Research.com
University of Alaska Fairbanks logo

University of Alaska Fairbanks

P.O. Box 757500, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA

University of Alaska Fairbanks award
University of Alaska Fairbanks award
US ranking
position: 145
Tuition & fees per year: $10,920
Acceptance rate: N/A
Median alumni salary: $48,072
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1235 SAT, 22 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does University of Alaska Fairbanks offer in terms of athletics?

University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a variety of athletic opportunities through its intercollegiate sports programs, primarily participating in NCAA Division II competition. The university fields men's and women's teams in sports such as basketball, cross country, rifle, and skiing. Additionally, it supports club sports and intramural programs that allow students to engage in recreational and competitive activities beyond varsity athletics.

The school's athletic department emphasizes fostering student-athlete development both on and off the field, encouraging academic achievement alongside sports participation. Facilities on campus accommodate training and competitions, enhancing the overall collegiate athletic experience. Prospective students interested in pursuing athletics at University of Alaska Fairbanks can find options to continue competing while pursuing their academic goals.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests. Among these are The Wildlife Society, which focuses on wildlife conservation and education, and the Alaska Alpine Club, appealing to outdoor and mountain enthusiasts. Students interested in wellness and physical activity can join the Community Yoga Club, while those looking for team sports engagement may consider the Volleyball Club. Additionally, the Society of Women Engineers provides support and networking opportunities for women pursuing careers in engineering and related fields.

Overall, the university has a student population of 2,692, with 1,206 men and 1,486 women. These groups contribute to a dynamic campus environment by fostering specialized communities around shared interests and professional goals.

Who studies at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Fairbanks hosts a diverse student body with distinct characteristics in terms of residency, enrollment status, age, and ethnicity. Most students, approximately 81%, are from within the state, a proportion considered high and ranking in the top 30% nationally. By contrast, out-of-state students make up a smaller fraction, around 18%, a figure closer to the average range found in comparable institutions.

When looking at new enrollments, the university admits about 770 freshmen annually, a number viewed as moderate and positioned in the lower half of national percentiles. Transfer students total roughly 329 each year, also at an average level, which results in a combined new student intake of 1,099 that sits near the national median.

The age distribution reflects a broad spectrum, especially among undergraduates, who range from below 18 years old to those above 65. The largest groups fall within the traditional college ages of 18 to 24, but there is a notable presence of older students, including nearly 400 between ages 40 and 49 and over 300 aged 50 to 64, underscoring the institution's appeal to adult learners and nontraditional students. Graduate students generally skew older, with significant numbers between 22 and 49 years old.

Ethnic composition at University of Alaska Fairbanks indicates a particularly strong representation of Native students, who number 540 and rank in the top 5% nationally for this demographic. White students constitute the largest group by count, followed by Hispanic, two or more races, and African American populations, all reflecting average or slightly below-average representation compared to other institutions. Other ethnic groups such as Asian and Pacific Islander students are present in smaller numbers but contribute to the overall diversity of the campus community.

Overall, University of Alaska Fairbanks attracts a student population that blends traditional and nontraditional ages, predominantly in-state attendees, and includes a notably high proportion of Native students, making it distinctive within the higher education landscape.

How does student life look like at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

Student life at University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a range of cultural and recreational opportunities that cater to diverse interests. The campus supports a college newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, and a chorus, providing multiple avenues for student engagement and creative expression.

Students have access to several essential support services that contribute to their well-being and academic success. These include legal assistance, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office. However, there is no dedicated women's center reported on campus.

The university community is supported by a balanced staff presence, with an average number of full-time employees and a relatively high number of part-time staff, fostering a supportive environment for students. The student-faculty ratio is around 11 to 1, which is considered average and may allow for reasonably personalized attention in academic settings.

The university's total enrollment is moderate, with approximately 7,000 students, including just under 700 full-time degree-seeking individuals. The campus also embraces a diverse international population, representing over 50 countries, enhancing the multicultural atmosphere for students.

Overall, University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a stable and supportive environment where students have access to cultural activities and essential services, alongside a community that encourages diversity and engagement.

What libraries are available to students at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Fairbanks offers students access to two libraries, including its main facility, the Rasmuson Library. This number of libraries places the institution just above the median range nationally, reflecting an average level of library resources.

The university's collection includes over half a million physical books, ranking it in the top half of institutions for size of book holdings. Subscriptions to journals and periodicals are extensive, with nearly 19,000 available, again situating the university within the upper 50% nationally for this resource. However, the number of digital subscriptions and ebooks is more modest, falling below the median levels typical of similar institutions.

Library services include 87 hours of weekly operation, providing ample time for study and research activities. Students benefit from access to both physical and digital facilities, along with study rooms to support collaborative and individual work. Additionally, the libraries offer all-day access, staffed support from trained personnel, established operating hours, and access to shared collections beyond the campus holdings, enhancing the range of resources available to students.

University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

6982

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

695

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

485 full time, 509 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of Alaska Fairbanks Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Rasmuson Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of Alaska Fairbanks Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Alaska Fairbanks Location & Map

Recently Published Articles