Best Colleges in Alaska 2024

Badge for BEST IN ALASKA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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 2024

  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Earth Sciences, Biology, Mathematics
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Earth Sciences, Anthropology, Political Science
  3. University of Alaska Southeast
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Political Science, Nursing, Literature
  4. Alaska Pacific University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Biology, Psychology, Business

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. #1

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025 #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $10,016
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $45,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Alaska Fairbanks began in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines and got its modern- day name in 1975. Today, the University offers a range of Undergraduate, Graduate, and Vocational/Technical programs in on-campus and fully online formats, covering at least 100 disciplines.

    What we love about the University of Alaska Fairbanks:

    UAF is among the country’s top 100 universities receiving the National Science Foundation’s research funding.

    The University of Alaska Fairbanks is ideal for students who:

    Seek an academic structure that combines public service, teaching and research so that they’ll be well-equipped for active citizenship.

    University of Alaska Fairbanks might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t passionate about diversity, given that UAF has over 7,000 students from 58 countries and 49 states.

    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
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Alaska Anchorage

    Anchorage , AK
    #3 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #2 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Anchorage

    Cost of Degree: $7,566
    Expenses: $22,014
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Alaska Anchorage offers a huge assortment of over 100 academic programs from Certificate and Associate levels to the Doctoral level. A few online programs are also available.

    What we love about the University of Alaska Anchorage:

    UAA highly values intercultural and international education and understands that diversity is integral to excellence.

    University of Alaska Anchorage is ideal for students who:

    Can manage their academic responsibilities well despite the more than 100 organizations/clubs and 13 NCAA sports events on and off campus.

    University of Alaska Anchorage might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer larger class sizes.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Alaska Southeast

    Juneau , AK
    #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025 #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Alaska 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alaska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alaska Southeast

    Cost of Degree: $8,820
    Expenses: $20,168
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Alaska Southeast has three campuses across the state with its main campus in Juneau. It offers various online and on-campus Undergraduate and Graduate programs, as well as Non- degree, Certificates and Occupational Endorsement programs.

    What we love about University of Alaska Southeast:

    UAS has collaborative partnerships with various research companies, industry entities and government agencies, providing many opportunities for research, internship, and training.

    University of Alaska Southeast is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue maritime or marine studies by enrolling in a campus located in coastal ocean communities.

    University of Alaska Southeast might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might enjoy college life in a bigger city.

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Alaska Pacific University

    Anchorage , AK
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alaska 2025 #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: $20,760
    Expenses: $15,132
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Founded in 1960 initially as Alaska Methodist University, Alaska Pacific University got its modern-day name in 1978. Today, it offers Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional Studies programs, as well as Dual-Credit programs for high school seniors looking to accelerate their college education.

    What we love about Alaska Pacific University:

    APU continues to highlight academic and field work learning experiences while staying committed to its Alaska Native education.

    Alaska Pacific University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a campus that offers a range of services and facilities to make students feel they are at a home away from home.

    Alaska Pacific University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t comfortable attending in a small class size where professors can engage in one-on-one discussion with each student.

    Compare school
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Alaska’s Best Colleges in 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
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. Alaska Pacific University
  3. University of Alaska Anchorage
  4. University of Alaska Southeast
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Students’ Submitted Questions on the Best Colleges in Alaska

Blake asks, “What opportunities exist for non-traditional students, like veterans, at colleges in Alaska?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The specific resources and programs available will differ based on the school. However, all the schools listed above provide assistance on VA educational benefits, have a veterans resource center, and career services.

Laura asks, “How does the cost of living compare between university housing and off-campus housing in Alaska’s major cities?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: The general rule of thumb is that off campus housing will be cheaper for students if they split rent and other expenses through shared housing. However, it’s important to take factors such as gas and other fees into account when researching costs. In both Anchorage and Fairbanks, students should able to find cheaper options living off-campus, especially in Fairbanks.

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