Alaska is a huge landmass, but it has one of the smallest populations in the United States. It's no surprise then that they have so few colleges. There is the rather small University of Alaska system that maintains three campuses, and then Alaska Pacific University, which is a small private institution. If you wish to expand your educational horizons, you can take advantage of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which provides out-of-state tuition to students from member states at a reduced price. Through WUE, you can attend college in California, any state on the western seaboard, and twelve other states. You can even study in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree?
The earning potential for a person with a degree in Alaska varies significantly based on the field of study, level of education, and the demand for specific skills in the state's job market. Alaska, known for its unique economy driven by industries such as oil, gas, fishing, and tourism, offers competitive salaries in specialized sectors. For instance, individuals with degrees in engineering, environmental science, or healthcare can earn annual salaries well above the national average, often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 for mid-level positions.
Entry-level roles for degree holders in fields like education or business management typically start at $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, can further increase earning potential, particularly in technical or leadership roles. Typically, you will find your earning potential opportunity is tied directly to the level of education you have earned.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Best Associate Degree Programs in Alaska
Alaska Christian College
Score: 60
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,014
- Out-of-State:$9,014
- Net Price: $5,659
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 77
- Undergrad Students: 77
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Top 5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Score: 84.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,640
- Out-of-State:$22,752
- Net Price: $9,450
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 6,607
- Undergrad Students: 5,636
- Graduate Students: 971
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Alaska Pacific University
Score: 78.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,760
- Out-of-State:$20,760
- Net Price: $22,388
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 595
- Undergrad Students: 490
- Graduate Students: 105
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
University of Alaska Southeast
Score: 77.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State:$21,096
- Net Price: $9,823
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 1,923
- Undergrad Students: 1,724
- Graduate Students: 199
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Alaska Anchorage
Score: 74.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,566
- Out-of-State:$21,693
- Net Price: $15,609
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 10,464
- Undergrad Students: 9,925
- Graduate Students: 539
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Best Master's Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Score: 84.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,640
- Out-of-State:$22,752
- Net Price: $9,450
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 6,607
- Undergrad Students: 5,636
- Graduate Students: 971
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Alaska Pacific University
Score: 78.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,760
- Out-of-State:$20,760
- Net Price: $22,388
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 595
- Undergrad Students: 490
- Graduate Students: 105
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
University of Alaska Southeast
Score: 77.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State:$21,096
- Net Price: $9,823
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 1,923
- Undergrad Students: 1,724
- Graduate Students: 199
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Alaska Anchorage
Score: 74.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,566
- Out-of-State:$21,693
- Net Price: $15,609
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 10,464
- Undergrad Students: 9,925
- Graduate Students: 539
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Scholarships for Alaska Students
To help defray the cost of college, seek out a scholarship that can ease the strain on your finances. If you have good grades, good character, and some interesting public service, or other extra-curricular activities, it's worth it to apply to as many as you can. For one thing, many people won't take the initiative to seek scholarship money. Then, even if you win a small sum, you can add the award to your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers will be impressed, and they don't need to know that the scholarship barely covered the cost of books for a semester. Here is a brief list of scholarships to help you earn an Alaskan degree:
UAKFS
UAA Alaska Kidney Foundation Scholarship
https://alaska.academicworks.com/opportunities/1291
If you are attending University of Alaska Anchorage with the intention of becoming a nurse, you should consider applying for this scholarship. The Kidney Foundation seeks to support budding nurses in hopes that they will provide safe and effective kidney treatments to patients suffering from kidney disease. You will need to have been an Alaska resident for three years prior to applying and be fully enrolled in a nursing degree program that will result in an RN license.
APCS
Alaska Press Club Scholarships
https://alaska.academicworks.com/donors/alaska-press-club-scholarship
Budding journalists who are attending a University of Alaska school should apply for this scholarship. Not only will it help defray tuition or other costs from your education bill, but when future editors see this award, they are sure to be pleased. Even editors in other states may recognize the name and bring you in to interview. To apply, all you need is to demonstrate merit, need, and some outstanding achievement in a specialized field.