1. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Overview of University of Alaska Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), established in 1917, is the flagship institution of the University of Alaska system. It is well-known for its research in Arctic and northern sciences, and it is one of the world’s leading institutions in Arctic research. UAF offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in fields such as natural resources, engineering, and Alaska Native studies.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 7,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 190 undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1280
Extracurricular Activities
- Ice Hockey
- Mountaineering Club
- Student government
- Research internships
- Alaska Native Student Association
Famous Alumni
- Bill Walker – Former Governor of Alaska
- Joe Miller – Lawyer and politician
- Mike Dunleavy – Current Governor of Alaska
- Vera Rubin – Renowned astronomer
- Libby Riddles – First woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Top Employers of Graduates
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- ConocoPhillips Alaska
- BP Exploration Alaska
- Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
- GCI Communication Corp
2. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
Overview of University of Alaska Anchorage
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Founded in 1954, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is the largest university in Alaska, located in the state’s most populous city. UAA offers a wide range of degree programs and is known for its partnerships with industries such as aviation, health care, and business. The university is particularly noted for its nursing, engineering, and business programs, which meet the needs of Alaska’s major industries.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #93-122 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 11,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Average SAT Score: 1030-1250
Extracurricular Activities
- Seawolf Debate
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Student government
- ROTC
- Aviation Club
Famous Alumni
- Sarah Palin – Former Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential candidate
- Mark Begich – Former U.S. Senator from Alaska
- Alice Rogoff – Publisher and philanthropist
- John Gourley – Lead singer of the band Portugal. The Man
- Curtis Menard Jr. – Politician and former mayor of Wasilla
Top Employers of Graduates
- Providence Health & Services Alaska
- Alaska Airlines
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Chugach Electric Association
- Anchorage School District
3. Alaska Pacific University (APU)
Overview of Alaska Pacific University
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska Pacific University (APU), founded in 1957, is a private liberal arts university known for its experiential learning model and emphasis on environmental stewardship. APU offers small class sizes and personalized education, with a focus on outdoor studies, sustainability, and rural development. It attracts students interested in the natural sciences, education, and business administration.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #25 in Regional Colleges West
- Number of Students: Around 500
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like outdoor studies, marine biology, and counseling psychology
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 1000-1200
Extracurricular Activities
- Nordic Ski Team
- Sustainability Club
- Kayaking and Canoeing Club
- Leadership programs
- Adventure and Environmental Club
Famous Alumni
- Lance Mackey – Four-time Iditarod champion
- Pamela Rae Bickford – Marine biologist
- Kikkan Randall – Olympic cross-country skier
- Eben Hopson – Politician and advocate for Alaska Native rights
- Rachel Dowson – Environmental advocate and educator
Top Employers of Graduates
- National Park Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Alaska Pacific Fisheries
- Anchorage Museum
4. Ilisagvik College
Overview of Ilisagvik College
Location: Utqiaġvik, Alaska
Ilisagvik College, located in the northernmost town in the U.S., is the only tribal college in Alaska. Established in 1996, the college provides higher education and vocational training with a focus on the needs of the Iñupiat people. It offers associate degrees and certificates in areas such as health, construction trades, and Iñupiat studies.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Tribal Colleges)
- Number of Students: Approximately 400
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Iñupiat Dance Group
- Traditional craft workshops
- Cultural preservation projects
- Subsistence hunting and fishing clubs
- Student government
Famous Alumni
- William Hensley – Politician and advocate for Native rights
- Carroll Hodge – Iñupiat elder and educator
- John Oscar – Indigenous language revitalization advocate
- Marie Greene – CEO of NANA Regional Corporation
- Joe Toolie – Community health leader
Top Employers of Graduates
- North Slope Borough
- Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
- Ilisagvik College
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- ConocoPhillips Alaska
5. University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)
Overview of University of Alaska Southeast
Location: Juneau, Alaska
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), founded in 1972, serves students in the scenic capital city of Alaska. UAS is recognized for its programs in marine biology, environmental science, and Alaska Native studies. Its location offers students unique opportunities for research and learning in the pristine coastal environment.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #62 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,500
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Average SAT Score: 980-1180
Extracurricular Activities
- Kayaking and Rowing Club
- Environmental Research Group
- Juneau Ice Climbing Club
- Native Student Union
- Marine Biology Association
Famous Alumni
- Byron Mallott – Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska
- Kim Elton – Politician and environmental advocate
- Molly McCammon – Director of Alaska Ocean Observing System
- Ben Brown – Chair of the Alaska State Council on the Arts
- Will Mader – Film and television composer
Top Employers of Graduates
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Sealaska Corporation
- Juneau School District
- U.S. Forest Service
6. Alaska Christian College (ACC)
Overview of Alaska Christian College
Location: Soldotna, Alaska
Founded in 2001, Alaska Christian College (ACC) is a private, faith-based institution located on the Kenai Peninsula. ACC focuses on providing a Christian education and preparing students for leadership roles in their communities, especially those from rural and Alaska Native backgrounds. It offers associate degrees and certificates, emphasizing spiritual formation and community service.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Private Colleges)
- Number of Students: Approximately 80-100
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates in Christian ministry, behavioral health, and general studies
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Mission trips
- Worship team
- Campus ministries
- Outdoor adventure activities
- Community service projects
Famous Alumni
- Paul Schlichter – Pastor and church planter
- Janet Kanayurak – Community leader in youth services
- Levi Williamson – Behavioral health advocate
- Marie Esau – Rural community educator
- Sarah Atchak – Alaska Native ministries coordinator
Top Employers of Graduates
- Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
- Alaska Christian College
- Covenant Youth of Alaska
- Kenaitze Indian Tribe
- Alaska Behavioral Health
7. Charter College Anchorage
Overview of Charter College Anchorage
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Charter College is a private, for-profit college founded in 1985, specializing in career-focused education. With a strong emphasis on hands-on training, Charter College Anchorage offers programs in fields such as business, health care, information technology, and the trades. Its flexible learning formats allow students to pursue their education online or through hybrid models.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (For-Profit Colleges)
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Certificates, associate, and bachelor’s degrees in fields like health care, business, and IT
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Student leadership programs
- Health care skills competitions
- Technology and IT clubs
- Business leadership initiatives
- Professional development workshops
Famous Alumni
- Jake Edwards – IT consultant for the State of Alaska
- Megan Klosterman – Health care administrator
- Victor Hansen – Construction project manager
- Laura Jameson – Business entrepreneur
- Chris McDowell – Network systems engineer
Top Employers of Graduates
- Providence Health & Services Alaska
- Alaska Airlines
- ConocoPhillips Alaska
- State of Alaska
- GCI Communication Corp
8. Prince William Sound College (PWSC)
Overview of Prince William Sound College
Location: Valdez, Alaska
Prince William Sound College (PWSC), established in 1978, is a community college within the University of Alaska system. Located in the scenic coastal town of Valdez, PWSC offers associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs. It is known for its outdoor recreation programs and the immersive experience it provides in a remote, natural setting.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Community Colleges)
- Number of Students: Approximately 600
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates in outdoor leadership, health care, and business
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Ice climbing
- Avalanche safety courses
- Mountaineering club
- Student government
- Film club
Famous Alumni
- Erik McAllister – Outdoor recreation leader
- Shannon Seifert – Environmental educator
- Mark Stevens – Local business owner and adventure guide
- Julie Roberts – Health care professional in rural Alaska
- Kelly Morton – Photographer and environmental activist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Alaska Department of Transportation
- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
- Prince William Sound College
- Valdez City Schools
- National Park Service
9. Kodiak College
Overview of Kodiak College
Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Founded in 1968, Kodiak College is part of the University of Alaska Anchorage system. Located on Kodiak Island, it serves a diverse community of students, including those from the fishing industry and military personnel stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Base. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and community education programs, with a focus on fisheries technology and workforce development.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Community Colleges)
- Number of Students: Approximately 500
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates in fisheries technology, general education, and business
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Fishing and marine technology club
- Cultural arts workshops
- Community service initiatives
- Environmental conservation projects
- Veteran support programs
Famous Alumni
- Tom Walters – Fisheries biologist
- Anne Stevens – Marine policy consultant
- Jill Harris – Community outreach coordinator
- Steve Krueger – Marine engineer
- Tina McLaughlin – Nonprofit leader in environmental conservation
Top Employers of Graduates
- Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
- U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak
- Trident Seafoods
- Kodiak Island Borough School District
- Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak
10. University of Alaska Palmer (Matanuska-Susitna College)
Overview of University of Alaska Palmer
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Matanuska-Susitna College, located in Palmer, is a community college within the University of Alaska Anchorage system. It provides associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, with a particular focus on agriculture, business, and the trades. Its close proximity to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley allows students to engage in hands-on learning in areas such as horticulture and animal husbandry.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Community Colleges)
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates in agriculture, business, and general education
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Agriculture and gardening clubs
- Student government
- Art and photography clubs
- Community outreach programs
- Sustainability and conservation initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Barbara Meyer – Agriculture specialist
- John Hendricks – Horticulturist
- Alice Patterson – Business owner in the Valley
- Michael Greene – Environmental advocate
- Rachel Lee – Educator in rural Alaska
Top Employers of Graduates
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
- Matanuska Electric Association
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources
- Palmer City Schools
- Valley Hospital