Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN ALASKA
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Alaska. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2024

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  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage
  3. University of Alaska Southeast
  4. Iḷisaġvik College
  5. Alaska Bible College
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage
  3. University of Alaska Southeast
  4. Iḷisaġvik College
  5. Alaska Bible College
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage 65%
  2. University of Alaska Southeast 63%
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage 11 to 1
  3. University of Alaska Southeast 9 to 1
  4. Iḷisaġvik College 8 to 1
  5. Alaska Bible College 3 to 1
  1. Alaska Bible College $10,900
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
  3. University of Alaska Southeast $7,147
  4. University of Alaska Anchorage $6,192
  5. Iḷisaġvik College $5,260
  1. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535
  2. University of Alaska Southeast $11,183
  3. University of Alaska Anchorage $9,234
  1. Alaska Bible College
  2. Iḷisaġvik College
  3. University of Alaska Southeast
  4. University of Alaska Anchorage
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  1. Alaska Bible College
  2. Iḷisaġvik College
  3. University of Alaska Southeast
  4. University of Alaska Anchorage
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  1. University of Alaska Southeast 63%
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage 65%
  1. Alaska Bible College 3 to 1
  2. Iḷisaġvik College 8 to 1
  3. University of Alaska Southeast 9 to 1
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  5. University of Alaska Anchorage 11 to 1
  1. Iḷisaġvik College $5,260
  2. University of Alaska Anchorage $6,192
  3. University of Alaska Southeast $7,147
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,659
  5. Alaska Bible College $10,900
  1. University of Alaska Anchorage $9,234
  2. University of Alaska Southeast $11,183
  3. 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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 5 colleges and universities in Alaska with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Alaska is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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

    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 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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
  3. #3

    University of Alaska Southeast

    Juneau , AK
    #3 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alaska 2025 #2 Best Online Colleges 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: $8,726
    Expenses: $13,678
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alaska Southeast known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Iḷisaġvik College

    Barrow , AK
    #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Iḷisaġvik College known for?

    Iḷisaġvik College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Alaska Bible College

    Palmer , AK
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Alaska 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Alaska Bible College known for?

    Alaska Bible College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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Alaska’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Iḷisaġvik College
  2. University of Alaska Southeast
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  4. University of Alaska Anchorage
  5. Alaska Bible College
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