Affordable Higher Education in Alaska

Alaska, the largest U.S. state by land area, is defined by its dramatic geography—from rugged mountains and glaciers to vast tundra and coastal plains.

With a population of about 730,000 residents, Alaska is the least densely populated state, yet it plays an outsized role in the U.S. economy.

Major industries include oil and gas production, fishing, tourism, transportation, and a growing renewable energy sector. The state’s workforce demands reflect these sectors, shaping the types of degree and training programs offered by Alaska’s colleges and universities.

In this guide

• Public, Private & Universities
• Notable initiatives
• Cost of attendance
• Grants and Scholarships

Public, Private & Universities in Alaska

Higher education in Alaska is primarily shaped by public institutions, which play the dominant role in providing affordable and accessible degree programs across the state. These universities are state-supported and focus on aligning their offerings with Alaska’s workforce needs, especially in sectors such as natural resources, healthcare, education, and technology. Public colleges often emphasize affordability, making them a central pathway for students pursuing higher education within the state.

Public Colleges and Universities

Public institutions in Alaska are tasked with serving a geographically vast and often rural population. They typically provide flexible options, ensuring that students in both urban centers and remote areas can access quality education. Public colleges also receive state and federal support, which helps keep tuition relatively affordable compared to private institutions.

Associate degree programs in Alaska

Associate degree tuition ranges from $14,460 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to $49,440 at the University of Alaska Southeast, with an average of about $27,100 across three schools.

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks

   Fairbanks, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $241
   Total tuition per credit: $14,460 - $16,629
   Credits: 60-69
   Number of degree programs: 7
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Alaska Anchorage

   Anchorage, Homer/Soldotna, Kodiak, Mat-Su & Valdez, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $290
   Total tuition per credit: $17,400 - $17,980
   Credits: 60-62
   Number of degree programs: 9
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Alaska Southeast

   Juneau, Ketchikan & Sitka, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $824
   Total tuition per credit: $49,440 - $56,032
   Credits: 60-68
   Number of degree programs: 5
   Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Private Colleges and Universities

Bachelor’s degree programs in Alaska

For bachelor’s degrees, tuition starts at $35,090 at the University of Alaska Anchorage, averaging $56,676, and reaching up to $98,880 at the University of Alaska Southeast.

1. University of Alaska Anchorage

   Anchorage, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $290
   Total tuition per credit: $34,800 - $35,090
   Credits: 120-121
   Number of degree programs: 11
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Alaska Fairbanks

   Fairbanks, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $298
   Total tuition per credit: $35,760 - $36,058
   Credits: 121
   Number of degree programs: 15
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Alaska Southeast

   Juneau, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $824
   Total tuition per credit: $98,880
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 14
   Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Private institutions play a smaller role in Alaska’s higher education system. While they may offer more specialized or niche programs, they are fewer in number and generally come with higher tuition costs. These schools often appeal to students seeking distinct academic environments, smaller class sizes, or specialized fields not widely available in public universities.

Master’s degree programs in Alaska

Master’s programs are comparatively affordable, beginning at $19,980 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, averaging $32,724, and going as high as $51,792 at the University of Alaska Southeast.

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks

   Fairbanks, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $555
   Total tuition per credit: $16,650 - $19,980
   Credits: 30-36
   Number of degree programs: 6
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Alaska Anchorage

   Anchorage, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $528
   Total tuition per credit: $17,424 - $26,400
   Credits: 33-50
   Number of degree programs: 8
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Alaska Southeast

   Juneau, Alaska

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,079
   Total tuition per credit: $32,370 - $51,792
   Credits: 30-48
   Number of degree programs: 7
   Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Notable Statewide Initiatives

Alaska has introduced several initiatives to improve higher education affordability and access:

• Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS): Awards merit-based aid to high-achieving high school graduates who pursue postsecondary education in Alaska.
• UA Scholars Program: Recognizes the top 10% of Alaska high school graduates with tuition scholarships to University of Alaska campuses.
• Alaska Education Grant (AEG): Provides need-based aid for low- and middle-income students.
• Distance Education Expansion: With much of the population living in remote communities, Alaska has invested heavily in online and hybrid learning programs, giving students flexible pathways to degrees.

Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition

In addition to tuition, students should budget for other living expenses:

• Room & Board: Costs vary from $9,000–$12,500 annually, depending on campus housing or off-campus rentals.
• Books & Supplies: Average $1,200–$1,500 per year.
• Transportation: In-state travel can be costly due to Alaska’s size and limited road systems. Students often rely on air travel or ferries, making transportation a significant part of the budget. Pell Grant eligibility can offset these costs for lower-income families.
• Living Cost Differences: Metro areas such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau generally have higher living expenses compared to rural towns, though rural campuses may offset costs with community-based housing or reduced fees.

Grants and Scholarships in Alaska

Students in Alaska can take advantage of multiple financial aid pathways:

• State-Funded Grants & Scholarships
  
  • Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) – up to $4,755 annually, based on academic performance.
  • Alaska Education Grant (AEG) – need-based aid ranging from $500–$4,000 annually.
  • UA Scholars Program – $12,000 scholarship distributed over eight semesters.
    
• FAFSA Deadlines
  
  • Alaska requires students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
  • Recommended filing begins October 1 for priority consideration.
  • The Alaska Education Grant and APS require FAFSA completion.

By combining federal aid, state-funded scholarships, and institutional awards, Alaska students can significantly reduce their cost of attendance.

For step-by-step assistance with completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA resource. To discover scholarship opportunities in Illinois, be sure to explore this guide: Finding Scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions