Best Colleges in Alaska 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Alaska, categorized into two lists – research universities and liberal arts colleges – to help you find the right kind of school for you.
Best Colleges in Alaska
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- University of Alaska Southeast
- Alaska Pacific University
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- University of Alaska Southeast
- Alaska Pacific University
- University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
- University of Alaska Anchorage 11 to 1
- University of Alaska Southeast 9 to 1
- Alaska Pacific University 8 to 1
- Alaska Pacific University $20,760
- University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
- University of Alaska Southeast $7,147
- University of Alaska Anchorage $6,192
- Alaska Pacific University $11,700
- University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535
- University of Alaska Southeast $11,183
- University of Alaska Anchorage $9,234
- Alaska Pacific University
- University of Alaska Southeast
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Alaska Pacific University
- University of Alaska Southeast
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Alaska Pacific University 8 to 1
- University of Alaska Southeast 9 to 1
- University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
- University of Alaska Anchorage 11 to 1
- University of Alaska Anchorage $6,192
- University of Alaska Southeast $7,147
- University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
- Alaska Pacific University $20,760
- University of Alaska Anchorage $9,234
- University of Alaska Southeast $11,183
- University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535
- Alaska Pacific University $11,700
Colleges and Universities in Alaska
The six colleges and universities in Alaska are largely located near Anchorage and Fairbanks, two of the state’s largest cities. However, the University of Alaska Southeast houses campuses in the island towns of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Also, 2 universities in Alaska offer online degrees for students in more remote areas, or anywhere. While the tuition for Alaska’s largest universities, the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, offer competitive rates of $8,000-$9,000, the University of Alaska Anchorage’s student population is nearly twice the size, with nearly 11,000 students. This state also offers two private colleges, both with religious backgrounds, in Alaska Pacific University and Alaska Bible College.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Those hoping to truly immerse themselves in Alaska’s wilderness may want to consider attending Iḷisaġvik College, which is a tribally-owned community college located in Barrow, the northernmost point in Alaska. Many of the degrees students pursue in Alaska fall in the science and social science fields, but students also have the option to obtain on-campus or online degrees in areas like religious studies, education, and liberal arts.
Alaska’s landscape is as vast as its history. The massive glaciers, thousands of miles of coastline, our country’s highest mountain peak, and wildlife that live among the people are only some of the features that have helped earn this state its nickname, The Last Frontier. Though there are numerous online degree programs in Alaska, students aspiring to see caribou in person or witness the Northern Lights may want to get their degree on one of Alaska’s sprawling college campuses.
Fortunately, a number of colleges in Alaska offer hybrid degree options, where you can take some online courses and some courses on campus.
For students hoping for a mix of adventure and education, learn more about Alaska’s higher education institutes, degree options, online degree programs, and top career paths.
What are Alaska’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Graduate Schools
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 5 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 2 Online Colleges
- 2 Online Master’s Programs
Alaska’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 4 colleges and universities in Alaska that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Alaska below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Alaska.
Best Colleges in Alaska 2023
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024 #21 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Alaska 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Alaska 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
- #1 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Alaska
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alaska
- #1 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #1 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alaska 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in General Science
- #2 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #2 Best Online Associate in Finance
- #3 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #3 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #3 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #4 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #4 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #8 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
39%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks
Cost of Degree: $9,612Expenses: $15,300Starting Salary: $45,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Alaska Fairbanks known for?
University of Alaska Fairbanks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Communications
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Physics
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
University of Alaska Fairbanks’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAAS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Finance
- General Business
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Sport Management
- Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Biological Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSEM in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management
- Emergency Management
- Emergency Medical and Public Health Management
- Fire Administration
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biological Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAM in Applied Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
30%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Anchorage
Cost of Degree: $7,508Expenses: $21,284Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Alaska Anchorage known for?
University of Alaska Anchorage’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Business
- Education
- Law
- History
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024 #2 Best Online Colleges in Alaska 2024 #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Alaska 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
25%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Southeast
Cost of Degree: $8,726Expenses: $13,678Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Alaska Southeast known for?
University of Alaska Southeast’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Medical
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
University of Alaska Southeast’s Online Degrees
BA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BLA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Anthropology
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alaska 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Alaska
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
36%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Alaska Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $20,760Expenses: $13,910Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary
Alaska’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.