Top Colleges in Alaska

If you are considering pursuing your post secondary education in Alaska here is some general information about the state.

The state of Alaska is the largest by size in the United States of America. Located in the northwestern corner of the North American Continent; the state borders Canada to the east and is the 47th least populated state in the union. Alaska is perpetually cold due to its northern climate and proximity to the North Pole, and is home tundra and taiga forests. Due to the low population and the weather, Alaska is home to few colleges and universities.

Alaska is home to five community colleges. These schools provide educational opportunities to residents of various counties and cities throughout the state of Alaska. Community colleges typically offer associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, and their purpose is generally two fold, providing career training for some and transfer to a 4 year institution for others.

  • Ilisagvik College (Barrow)
  • Prince William Sound Community College (Valdez)
  • Kodiak College (Kodiak)
  • Kenai Peninsula College (Soldotna, Homer, Seward)
  • Matanuska-Susitna College (Palmer)

Alaska also operates the University of Alaska System, comprised of three universities located in Alaska’s most populous cities. These schools also offer 2 year degrees to residents of the community, operating as community colleges alongside their university offerings. The system’s first school, located in Fairbanks, was established in 1917. The schools serve nearly 33,000 students through their main and satellite campuses. The system is responsible for several research projects and facilities including the Geophysical Institute.

Alaska is also home to a small number of private institutions. Due to the low population and weather, Alaska is not considered an ideal location for most potential students, and as such private schools are limited in their representation in the state. Regardless, some schools do operate and, two of which are faith based institutions, and the third which is a faith based graduate institution.

  • Alaska Pacific University (Anchorage)
  • Alaska Bible College (Glennallen)
  • Saint Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (Kodiak)

Though Alaska’s post secondary offerings are limited, the school’s themselves are proud of the quality of their education offered. Due to the small population in Alaska, class sizes are typically smaller and teachers are generally more attentive of their students’ needs. Alaska is also home to a small number of for profit schools that provide career guidance and education allowing for immediate hire after graduation.

2024 Best Colleges in Alaska


Alaska Pacific University is a nonprofit private university that has many programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Anchorage, AK, in a predominantly urban area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. The school's small size in terms of enrollment, approximately 700 students, offers students a more hands on education due to the number of students per class and ease of access to professors.

Students can select from several areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Recreation And Fitness Studies

To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions officials. The most common exam scores among students accepted to Alaska Pacific University are between 21 to 27 for the ACT exam, or 960 to 1160 for the SAT exam. This school has an acceptance rate of around 32 percent of which only 43 percent decided to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

The cost of tuition is close to $30,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. The cost of on-campus housing is estimated to be $4,800 per year. Alaska Pacific University may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible by way of grants and loans.

Students can visit the website to get a complete list of programs offered, student services, and more.

Acceptance Rate

89.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1


The University of Alaska Southeast, located in Juneau, Alaska, with additional campuses in Ketchikan and Sitka, provides students with a comprehensive education while studying near the scenic and last temperate rain forest in North America, the Tongass National Forest. UAS provides a strong liberal arts education for Alaska residents and beyond.

Academics

The University of Alaska Southeast provides certificate programs, and degree programs starting from the associate level all the way to the master's. The program length depends on the degree pursued, with higher level degrees typically taking longer to complete.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to enroll at AUS must either be a high school graduate with a 2.0 GPA, successfully completed the GED, or have taken 30 college level credits prior to applying. Admissions into the bachelor's program requires student to have a certain GPA and SAT/ACT score combination in order to be considered, where the higher the SAT?ACT score the lower the GPA may be (but not below 2.0). Master's programs have varying requirements, but all require the applicant to have a bachelor's degree.

Students seeking financial aid must submit a tax transcript that may be included as part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid applications must be submitted by the posted deadlines on the financial aid page on the school's website.

Acceptance Rate

60.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1


University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution located in Fairbanks, AK and provides a large number of program options for students. As a land grant institution this school is among larger public institutions in the state of Alaska. Over nine thousand students enroll at UAF per year.

Students can pick from several areas of study, including:

  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies

The school has an open enrollment policy, admitting any students that meet the requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, records, test scores, and personal statements may be required for certain programs.  Important registration data and information on admissions can be found at uaf.edu.

The tuition at University of Alaska Fairbanks varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay approximately $6,700 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $19,000 per year. The cost of on-campus housing is about $4,000 per year. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

Athletic programs are available at University of Alaska Fairbanks through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate sports. Available sports offered may include the following:

  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Ice Hockey (NCAA Division II)
  • Rifle (NCAA Division II)
  • Skiing (NCAA Division II)

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1


Dreaming of a future in Cosmetology? Enjoy the personal rewards of helping people look and feel their best. Empire Beauty School offers you a one-of-a-kind educational approach to learning the latest trends and fundamentals of Cosmetology.

You’ll learn:

  • Haircutting
  • Styling
  • Coloring
  • Make-up Application
  • And more!

You’ll also learn the business basics as we show you how to:

  • Market your skills to new clients
  • Retain clientele
  • Increase your income potential
  • Manage a salon or spa
  • Sell professional products to your clients

Our Programs

At Empire Beauty School, our one-of-a-kind CLiC curriculum is a visual approach to learning.  With our education you learn by seeing and doing. Plus you’ll apply your skills on your mannequins using your professional student kit.  As part of your new student kit you will receive the Career Success Tablet.  Your textbooks and curriculum are downloaded onto your tablet.  As you progress through your training, you’ll have the confidence to work in a student salon environment with guests.

 Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to those who qualify.  Our friendly financial aid representatives will help you find the financing that suits you best. We offer a variety of options to help you afford your dreams.

 BeautyCareer.com

BeautyCareer.com is a website for Empire Beauty School students and alumni seeking career opportunities.  Stylists can create resumes, develop digital portfolios, search for career opportunities and apply for open positions through one simple site.  The beauty career website is part of the education process at Empire which assists students to better understand these elements of their career.  Empire Beauty Schools offers job placement assistance through our website BeautyCareer.com.

Accreditation

Empire Beauty Schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).

Disclosure Statement

For more information about Empire Beauty School’s graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.empire.edu/consumer-info

TCPA Statement

By submitting this form, you are providing your signature expressly consenting to contact by an Empire representative or its subsidiaries, affiliates, or agents at the number provided via telephone, email, or text using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded message regarding Empire programs, offers, events and announcements. You are not required to provide your consent in order to purchase any product or service.

Enrollment

102

Tuition

$19,200.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1


Charter College, located in Anchorage, Alaska, was founded in 1985. The school was established as an alternative to traditional four year educations, removing non-relevant coursework from programs in order to better prepare students for careers. The school expanded, adding 9 more campuses across three states. Today the school takes pride in its success, and continues to refine and review its offerings to ensure professional success for its graduates. The school's campuses have received accreditation from either the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and School, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, or the Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education.

Academics

Charter College provides over 30 programs of study at its ten locations. These programs result in certificates, diplomas, associates or bachelor degrees. The programs are developed to focus on career development and training, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to work in high demand fields immediately after graduating. The focus of the school is to provide the best education possible, ensuring that students are fully prepared and professional. It is important to note that not all programs are available at all schools, and that a list is available on the school's website identifying which campuses offer which programs.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in Charter College may request additional information through the school's website to begin the application process. Additionally, the school encourages chatting with a  representative online through the live chat service and taking a tour of a nearby campus in order to view the facilities and meet with students and faculty. Financial aid is available in a variety of forms and offered through state, federal and private contributors. Financial aid assistance is available through the school, and a representative will assist in the application process, which includes completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

2,853

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1


The main location of AVTEC is in Seward, Alaska, 120 miles south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. The Health Department is located in Anchorage AVTEC. AVTEC will help you gain the skills you need for an exciting career. Tuition is affordable and AVTEC offers outstanding value for your money.

The cost of studying at AVTEC varies by program. For example the cost of an Associate degree in Nursing is $6,830. Tuition for the Business & Office Technology - General Business/Office Assistant program is $7,033. The course in welding costs $10,119. The course to earn a certificate in Professional Cooking and Baking is $14,472.

AVTEC aims to offer an outstanding learning environment for students. The staff will work with you in making the transition from the classroom to working.

Many outstanding services are offered. The school provides child care and family housing. AVTEC staff encourage healthy life-styles both in and out of the work place. Health information and wellness programs are available to all students. The school also provides student accidental insurance.

AVTEC is one of the most well-known schools for skills training in a wide variety of industrial and technological fields. The school is part of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and is approved by the Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education.

At AVTEC, you will find a vibrant campus life. You will make new friendships that will last a lifetime. There is never a dull moment at AVTEC.

Enrollment

855

Tuition

$3,490.00 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1


Alaska Bible College is an institution located in Glennallen, AK that provides several academic programs for its students. Alaska Bible College also has a Nondenominational Christian affiliation. Alaska Bible College has an enrollment of around eighty students per year. Alaska Bible College offers several programs for students to choose from. A list of the more popular programs being offered for students are:

  • Biblical Studies
  • Missions, Missionary Studies and Missiology
  • Theology

This school maintains an open enrollment guideline, allowing all applicants that meet the requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts and records, as well as any admissions essays may be required for certain programs.

Alaska Bible College also offers career counseling for students in need of help.

Tuition is approximately $7,800 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to get an individualized estimate of costs. Student housing is available on-campus for potential students. The yearly cost of housing is approximately $1,500. Financial aid may be provided to those that meet the necessary requirements.

This school has been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation since 1982. To read more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit akbible.edu.

Enrollment

45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1


Grantham University is a career college dedicated to offering a solid education for students located in and around Kansas City. Students may select from many areas of study, including:

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Business and Marketing Studies
  • Security and Protective Services

Over two thousand students have received a degree in the last few years based on published graduation information with a graduation rate of around 33%. Grantham University has listed more than twenty different programs available, including degrees as high as a Master's degree. The more popular programs are shown below:

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Business Administration
  • Law and Justice Administration
  • Information Systems
  • Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology

To help students and alumni succeed, Grantham University may provide support services including:

  • Online course work available
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Assistance to find work

Grantham University has been accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission since 1961. To see more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit grantham.edu.

Enrollment

8,059

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1


The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a two-year college comprised of three primary campuses and two satellite campuses in Maryland.CCBC also offers distance learning programs, and more than 100 academic degree and certificate programs. CCBC offers excellent transfer programs for students planning to transition into four-year universities to complete their bachelor's degrees.

High-achieving students at CCBC can join one of the honors programs to gain enhanced learning experiences and guaranteed admission to a four-year college or university. CCBC has affiliations with many four-year institutions, including Loyola College, College of Notre Dame, Towson University, and more.

Academic resources for students at CCBC include academic advising, international study and travel programs, developmental education, service learning, learning communities, a career training center, and job placement services, among others.

History

The Community College of Baltimore County was founded in 1957. The Catonsville branch originally operated out of the Catonsville High School basement. The college got its own campus in Catonsville in 1962. The Essex branch originally operated out of Kenwood High School. It got its own campus in the 1960s. In 1970, CCBC founded its Dundalk Campus.

Academics

The academic calendar for CCBC follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters and a series of shorter summer sessions. There is also a short 3-week winter session available.

Colleges and Schools

  • School of Applied and Information Technology
  • School of Business, Social Sciences, Wellness and Education
  • School of Health Professions
  • School of Justice
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • School of Mathematics and Science
     

Student Life

At CCBC, campus involvement in student clubs and organizations is encouraged to foster "co-curricular learning." The mission and purpose of the Student Life Program at CCBC is: "To provide a comprehensive program that provides cultural, social, recreational, health and wellness, and an intellectual environment for all."

Student clubs, organizations and activities cover a broad range of interests, including fine arts, performing arts, sports, pop culture, student government, horticulture, and philosophy, to name a few.

Student services at CCBC include tutoring, counseling, advising, testing, career training, and more.

Athletics

CCBC offers athletic programs at all three of its primary campuses: Catonsville (Cardinals), Dundalk (Lions) and Essex (Knights). Students should contact the athletics department at each campus to find out which sports programs are based there. CCBC men's and women's athletic teams compete in intercollegiate sports at the state, regional and national levels.

Intercollegiate athletics at CCBC include:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Lacrosse         
  • Soccer 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

CCBC is comprised of three primary campuses and two satellite campuses in Maryland. The three primary CCBC campuses are:

  • CCBC Catonsville
  • CCBC Dundalk
  • CCBC Essex 

The two CCBC satellite campuses are:

  • CCBC Owings Mills Extension Center
  • CCBC Hunt Valley Extension Center
  • CCBC Randallstown Extension Center 

The CCBC Distance Learning program provides easy-access alternatives to commuting to one of the campuses.

Community Life

CCBC offers many programs to the community. Programs that benefit local businesses include training for businesses, such as food safety, health care, workplace literacy, applied technology, and command Spanish, among others. Community education is available for life enrichment, adult literacy, children and young adults, career training, internships, and more. Performing arts productions are available to community members through the Catonsville Community Theatre Company, the Dundalk Community Theater, Senior Start Showcase, and the theatre, dance and music departments.

Enrollment

18,830

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The most populous city in Alaska is Anchorage, followed by Fairbanks and Juneau.  While the most populous county in Alaska is Anchorage County with Fairbanks North Star Borough close behind.   If you are interested in visiting the state of Alaska, consider visiting their state page or the state chapter of the Chamber of Commerce.

There are four public 4-year state universities and colleges in Alaska. These four-year institutions predominantly offer bachelor's or higher level programs and some may even include research facilities. See a state-wide list of the state universities and colleges in Alaska.

In Alaska there are zero accredited private four-year colleges. Similar to public schools, private colleges and universities offer bachelor's or higher level programs and research opportunities, although they usually have smaller classes and higher tuition. Compare admission requirements and tuition details for private colleges in Alaska.

Community colleges are public institutions that offer low cost, high quality education for residents throughout the state. These schools offer 2-year programs that grant associate degrees or offer training courses in specialized trades. Alaska" Community colleges also are the number one transfer-out programs available for four-year colleges and universities. Learn more and compare community colleges in Alaska.

Bible and Christian colleges generally provide specialized undergraduate education with a focus on religious or biblical study. There are approximately zero such colleges in Alaska located throughout the state. See a full list of Christian colleges in Alaska along with program and tuition information.

Alaska has zero accredited liberal arts colleges. These schools primarily focus on undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences through comprehensive and flexible curriculums. Compare all the liberal arts colleges in Alaska.

2022 Best Colleges in Alaska

With proprietary search tools, students looking to apply to colleges in Alaska quickly find information about specific two-year colleges and four-year colleges.  We have compiled the latest published information on financial aid, student to teacher ratios, sports programs, enrollment, and degree programs for top ranked Alaska colleges.   Finding information about Alaska college majors and statistics is just a click away.  Learn today what colleges exist in Alaska, how much tuition is for a private and public college in Alaska, college degrees that are the best fit for you.

Connect with any number of accredited colleges in Alaska provide admissions information directly to you, quickly and securely with MatchCollege.  Find out if you qualify for an application waiver or application fee discount before applying to a college.  Learn what it takes to qualify for a specific college degree program or online degree by talking directly with an admission’s officer at the school.

Where can I find online degrees at Alaska colleges?

Of the four schools in Alaska that offer distance learning courses, the University of Alaska (UA) system comprises three at their Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Southeast branches. Whether you’re interested in taking specific courses online or completing your entire degree online, UA offers a wide selection of courses year-round. UA’s online courses typically have lower student-faculty ratios which result in smaller class sizes and increased student support. Arguably the most beneficial aspect of online programs through UA is the flexibility to earn your degree while accommodating the other important responsibilities in your life!

Which free online classes can I take from Alaska colleges?

The University of Alaska at Fairbanks (UAF) has partnered with edX to form AlaskaX. Through AlaskaX, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are available for free! Curriculum is centered around topics that can be applied worldwide but are relevant particularly in the circumpolar North.  Course content includes indigenous cultural practices of Alaska Natives, arctic environmentalism, and natural hazards.

Which Alaska online colleges will accept FAFSA?

All Alaska online programs require FAFSA in order to be eligible for federal loans and grants. The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year and must be renewed annually. The FAFSA results determine eligibility for federal aid for the following academic year. In addition to federal aid, the UA system has separate Financial Aid Homepages and other relevant links for financial support found here. Alaska Pacific University (APU), a private institution, also has a handy video to help students fill out the FAFSA.

Is taking college online more affordable in Alaska?

By taking online courses through the UA system, students are eligible for in-state tuition rates. Across the Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Southeast campuses, lower-division courses are $234 per credit hour, and upper-division courses are $282 per credit hour for the most recent academic calendar year. While there may still be additional course fees associated with the online courses, the UA system offers one of the most affordable in-state tuition rates nationally. For students who have graduated at the top of their class at an Alaska high school, there are also additional scholarship opportunities like the UA Scholars Award!

Do online Alaska colleges accept a GED?

At each of the UA campuses as well as at APU, GED’s are accepted! While none of the schools listed minimum GED scores, all schools were clear that they require official GED score reports from the state in which the test was taken. Check out UA Anchorage’s FAQs for more information on how to order an official GED transcript!

Which colleges in Alaska accept the most transfer credits?

APU considers a transfer student to be an applicant who has earned 30 or more credit hours with a grade of 2.0 or better from an accredited institution. Prospective transfer students applying to APU must submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. Similar to the UA system, APU’s Registrar’s Office evaluates the course equivalency of transfer credits in order to determine which credits will meet APU’s program requirements. UA schools distinguish themselves through their Transfer Evaluation System, which grants students a preview into which courses from various universities count as credit in the UA system.

Degree Breakdown State of Alaska

  • Doctoral or
    Professional degree

    6,260 1.91%

  • Master's
    Degree

    6,200 1.89%

  • Bachelor's
    Degree

    70,540 21.56%

  • Associate's
    Degree

    8,770 2.68%

  • Postsecondary
    Nondegree award

    17,700 5.41%

  • Some college,
    No degree

    10,440 3.19%

  • High school diploma or
    Equivalent

    117,840 36.01%

  • No formal
    Educational credential

    89,500 27.35%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Browse Schools by Career in Alaska

Follow the links below to get information on accredited schools in our database that offer programs or degrees.

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    Get access to hundreds of free educational resources and quality career guides for high school students and Alaska college graduates. Our tools include exclusive research, tips and resources to find the perfect college match for you based on your personal criteria. The key to finding your perfect college match is to understand your personal criteria, learning style, career objectives, and vocational goals before selecting a school. Utilize our resources below to make the most of your educational experience.

     
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