About University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage serves as the state's largest public research university with 6,916 students calling its urban campus home. This Seawolves institution has built its reputation around practical programs that serve Alaska's unique economy, from engineering and aviation to nursing and business. The 65% acceptance rate makes UAA accessible to most applicants, while the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite its size.
Students pay an average net price of $13,780 after financial aid, making UAA one of the most affordable options for higher education. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,871 ten years after graduation, creating a reasonable return on investment given the typical debt load of $20,210. In-state students especially benefit from the $7,566 tuition rate, though the 29% graduation rate suggests many students take longer paths or transfer elsewhere.
The student body reflects Alaska's diversity, with 49% identifying as white and strong representation from Asian and Hispanic communities. Women make up 60% of enrollment, while 92% of students come from within Alaska. The 72% retention rate indicates most freshmen return for sophomore year, though the northern location and specialized programs aren't for everyone.
Students pay an average net price of $13,780 after financial aid, making UAA one of the most affordable options for higher education. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,871 ten years after graduation, creating a reasonable return on investment given the typical debt load of $20,210. In-state students especially benefit from the $7,566 tuition rate, though the 29% graduation rate suggests many students take longer paths or transfer elsewhere.
The student body reflects Alaska's diversity, with 49% identifying as white and strong representation from Asian and Hispanic communities. Women make up 60% of enrollment, while 92% of students come from within Alaska. The 72% retention rate indicates most freshmen return for sophomore year, though the northern location and specialized programs aren't for everyone.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Alaska Anchorage operates as a public research university serving Alaska's largest city. Students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, though the low graduation rates of 29% in four years and 29% in six years suggest many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university has built a strong reputation for programs that serve Alaska's unique needs, including aviation, engineering, and health sciences. Nursing and allied health programs prepare students for Alaska's healthcare demands. The university also offers notable programs in business administration and education. Many students attend part-time while working, which partially explains the extended time to graduation for those who do finish.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.9%
- Retention Rate
- 71.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,871
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $87,604 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $78,343 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $76,460 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $74,017 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $72,274 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,101 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $68,033 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $66,728 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,325 |
Campus Life
Anchorage sprawls around campus with 291,247 residents, making this Alaska's largest city and a genuine urban environment. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so heavy coats and snow boots are essential gear for the eight-month cold season. Only 14% of the 6,916 students live in the 996 on-campus housing spots, meaning most commute from apartments or family homes throughout the city.
The campus sits against the Chugach Mountains with views of Cook Inlet, creating a uniquely Alaskan backdrop for daily walks between classes. Students often ski, snowboard, or ice fish on weekends, taking advantage of strong outdoor recreation minutes from campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means small discussion groups and accessible professors. With 92% of students from Alaska, the community feels tight-knit despite the urban setting. Many students work part-time jobs around Anchorage, contributing to the practical, no-nonsense campus culture that reflects Alaska's frontier spirit.
The campus sits against the Chugach Mountains with views of Cook Inlet, creating a uniquely Alaskan backdrop for daily walks between classes. Students often ski, snowboard, or ice fish on weekends, taking advantage of strong outdoor recreation minutes from campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means small discussion groups and accessible professors. With 92% of students from Alaska, the community feels tight-knit despite the urban setting. Many students work part-time jobs around Anchorage, contributing to the practical, no-nonsense campus culture that reflects Alaska's frontier spirit.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 996 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1954
Campus Safety (2023)
137 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 51 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–22°F
- July Avg
- 53°–68°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 76.9"
Student Demographics
Nearly all students at University of Alaska Anchorage come from within the state, reflecting its role as Alaska's primary public university serving local communities. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, typical for universities with strong health sciences and education programs that UAA is known for. The campus draws from Alaska's diverse population, with significant representation from Asian American, Hispanic, and Native Alaskan communities. Only about one in five students receives Pell Grants, suggesting the university serves a broad economic spectrum rather than primarily low-income students.
- Men
- 40.4%
- Women
- 59.6%
- White
- 48.6%
- Black
- 3.7%
- Hispanic
- 11.3%
- Asian
- 12.5%
- In-State Students
- 92.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.1%
Location
Anchorage serves as Alaska's largest city and economic center, home to 40% of the state's population. The university sits in this urban center roughly 2,300 miles from Seattle, making it one of America's most geographically isolated major campuses. Students experience a true northern city environment with mountain views, coastal access to Cook Inlet, and urban amenities rare in Alaska. Winter temperatures average 15°F while summer highs reach the mid-60s. The city blends modern infrastructure with wilderness access, offering internships in industries like oil, aviation, and tourism. Students considering colleges in Alaska may also compare University of Alaska Anchorage with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Anchorage, Alaska 99508
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,871
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,190
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $214/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,210
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Alaska Anchorage?
University of Alaska Anchorage accepts 65.32% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The university serves as Alaska's largest public research institution and welcomes students seeking opportunities in the Last Frontier.
How much does University of Alaska Anchorage cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,780 annually after aid. In-state tuition runs $7,566 while out-of-state students pay $21,693, though 92.43% of students come from Alaska.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Alaska Anchorage?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 12:1 across the 6,916 enrolled students. This relatively small class size supports UAA's focus on practical, career-oriented programs that serve Alaska's unique economic needs.
What are the graduation rates at University of Alaska Anchorage?
The six-year graduation rate reaches 28.90%, while the four-year rate hits 29.44%. Many students attend part-time while working in Alaska's seasonal industries, which explains the longer completion timelines typical of this institution.
Where do University of Alaska Anchorage students live?
Campus housing accommodates 996 students with room and board costing $12,412 annually. Most students live off-campus in Alaska's largest city, where they can experience urban amenities against a backdrop of mountains and wilderness.
Does University of Alaska Anchorage have strong job placement?
Graduates achieve a 91.7% employment rate with median earnings of $51,871 ten years after graduation. The Seawolves athletics program competes in NCAA Division II, while students often find careers in Alaska's key industries like oil, tourism, and government.
