online colleges in Alaska offers online courses. An advantage of an online program is that the courses earn students a certificate of completion once they have completed them.
You can find information on university of alaska fairbanks, university of alaska anchorage, alaska college football, alaska college basketball, and university of alaska anchorage tuition on CollegeLearners.
Believe it or not, an online degree in Alaska comes with choice! Yes, the University of Alaska system dominates the landscape, but Alaska Pacific University is a viable alternative. Plus there’s always the option to explore distance education programs in other states—especially ones that provide discounts to Alaska learners.
Whatever decision you make, you deserve to get a good education. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide to choosing an online program in Alaska. It contains tips on finding the right degree, profiles of affordable programs, advice on how to check for accreditation, and links to useful distance learning websites.
University of Alaska Anchorage
see online programs Anchorage, Alaska
The three schools within the University of Alaska System combine to offer over 100 online degrees – about 75 percent of them require no visits to campus. University of Alaska Anchorage facilitates 19 of those programs, including a general associate degree. The remaining programs are highly specialized. The sole baccalaureate is a Nursing Science degree, and the half dozen master’s programs range from Arctic Engineering to Special Education. Most prevalent are short certificate programs. There are occupational endorsement certificates in areas like Corrections and Medical Office Coding, as well as post-baccalaureate certificates in primarily nursing and education topics.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
2
University of Alaska Fairbanks
see online programs Fairbanks, Alaska
The School of Education at UAF offers an online Master of Education (MEd) in Innovation and Design program. Students accepted to this program can choose from the following areas of specialization: cross-cultural education, curriculum and instruction, language and literacy, and online innovation and design. The university also offers a two-year Master of Arts (MA) in Administration of Justice degree that can be earned completely online. Newly offered online is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with the following fields of concentration: finance, human resource management, international business, management, marketing, and travel industry management. A professional graduate degree program (master’s level) in security and disaster management is also available online. On the baccalaureate level, the university recently added a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) program to its online roster. There are two other online undergraduate programs currently offered – Bachelor of Emergency Management (BEM) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Justice. Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs are available in accounting, business, and information technology. For students who wish to update their skills or explore a new field, UAF offers online graduate certificate programs in accounting technician, design and construction management, healthcare reimbursement, business management, and medical and dental reception.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
3
University of Alaska Southeast
see online programs Juneau, Alaska
Befitting a school located in a large and sparsely populated state, the University of Alaska Southeast has a long list of programs that can be completed online. These range from occupational certificates to master’s programs. The biggest number of programs are in the field of education. Undergrads can earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education or special education. At the graduate level, career changers can earn initial teacher certification with a Master of Arts in Teaching. Experienced educators can gain advanced training with a Master of Education in five specialties. Five graduate certificates are also offered for educators. UAS also grants associate degrees, including one in fisheries technology. Both technical and transfer associate degrees are available.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Degrees in Alaska: What to Know
- How to Find Online Degrees in the University of Alaska System
University of Alaska schools—including all 3 UA campuses and community colleges like Sitka and Kenai Peninsula College—are deeply committed to online programs. UAA is working on a Robust Online Learning Initiative (ROLL) and UAF’s eLearning and Distance Education Division has developed an entire website (iTeachU) devoted to improving online teaching & coursework. What’s more, the vast majority of UAS degrees & certificates are earned through distance or hybrid programs.
If you’re thinking of UA, the first place to go is Distance Learning at UA. This website has step-by-step enrollment advice, links to financial aid webpages, and a list of all University of Alaska online programs, regardless of campus. Many UA students are cross-enrolled in e-learning courses throughout the system. Visit the individual university/community college website for more detailed information.
- How to Earn MC and AK Credit Hours for Teacher Certification Online
Alaska has an interesting approach to teacher certification. Along with the usual requirements—a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, fulfillment of a state-approved/NCATE-accredited teacher preparation program, passing scores on PRAXIS exams—all teachers are expected to complete two 3-credit hour courses: Multicultural (MC) and Alaska Studies (AK).
These are frequently offered online! The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (EED) has up-to-date lists of Approved MC and AK courses organized under each university. These must be completed at an Alaskan institution within the first two years of initial certification (i.e. during the teacher preparation program).
- Remember that Out-of-State is Also an Option
We talk about student exchange programs through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) in our page on Affordable Colleges in Alaska, but they’re worth remembering when you’re thinking about distance learning.
Programs like the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Western Regional Graduate Program (WGRP) allow Alaska students to pay reduced tuition rates for out-of-state programs. Many of these programs will require you to be on-campus, but a few WUE institutions and WGRP institutions also offer online and hybrid degrees. To find out whether or not an institution offers the WUE or WGRP rate for your choice of online degree, WICHE recommends you call and ask.
Affordable Online Schools in Alaska
For this section, we only feature schools that appear on both our “Top Online” and “Most Affordable” lists. These universities must meet our criteria for quality, flexibility, price, and use of financial aid money. (You would see a CAG Score next to the profile in our ranking.) No schools in Alaska met those criteria in 2018, but the UA system is still worth investigating, especially if you receive financial aid.
Online Schools in Alaska with Accreditation & Quality Concerns
Alaska is fortunate in the sense that it’s small, so it’s hard for the bad guys to create degree mills and unaccredited universities (California has a much bigger problem!). Whenever you’re considering an online program, either in-state or out-of-state, always make sure that the school is fully accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Even though national accreditation applies to distance learning institutions, regional accreditation is preferable, especially if you’re thinking of transferring academic credits.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is the organization that provides regional accreditation for the seven-state Northwest region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. It’s easy to check its updated list of regionally accredited Alaska institutions. NWCCU also posts Recent Commission Actions with info on schools that it has placed on warning or probation.
It’s important to note that community colleges in the UA system are also regionally accredited. For example, Kenai Peninsula College (KPC), a college of the University of Alaska Anchorage, is fully accredited by NWCCU.
If you’re unsure about a school outside of Alaska, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Database lists both national & regional accreditations.
Alaska Online Education Resources
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU): NWCCU provides regional accreditation for Alaska schools, including four-year universities and community colleges.
Distance Learning Resources
Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE): ASTE is responsible for promoting access to technology, connections to information resources, and technology integration for Alaskan learners. It develops “best practices” for teaching and holds an annual conference & leadership summit to discuss developments in the field.
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Internet Course Exchange (ICE): WICHE ICE is intended to help students (through their home universities) access high quality online courses and programs offered by other four-year and two-year ICE member institutions. UAA participates in this initiative.
Online Degree & Course Catalogs
Distance Learning at UA: On this website, you’ll find a list of all University of Alaska online programs on all 3 UA campuses (Anchorage, Fairbanks & Southeast). This list also includes programs offered by community colleges in the UA system.
The Best Online Colleges in Alaska
Even though Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. in terms of area, it is one of the least populated.
Due to the great distances between cities, lack of roads, vast wilderness areas, and harsh winter climate, travel across Alaska can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. These obstacles present several challenges for those who want to further their education in Alaska. Online or distance learning can be extremely helpful for both students and working professionals. Distance learning technology has helped rural Alaskans to expand their educational horizons and network with each other.
Featured Online Schools
Only eight degree–granting institutions serve the sparsely populated state. Within this small group of colleges and universities, there are even fewer online colleges in Alaska. However, this does not mean that distance learning does not exist. There are several online schools in Alaska that offer educational programs from the certificate level all the way through the doctoral level. Through its state university system, Alaska boasts the University of Alaska Online (UAOnline). Within this network, students can take classes without having to leave home. Prospective students can select programs tailored to the unique culture and needs of Alaskans. UAOnline maintains an open door policy and allows anyone to enroll in distance learning as non–degree–seeking students. Several Alaska schools also offer flexible online certificates and degrees.
| #1 | University of Alaska FairbanksFAIRBANKS, AK |
| #2 | University of Alaska SoutheastJUNEAU, AK |
| #3 | University of Alaska AnchorageANCHORAGE, AK |
| #4 | Alaska Pacific UniversityANCHORAGE, AK |
The Best Online Colleges in Alaska
1
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Average Net Price
$$$$$
Location
Fairbanks, AK
GRADUATION RATE 33%
The University of Alaska Fairbanks, founded in 1917, is one of a handful of land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant colleges in the United States. The university also contributes to Oregon State University’s sun-grant program. The university offers 190 degree programs in over 120 disciplines. University of Alaska Fairbanks is home to nine academic schools.
The university offers a variety of bachelor, master and associate’s degrees online, as well as a number of professional certificates and occupations endorsements. Bachelor’s degree offerings include business, criminal justice and homeland security. Available master’s degree programs include business and design. Obtainable associate’s degrees include arts and accounting, while available certificate programs include bookkeeping, medical billing and medical coding.
Online students have access to an online information directory, writing center, math lab and two extensive collections of video tutorials on how to use various computer programs. Students also have access to online library services, including several academic journals and databases.
Accreditation: University of Alaska Fairbanks is regionally accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
View School Profile
2
University of Alaska Southeast
Average Net Price
$$$$$
Location
Juneau, AK
GRADUATION RATE 10%
The University of Alaska Southeast was established when the University of Alaska Juneau, Islands Community College and Ketchikan Community College all unified in 1987. The University has nearly 4,000 students, 4 academic colleges, which are the colleges of arts and sciences, career education, management and education, 41 degree programs including undergraduate and graduate offerings, 18 certificate programs and 16 occupational endorsements.
The University of Alaska Southeast’s online offerings cover a wide swath of academia. Online associate’s degree options include science, business administration and law enforcement. Available bachelor’s degrees include liberal arts, special education and human resources. The university provides master’s degrees in several subjects in education, as do many of its certification programs. It also offers occupational endorsements in finance and the maritime industry.
Online students have access to a substantial database of academic journal articles online. They also have access to free online tutoring.
Accreditation: University of Alaska Southeast is regionally accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
View School Profile
3
University of Alaska Anchorage
Location
Anchorage, AK
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a more recently established university founded in 1954. The campus includes these academic colleges: Education, health, arts and sciences, business, engineering and a technical college. It boasts over 15,000 students and features a 3 + 3 program for law school students.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks currently offers 20 online degree programs, including associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees as well as certificate and post-baccalaureate programs, some of which have a face-to-face component. Associate’s degrees include general education and occupational health and safety. Certificates available online include corrections, medical coding and pharmacy. Available post-baccalaureate programs include psychiatry, education and nursing.
Online students have access to Distance Student Services, which conducts online test proctoring and acts as an advocate and liaison for all online students. There is also online academic advising, tutoring, disability services, an online library and an article database.
Accreditation: University of Alaska Anchorage is regionally accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
View School Profile
4
Alaska Pacific University
Average Net Price
$$$$$
Location
Anchorage, AK
GRADUATION RATE 52%
Alaska Methodist University was founded in 1957 and restructured in 1978 to become Alaska Pacific University. Located on a 175-acre campus in a forested area of Anchorage, the school boasts proximity to the city’s award-winning trail system. Just under 600 students attend APU, 250 of them undergraduates. Fewer students has resulted in smaller class sizes and a low 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
This online school in Alaska is currently expanding its distance learning options. Several APU programs offer online courses to serve the needs of working and rural students. APU created an 18-credit undergraduate certificate in rural management to build networks of leaders in Alaska’s rural communities. This program features synchronous evening courses. APU also offers an online master’s in counseling psychology and an online business degree.
Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
Alaska is home to several universities and colleges, many of which offer online distance education programs. While just over 4,000 students are enrolled in Alaska’s private colleges and universities, almost 30,000 learners attend public and state schools. Thanks to online learning, prospective students from any state can explore these digital campuses as they search for the perfect place to obtain their higher education goals. This page includes information on Alaska’s online college options and answers commonly asked questions about online degree programs in Alaska, including cost, transferring credits and accreditation.
Best Online Colleges in Alaska 2020
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks, AK |
| 2 | Alaska Pacific University | Anchorage, AK |
| 3 | University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau, AK |
| 4 | University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, AK |
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.VIEW MORE PROGRAMS
Best Online Colleges in Alaska 2020
Online schools and colleges in Alaska offer practical, ever-growing alternatives to on-campus learning. The number of students enrolled in online courses in Alaska outweighs the national average. Online degree programs often offer more flexible schedules and lower tuition costs than on-campus programs.
This guide covers important information for prospective online students, including tuition costs and other fees, financial aid opportunities, and student resources.
2-Year Colleges
University of Alaska Fairbanks
LOCATION
Fairbanks, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
48%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
Through its various eLearning programs, the University of Alaska Fairbanks gives distance learners around the world an opportunity to earn occupation endorsements, certificates and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Undergraduate students can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in fields such as paralegal studies (AAS), early childhood education (AAS), psychology (BS) or business administration (BBA), to name a few examples. Those looking for an advanced education can choose from 5 master’s degrees in areas such as special education, business administration and administration of justice. All UAF eLearning programs are available fully online but the university also offers hybrid courses for those interested in combining online and on-campus coursework. Students pursuing any of UAF’s online programs qualify for an in-state rate, but additional fees are required before registration. Students considering an online occupational endorsement can take advantage of a 25% tuition discount.
Alaska Pacific University
LOCATION
Anchorage, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
58%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
Alaska Pacific University has a number of online courses, however, only the bachelor’s business degree can be completed 100% online. At the graduate level, a Master’s of Business as well as a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology are available, but require an in-person component. Students pursuing an MBA must meet once per class on campus, while those pursuing a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology must meet on campus every 6 weeks. APU offers a PhD program in Counseling and Psychology where most classes can be taken online, but students meet in person every 6 weeks. Academic advisors help students plan out their studies and stay on track for graduation. In order to graduate, students have to complete all major requirements, at least 24 resident credits beyond the baccalaureate degree and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0. It typically takes 4 years to complete the necessary amount of credits for a bachelor’s degree. Students interested in transferring to APU must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. The admissions office will assess transfer credits prior to class registration.
University of Alaska Southeast
LOCATION
Juneau, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
17%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
The University of Alaska Southeast focuses on providing students with opportunities to explore many different educational avenues along with programs focused on Alaskan culture, economics and way of life. Specialized courses include Alaska Native Language and Studies, Fisheries Technology and Marine Transportation to name a few. Admission requirements for online learning are the same as the requirements for on-campus learning, however there are fewer online programs available. These online programs may also have some in-person requirements that include on-campus participation or internships. Students can save on tuition by becoming a resident of Alaska or by providing proof of being a lineal descendant of a current Alaska resident. In order to do this, students will need to submit an application and documentation. In order to graduate, students must have been admitted to a degree program and completed general residency requirements. Associate and bachelor’s degrees require students complete a minimum of 24 credits of general education courses, along with additional degree courses.
UAS is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCUU), the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Students interested in transferring to UAS from another school must apply for admission and provide an overview of their transfer credits. Certain requirements must be fulfilled depending on whether students are transferring from another University of Alaska campus or an outside school.
University of Alaska Anchorage
LOCATION
Anchorage, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
34%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
The University of Alaska Anchorage is the largest university in the state. As Anchorage has the largest population of Alaskan Natives and American Indians in the United States, UAA strives to provide services and support to Native American students. One such program is the Native Early Transition program which seeks to alleviate the stress a student may face when first coming to UAA. UAA offers various degrees as well as career and technical education programs. These programs are aligned with Alaska’s core industries and the Anchorage location offers students various employment opportunities before and after graduation. UAA offers Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Both require the completion of 60 credits or more. Baccalaureate degrees require a minimum of 120 credits and consist of three main components – general education requirements, major requirements and elective credits. Students can generally complete a bachelor’s degree in a 4-year period. Graduate students have various requirements based on their individual program.
For those interested in the resources of UAA but have difficulty attending courses on campus, the university also offers many distance learning options. Students can fulfill all requirements on campus, completely off campus or a hybrid or mix of both. Some of the distance learning courses do require in person participation, but these will be scheduled in advance and students will be notified within the program description. Utilizing UAA’s online programs, students can obtain an undergraduate degree in nursing science, master’s degrees in early child special education, educational leadership, arctic engineering and public health practice, to name a few. Student interested in transferring to UAA must have completed 30 college level credits with a GPA of 2.0. Those with less than 30 transferrable credits must submit ACT or SAT scores, along with their high school transcript.
4-Year Colleges
COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL
University of Alaska Fairbanks
LOCATION
Fairbanks, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
48%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
Through its various eLearning programs, the University of Alaska Fairbanks gives distance learners around the world an opportunity to earn occupation endorsements, certificates and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Undergraduate students can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in fields such as paralegal studies (AAS), early childhood education (AAS), psychology (BS) or business administration (BBA), to name a few examples. Those looking for an advanced education can choose from 5 master’s degrees in areas such as special education, business administration and administration of justice. All UAF eLearning programs are available fully online but the university also offers hybrid courses for those interested in combining online and on-campus coursework. Students pursuing any of UAF’s online programs qualify for an in-state rate, but additional fees are required before registration. Students considering an online occupational endorsement can take advantage of a 25% tuition discount.
Alaska Pacific University
LOCATION
Anchorage, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
58%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
Alaska Pacific University has a number of online courses, however, only the bachelor’s business degree can be completed 100% online. At the graduate level, a Master’s of Business as well as a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology are available, but require an in-person component. Students pursuing an MBA must meet once per class on campus, while those pursuing a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology must meet on campus every 6 weeks. APU offers a PhD program in Counseling and Psychology where most classes can be taken online, but students meet in person every 6 weeks. Academic advisors help students plan out their studies and stay on track for graduation. In order to graduate, students have to complete all major requirements, at least 24 resident credits beyond the baccalaureate degree and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0. It typically takes 4 years to complete the necessary amount of credits for a bachelor’s degree. Students interested in transferring to APU must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. The admissions office will assess transfer credits prior to class registration.
University of Alaska Southeast
LOCATION
Juneau, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
17%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
The University of Alaska Southeast focuses on providing students with opportunities to explore many different educational avenues along with programs focused on Alaskan culture, economics and way of life. Specialized courses include Alaska Native Language and Studies, Fisheries Technology and Marine Transportation to name a few. Admission requirements for online learning are the same as the requirements for on-campus learning, however there are fewer online programs available. These online programs may also have some in-person requirements that include on-campus participation or internships. Students can save on tuition by becoming a resident of Alaska or by providing proof of being a lineal descendant of a current Alaska resident. In order to do this, students will need to submit an application and documentation. In order to graduate, students must have been admitted to a degree program and completed general residency requirements. Associate and bachelor’s degrees require students complete a minimum of 24 credits of general education courses, along with additional degree courses.
UAS is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCUU), the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Students interested in transferring to UAS from another school must apply for admission and provide an overview of their transfer credits. Certain requirements must be fulfilled depending on whether students are transferring from another University of Alaska campus or an outside school.
University of Alaska Anchorage
LOCATION
Anchorage, AK
TUITION
$$$$$
GRADUATION RATE
34%
VIEW SCHOOL PROFILE
The University of Alaska Anchorage is the largest university in the state. As Anchorage has the largest population of Alaskan Natives and American Indians in the United States, UAA strives to provide services and support to Native American students. One such program is the Native Early Transition program which seeks to alleviate the stress a student may face when first coming to UAA. UAA offers various degrees as well as career and technical education programs. These programs are aligned with Alaska’s core industries and the Anchorage location offers students various employment opportunities before and after graduation. UAA offers Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Both require the completion of 60 credits or more. Baccalaureate degrees require a minimum of 120 credits and consist of three main components – general education requirements, major requirements and elective credits. Students can generally complete a bachelor’s degree in a 4-year period. Graduate students have various requirements based on their individual program.
For those interested in the resources of UAA but have difficulty attending courses on campus, the university also offers many distance learning options. Students can fulfill all requirements on campus, completely off campus or a hybrid or mix of both. Some of the distance learning courses do require in person participation, but these will be scheduled in advance and students will be notified within the program description. Utilizing UAA’s online programs, students can obtain an undergraduate degree in nursing science, master’s degrees in early child special education, educational leadership, arctic engineering and public health practice, to name a few. Student interested in transferring to UAA must have completed 30 college level credits with a GPA of 2.0. Those with less than 30 transferrable credits must submit ACT or SAT scores, along with their high school transcript.
Paying for College in Alaska: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Online learners can take advantage of several financial aid opportunities to offset education expenses, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and loans are ideal as, unlike grants, they do not require repayment. We cover several grant and scholarship opportunities for Alaska students below.
Scholarships for Alaska College Students
COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL
- Alaska Performance ScholarshipWho Can Apply: High school seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a minimum score of 1060 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT qualify for this award.Amount: Up to $4,755 per yearAPPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
- JJ Klein ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Alaska high school students with demonstrable financial need who plan to attend an accredited university qualify for this award. Applicants with a GPA above 3.5 are ineligible for the scholarship.Amount: Up to $10,000APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
- Gary Martin Swim ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students who participated in high school swim and hold a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 qualify for this award. Applicants with demonstrable financial need receive preference.Amount: $1,000APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
- William Hunt ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students enrolled in an accredited hospitality, travel, or tourism program with a minimum 3.0 GPA qualify for this award.Amount: $2,000APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
- BP Alaska Principal’s ScholarshipWho Can Apply: High school principals in Alaska nominate one senior for this award each year. A committee selects 10 winners annually, with one awardee selected to receive an additional $10,000.Amount: $5,000APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.VIEW MORE PROGRAMS
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Alaska?
Prospective students can use websites such as U.S. News & World Report to determine the best-ranked online schools and programs. The following link also provides information on accredited Alaska colleges and universities.
How Much More Do College Grads in Alaska Make?
Professionals with a postsecondary degree typically enjoy more employment opportunities and higher salaries than professionals without a degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average salaries increase with a professional’s level of education. The following table outlines average nationwide salaries for various education levels.
| LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| $28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
| BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| $62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: BLS
Paying for Online College in Alaska: Tuition and Financial Aid
Earning a degree requires a significant financial investment. However, students can take advantage of many financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of a degree, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. Additionally, Alaska offers several opportunities for reduced tuition, including the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, which offers tuition discounts to out-of-state students from participating states and institutions.
The following tables outline average undergraduate tuition and fees for public and private universities in the U.S. and Alaska.
| IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
| $7,924 | $20,061 | $9,037 (In-State)$25,657 (Out-of-State) |
| IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
| $19,360 | N/A | $30,731 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Alaska
In addition to tuition, students should consider expenses like technology and textbook fees when weighing the overall cost of a degree. We highlight several of these expenses below.
- Technology Fees: Some online programs require students to pay fees for software access and new technology.
- Distance Education Fees: Online students may need to pay a distance education fee to support the costs of online course administration.
- Residency Costs: Many schools offer tuition discounts to in-state students, while others allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
- Travel Costs: Some online degree programs feature on-campus requirements, which may require students to pay for travel and room and board.
- Textbook Fees: Though many distance education programs use free online resources, students may need to purchase digital or physical copies of textbooks and other learning materials.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Alaska
Online schools and colleges in Alaska feature various qualifications for in-state tuition. Traditionally, in-state students include those who reside in the state. However, students may qualify for in-state tuition through other means, such as reciprocity agreements or regional exchange agreements. Additionally, some programs allow all online students to pay in-state tuition, regardless of where they live. Students should research each prospective school to determine tuition requirements.
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