (most students are from Alaska and the U.S. West Coast) |
Popular Programs | Biblical Studies, Ministry, Christian Education, Cross-Cultural Missions |
Degrees Offered | Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Certificates in Biblical Studies |
Average Tuition Fees | $375 per credit hour; around $4,500 per year (for full-time students) |
Acceptance Rate | Open admission (youโll need a statement of faith) |
English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 61, IELTS: 5.5 (for non-native speakers) |
Application Fee | $30 (non-refundable) |
Official Website | akbible.eduย |
Conclusion
Studying in Alaska isnโt just about books and lecturesโitโs about community, culture, and connecting with the world. From the bustling city of Anchorage to the remote charm of Utqiaฤกvik, Alaskaโs universities provide top-quality education in unforgettable settings.
No matter your goals or interests, youโll find a campus where youโre more than just a studentโyouโre part of something bigger. And if youโre ready to take the next step, donโt forget that University Living can help you find the perfect student accommodation to match your adventure. Alaskaโs callingโare you ready to answer?ย
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Alaska for 2025?ย
The leading universities in Alaska for 2025 include:ย
1. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)ย
2. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)ย
3. University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)ย
4. Alaska Pacific University (APU)ย
5. Iแธทisaฤกvik Collegeย
6. Alaska Bible College (ABC)ย
What are the most popular courses in Alaska universities?
Some of the top courses in Alaska for students include:ย
1. Nursingย
2. Engineeringย
3. Business Administrationย
4. Marine Biologyย
5. Environmental Scienceย
6. Psychologyย
7. Arctic Engineering and Wildlife Biologyย
What is the average tuition fee for universities in Alaska in 2025?
If youโre wondering about the cost of studying in Alaska for international students, hereโs a quick idea:ย
1. In-state tuition: Ranges from $7,000 to $9,000 per yearย
2. Out-of-state tuition: Between $20,000 and $26,000 per yearย
Private colleges may charge per credit hour, averaging $375 to $850 per credit
What is the cost of living for students in Alaska in 2025?
The average student living cost in Alaska ranges from $12,000 to $16,000 annually, including:ย
1. Housing: $6,000โ$9,000ย
2. Food and groceries: $2,500โ$4,000ย
3. Transport, supplies, and personal expenses: $2,000โ$3,000ย
Budgeting smartly can help make your student life more affordable here.ย
What are the English language requirements for Alaska universities?
English proficiency requirements in Alaska universities for international students generally include:ย
1. TOEFL iBT: Minimum scores range from 61 to 79ย
2. IELTS: Scores between 5.5 to 6.5ย
3. Duolingo: 95 to 105ย
Itโs best to aim higher to boost your chances of admission.ย