Best Grad School in Alaska 2024

Badge for BEST IN ALASKA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Alaska offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Alaska

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  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage 65%
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage 11 to 1
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage $6,192
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage $9,234
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage 65%
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage 11 to 1
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage $6,192
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage $9,234
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535

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?

Alaska’s Best Overall


Alaska's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 2 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Alaska. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Alaska is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Alaska 2023

  1. #1

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024 #21 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $9,612
    Expenses: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $45,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alaska Fairbanks known for?

    University of Alaska Fairbanks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Alaska Anchorage

    Anchorage , AK
    #3 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Colleges 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: $7,508
    Expenses: $21,284
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alaska Anchorage known for?

    University of Alaska Anchorage’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Alaska’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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.

  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage
  3. University of Alaska Southeast
  4. Alaska Pacific University
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