Ilisagvik College: $5,260 Tuition

$5,260Tuition

175Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,541Earnings

#4 in AlaskaPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Ilisagvik College

Ilisagvik College serves as Alaska's only tribally controlled college, educating students in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), the northernmost community in the United States. This unique institution focuses on Iñupiaq culture and Arctic studies while providing practical education for the North Slope region. With just 175 students, the college maintains an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. The rural-remote setting means students experience true Arctic conditions, from polar nights to midnight sun, while studying everything from business to subsistence hunting practices.

Students pay remarkably little for their education here. The average net price sits at just $5,542, making this one of the most affordable college options anywhere. Graduates earn a median of $39,541 ten years after starting, which goes much further in Alaska where many jobs come with housing and other benefits. Only 10.69% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from families with steady income from North Slope oil work or other local employment. The tiny 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors can provide individual attention that larger schools cannot match.

Women make up 74.29% of the student body, and 100% of students come from Alaska. The college houses just 38 students on campus, so most commute from the local community or stay with relatives.

Academics & Faculty

Ilisagvik College serves as Alaska's only tribally controlled college, focusing on education that connects traditional Inupiat knowledge with modern academic skills. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide intensive support in this remote setting. With 175 students total, classes are small and discussion-based. The college offers associate degrees and certificates in areas like business administration, health sciences, and construction technology, programs designed to meet the specific needs of North Slope communities. The 43.40% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities in this isolated Arctic environment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,541
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

Ilisagvik College sits in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), the northernmost city in the United States, about 340 miles north of the Arctic Circle. You'll need serious winter gear here. Temperatures drop to -20°F in winter, and the sun doesn't rise for about 65 days from mid-November to late January. During summer, the sun never sets for about 65 days, creating a surreal midnight sun experience.

With only 175 students and housing for just 38 people, most students commute from town or nearby villages. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals personally. The student body is 74% women and reflects the region's Indigenous heritage, with many students being Iñupiaq. Weekends often involve traditional activities like whaling, subsistence hunting, or cultural events that connect students to their heritage. The college serves as a community center where students balance modern education with traditional ways of life. Internet can be spotty, and supplies arrive by plane since there are no roads connecting to other cities. This isn't a typical college experience, but it's deeply rooted in Arctic culture and community.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 38 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

3 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	1	1	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -22°–-7°F
July Avg: 41°–58°F
Annual Precipitation: 4.5"
Annual Snowfall: 37.7"

Student Demographics

Ilisagvik College draws students from across Alaska's North Slope region, with every single student coming from in-state. The student body is 74% women, reflecting the college's focus on health sciences, education, and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. As Alaska's only tribally controlled college, it serves a predominantly Alaska Native community, with white students making up just 8% of enrollment. The small size of 175 students creates a tight-knit learning environment where students often know each other and work closely with faculty who understand the unique challenges of living and working in Arctic Alaska.

Men: 25.7%
Women: 74.3%
White: 8.0%
Black: 0.6%
Hispanic: 1.1%
Asian: 8.6%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 10.7%

Location

Barrow sits at the very top of Alaska, about 340 miles north of the Arctic Circle and roughly 1,300 miles from Anchorage, the state's largest city. This remote Arctic town of about 4,400 people experiences polar night for 65 days each winter, when the sun doesn't rise at all. The college serves Alaska's North Slope region, where the Inupiat people have lived for thousands of years. Barrow faces the Arctic Ocean and sits on the tundra, with no trees and temperatures that can drop to minus 50 degrees. The area is known for subsistence hunting, whaling, and oil production. Students considering colleges in Alaska may also compare Ilisagvik College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Barrow, Alaska 99723

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,541
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,700

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ilisagvik College?

Ilisagvik College serves as Alaska's only tribally controlled college and focuses on providing accessible education to the North Slope region. With 100% of students being Alaska residents and an enrollment of just 175 students, the college prioritizes serving its local Inupiat community rather than maintaining selective admissions.

How much does Ilisagvik College cost after financial aid?

Students at Ilisagvik College pay an average net price of $5,542 regardless of residency status. The total cost of attendance reaches $19,060 including the $13,000 room and board expense, though only 10.69% of students receive financial aid due to the college's affordable base tuition.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ilisagvik College?

Ilisagvik College maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, providing highly personalized attention in this small tribal institution. The college specializes in programs relevant to Arctic communities and integrates traditional Inupiat knowledge with academic coursework.

What are the graduation rates at Ilisagvik College?

The college reports a 43.40% four-year graduation rate and 35.70% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median income of $39,541 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the unique economic conditions of Alaska's remote North Slope region.

Where is Ilisagvik College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Barrow, Alaska, in one of the most remote settings in American higher education. With housing capacity for only 38 students and a total enrollment of 175, campus life centers around the tight-knit community of this Arctic institution.

What makes Ilisagvik College unique among American colleges?

Ilisagvik College is the northernmost accredited college in the United States and the only tribal college in Alaska. With 74.29% female enrollment and a focus on preserving Inupiat culture while providing career training, it serves a distinct mission unlike any other institution in higher education.