Alaska Pacific University: 99.3% Acceptance Rate

99.3%Acceptance

$20,760Tuition

400Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,271Earnings

#7 in AlaskaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University draws outdoor enthusiasts and students seeking small-class attention in America's last frontier. The private Methodist university enrolls just 400 students in Anchorage, creating an intimate learning environment. Students come here for programs in outdoor studies, environmental science, and business, with the Alaskan wilderness serving as an extended classroom. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name from day one.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $18,976 after aid, with tuition set at $20,760 regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median of $54,271 ten years after graduation, but carry $23,500 in typical debt with monthly payments of $249. The 98.5% employment rate suggests graduates find work, though the 57% loan repayment rate indicates some struggle with debt payments.

Women make up 72.5% of the student body, and 83% of students come from Alaska. The 46.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's open-door policy with a 99.3% acceptance rate. Only 68% of students return for sophomore year, suggesting the school's combination of rigorous outdoor programs and Alaskan isolation isn't for everyone.

Academics & Faculty

Alaska Pacific University operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The university built its reputation around outdoor and environmental studies, taking advantage of Alaska's wilderness for hands-on learning experiences. Students can pursue degrees in fields like environmental science, business, and education within this intimate academic setting. However, only 41% of students graduate within four years, and the overall six-year graduation rate sits at 47%. The low enrollment of 400 students means personalized attention but limited course offerings. The Methodist-affiliated school emphasizes experiential learning, often incorporating Alaska's unique landscape into coursework across disciplines.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 41.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.9%
Retention Rate: 68.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,271
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$81,333
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.	Bachelor	$26,353

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

Alaska's largest city surrounds this small Methodist campus, where 400 students navigate winters that demand serious cold-weather gear and summers with nearly 20 hours of daylight. Only 91 students can live on campus, meaning most commute from around Anchorage or nearby areas. Women make up 72.5% of the student body, creating a female-dominated environment.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles personally. Students often head to nearby Chugach State Park for weekend hiking, skiing, or wildlife viewing rather than traditional college parties. The campus sits minutes from downtown Anchorage, giving access to museums, restaurants, and Alaska's cultural center without the isolation of rural colleges.

Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summer highs reach the 60s and 70s. Many students embrace Alaska's outdoor culture year-round, from aurora viewing in winter to fishing and camping during the brief but intense summer months. The small size means everyone knows each other, but 83.3% of students are Alaskan locals who often maintain off-campus friend groups.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 91 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1957

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	2
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	1
Rape	0	0	0	1
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 2°–19°F
July Avg: 48°–68°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.8"
Annual Snowfall: 59.4"

Student Demographics

Alaska Pacific University draws students who want personal attention in their education, with just 400 enrolled and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The student body is overwhelmingly female, reflecting the university's strong programs in health sciences and education. Most students come from Alaska itself, giving the campus a tight-knit, local community feel. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working families seeking affordable private education. The Methodist-affiliated school attracts students who value both academic rigor and service-oriented learning in Alaska's unique environment.

Men: 27.5%
Women: 72.5%
White: 33.3%
Black: 2.8%
Hispanic: 9.0%
Asian: 7.0%
In-State Students: 83.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.4%

Location

Alaska Pacific University sits in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city with nearly 300,000 residents. The campus overlooks Cook Inlet with views of the Chugach Mountains. Anchorage serves as Alaska's economic center and offers urban amenities rare in the state. Students experience long summer days with nearly 20 hours of daylight and winter temperatures averaging 15 degrees. The city provides access to wilderness activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing within minutes of campus. Over 83% of students come from Alaska, reflecting the university's role serving local populations. The setting combines city conveniences with frontier adventure opportunities unique to the Last Frontier. Students considering colleges in Alaska may also compare Alaska Pacific University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Anchorage, Alaska 99508

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,271
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,353
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $249/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Alaska Pacific University?

Alaska Pacific University accepts 99.31% of applicants, making it one of the most accessible universities in the country. This small Methodist university focuses on personalized education with just 400 students. The high acceptance rate reflects the school's commitment to serving Alaska's educational needs.

How much does Alaska Pacific University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,976 after aid, with the same $20,760 tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. The university keeps costs manageable for Alaskan families, as 34.42% of students receive Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average $249 for graduates.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Alaska Pacific University?

The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, ensuring intimate classroom experiences at this small university. With only 400 total students, professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention. This close-knit academic environment is a hallmark of Alaska Pacific's educational approach.

What are the graduation rates at Alaska Pacific University?

The six-year graduation rate is 46.90%, while 41.18% of students finish in four years. Despite these modest completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $54,271 ten years after enrollment. The university's retention rate of 68.18% shows many students stay engaged with their studies.

Where do Alaska Pacific University students live on campus?

Housing capacity is limited to just 91 students, reflecting the university's small size of 400 total enrollment. Most students are Alaska residents, with 83.33% coming from in-state. The intimate campus setting in Anchorage creates a tight community atmosphere.

Is Alaska Pacific University known for serving specific student populations?

The student body is 72.50% women and 33.25% white, with significant Alaska Native representation that reflects the state's demographics. As a United Methodist institution founded in 1957, the university has deep roots in serving Alaska's diverse communities. The high employment rate of 98.5% shows strong connections to Alaska's job market.