Best
Value Colleges in Alaska in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Alaska combines foundational business knowledge with regional perspectives on energy, tourism, and fisheries. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, statistics, and entrepreneurship. Programs develop communication, leadership, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. Graduates may pursue careers as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, accountants, or entrepreneurs. Popular colleges offering such study include the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Alaska combines foundational science with attention to the state's diverse communities and remote settings. Typical courses include research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive processes, abnormal psychology, and counseling theories. Students may explore Indigenous perspectives and behavioral health. Popular options include the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast, and Alaska Pacific University. Graduates pursue case management, social services, human resources, or research roles after graduation.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Alaska combines programming fundamentals with opportunities to address challenges in remote communities and industries such as energy and aviation. Typical coursework includes algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, computer networks, and artificial intelligence. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or IT support professionals. Popular in-state options include the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Anchorage, both offering computer science study.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Alaska prepares students to support individuals and communities across diverse settings and remote regions. Typical courses include counseling theories, helping skills, human development, group counseling, ethics, assessment, and trauma-informed practice. Graduates may work as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, or case managers, depending on degree and licensure. Alaska study options include the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which offer counseling-related graduate programs.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Alaska combines classroom learning with clinical experience in communities. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and community health. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, long-term care facilities, or remote health services. Options include the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast, and Alaska Pacific University. Programs prepare students for licensure and practice.

Best Colleges in Alaska Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 19,776.0 across the ranked colleges, compared with 23,444.8 at schools in the top 10%, so the top-ranked group has the higher median cost.
• On average, 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the colleges, while the average for top 10% schools is 79.5%.
• The average acceptance rate is 79.5%. Colleges receive an average of 469.0 applicants, compared with 567.4 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 156.0 men and 313.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,235.0 on the SAT and 22.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 3,253.71. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 39.0 and 58.0, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 40.43%, compared with 50.6% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rates are 42.0% for men and 34.0% for women.
• Seven institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, four offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees.
• Seven schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh total cost against financial aid availability, and compare acceptance rates and applicant numbers with their own academic profile. They should also consider test scores, enrollment, graduation rates - including the differences reported for men and women - and the degree levels offered, while noting that the top 10% schools have higher median costs and average graduation rates.

How much does studying at a college in Alaska cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Alaska is $17,060.29. Treat this as an annual planning benchmark rather than the price of a complete degree; the final amount changes with program length, campus, residency status, housing choices, and financial aid.

• Tuition and fees average $12,137.57.
• Room and board cost averages $11,508.75.
• Books and supplies average $892.00.

These figures are statewide averages, so they may come from different schools or student budgets and should not be added together as a guaranteed bill. For example, compare itemized estimates from the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, or Alaska Pacific University, including Alaska-resident tuition, campus housing, and travel between communities. Scholarships, grants, and staying near home can make a degree feel more manageable and leave you feeling confident about your next step. Ask each financial-aid office for a personalized cost-of-attendance estimate before choosing a program in your area.

How long does it take to finish college in Alaska?

In Alaska, a full-time associate degree usually takes about two years, while a bachelor's degree typically takes four; part-time study, work, family commitments, or required course sequencing can extend that timeline. At the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Alaska Southeast, your schedule and chosen program shape the pace, especially when courses are offered seasonally or online.

Graduation figures show why planning and support matter: the average graduation rate is 40.43%, compared with 50.6% among the top 10% of schools. The reported averages are 45.57% for men and 36.86% for women, so completion is not guaranteed, but steady progress is achievable.

• Ask whether AP, dual-enrollment, or prior-learning credits can count toward your degree.
• Take summer courses or heavier loads to shorten time to graduation.
• Use advising and online options to keep requirements on track, while protecting time for rest and travel across Alaska.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Alaska have a median alumni salary of $46,643. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $56,574. These figures give you a useful sense of potential earnings, though your own salary will depend on your degree, experience, and career field.

If you're considering studying at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, or Alaska Pacific University, think about how each program connects to the work you want to do in the state. Your major and career path can make a big difference to your earning potential after graduation.

People also ask

What college in Alaska has the lowest tuition?

There isn't one reliable answer without knowing whether you mean resident or nonresident tuition, a particular degree level, and the academic year. For Alaska residents comparing public four-year universities, the University of Alaska Southeast is often among the least expensive; University of Alaska Anchorage may have similar rates. Compare the current tuition and fees for your program before deciding.

What are Tier 1 schools in Alaska?

"Tier 1" has no single official definition, but it often refers to universities classified as R1 for very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification. Under that meaning, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is Alaska's R1 university. This label describes research activity, not a universal ranking of teaching quality or the best fit for every student.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Alaska Ranking in 2026-2027

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 7,358 students study at Alaska's flagship research university, known for Arctic and northern-focused scholarship. Its 38% graduation rate offers a useful point of comparison as you consider persistence and support. The total cost is $23,881, while median alumni salary is $51,038. Acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Based in Fairbanks, UAF can suit students interested in studying Alaska's interior and northern environment, with opportunities shaped by the state's distinctive climate, communities, and research priorities and career options.

The University of Alaska Southeast enrolls 1,797 students across a regional university setting associated with Juneau and Southeast Alaska. Its 28% graduation rate and 63% acceptance rate provide context for planning your application and degree timeline. Total cost is $23,154, and median alumni salary is $46,643. For Alaska residents drawn to coastal communities, UAS offers a smaller-scale public university experience connected to the region's marine landscapes, public services, and local industries, while enabling study close to home in Alaska.

Alaska Pacific University is a small private university in Anchorage, with an experiential learning tradition and programs connected to Alaska's communities and environment. It enrolls 593 students, and its 47% graduation rate may interest students comparing outcomes at smaller colleges. The acceptance rate is 96%. Total cost is $20,350, and median alumni salary is $39,315. For an Alaska-based student, its compact scale and Anchorage location offer an option for combining degree study with access to urban services and outdoor settings.

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, 10,574 students attend the state's largest urban university, situated in Alaska's principal city. The graduation rate is 30%, and acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Its total cost of $19,776 is the lowest among the four universities listed here, while median alumni salary is $60,264, the highest reported. Anchorage gives students access to urban amenities and a broad statewide hub, making UAA a practical choice for Alaskans seeking degree options without leaving the state for college.

Ilisagvik College, located in Utqiaġvik, is a tribal college serving Alaska's North Slope, offering a close-to-home route to higher education in a remote Arctic region. It enrolls 256 students, with a 46% graduation rate. The total cost is $4,920, the lowest listed, while median alumni salary and acceptance-rate data are unavailable. For students living in northern Alaska, its community-centered setting can reduce distance barriers and connect college study with local priorities, culture, and employment needs, and prepare for local careers.