University of Alaska Fairbanks: $8,640 Tuition

$8,640Tuition

4,027Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,866Earnings

#2 in AlaskaPublic4-yearResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks serves as America's northernmost university and a global leader in Arctic research. With 4,027 students studying in Fairbanks, this public research university has built its reputation on engineering programs and groundbreaking cold-climate studies. Notable graduates include comedian Steve Smith (Red Green) and former Alaska Governor Sean Parnell. The campus attracts researchers worldwide who want to study everything from permafrost to the aurora borealis.

Students pay an average net price of $9,634 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable research universities in the country. Graduates earn a median of $48,866 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $20,291. The monthly loan payment averages $215, which represents a reasonable burden given the earning potential. Only 22.37% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families can handle the costs without significant federal aid.

The student body skews heavily Alaskan, with 87% coming from in-state. Women outnumber men 61% to 39%. The 36.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the unique challenges of studying in such a remote location. The Nanooks compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports, though with only 114 total athletes, this clearly isn't a sports-focused campus.

Academics & Faculty

UAF operates as a research university specializing in Arctic and northern studies, with particularly strong engineering and natural sciences programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship opportunities, especially valuable for undergraduate research participation. However, only 35% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work in Alaska's unique environment. The university houses world-well-known research institutes studying climate change, aurora phenomena, and cold-weather engineering. Students often work directly with faculty on projects ranging from permafrost research to developing Arctic technologies. The engineering programs particularly benefit from real-world applications in extreme conditions that few other universities can offer.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.7%
Retention Rate: 72.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,866
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Petroleum Engineering.	Bachelor	$75,889
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$68,219
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,997
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$63,997
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$58,221
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Certificate	$51,607
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$50,439
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$44,942
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$43,798
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$42,682

View all 206 programs →

Campus Life

Winter dominates campus life with temperatures dropping to -40°F during the dark months of November through February. About 43% of students live in on-campus housing, creating tight-knit residence hall communities that help combat the isolation of Alaska's interior. The campus sits 360 miles north of Anchorage, making it one of the most remote major universities in the country.

Students embrace the extreme environment through outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and aurora viewing parties when the Northern Lights appear overhead. The Wood Center serves as the social center during harsh weather, while the Student Recreation Center offers indoor climbing walls and fitness facilities. Weekend activities shift dramatically with the seasons - fall brings hiking and fishing, while winter means dog sledding and ice sculpture contests. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentorship opportunities, especially important given the university's reputation for Arctic research and engineering programs. With 87% of students from Alaska, there's a strong sense of local pride and frontier independence that defines campus culture.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,746 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1917

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Statutory Rape	21	21	0	0
Rape	13	13	1	0
Stalking	15	6	0	0
Domestic Violence	11	6	2	1
Aggravated Assault	13	3	0	0
Fondling	9	3	0	0
Burglary	3	1	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -11°–2°F
July Avg: 51°–71°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.3"
Annual Snowfall: 64.3"

Student Demographics

Students at University of Alaska Fairbanks come overwhelmingly from within the state, reflecting its role as Alaska's flagship research institution. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, likely drawn to strong programs in fields like natural resources and environmental science. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring Alaska's demographics, though the university attracts a notable Hispanic population. With over one in five students receiving Pell Grants, UAF serves many first-generation college students from rural Alaskan communities. The 4,027 enrolled students often have deep ties to Alaska's unique landscape and culture.

Men: 39.2%
Women: 60.8%
White: 53.1%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 9.8%
Asian: 3.1%
In-State Students: 87.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.4%

Location

Fairbanks sits 358 miles north of Anchorage in Alaska's interior, making it one of the most remote college towns in America. The city experiences extreme seasonal variations, with winter temperatures dropping to -40°F and summer days reaching 80°F. Over 86% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's role serving Alaska's scattered population. The surrounding wilderness offers unparalleled access to Arctic research opportunities and outdoor recreation. Fairbanks itself has around 32,000 residents and serves as a center for Alaska's mining and military industries. The campus sits just 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Students considering colleges in Alaska may also compare University of Alaska Fairbanks with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fairbanks, Alaska 99775

University of Alaska Fairbanks campus view

Cornerstone Plaza at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,866
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,051
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $215/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,291

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retention rate at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Fairbanks has a 72.10% retention rate, meaning about three-quarters of first-year students return for their sophomore year. The university serves as Alaska's flagship research institution, focusing heavily on Arctic and northern studies that attract students interested in unique geographical research opportunities.

How much does University of Alaska Fairbanks cost after financial aid?

Students at University of Alaska Fairbanks pay an average net price of $9,634 annually. The university offers particularly good value for low-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $7,494 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Fairbanks maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 4,027 total students enrolled. The university is well-known for its Arctic research programs and engineering degrees, taking advantage of its unique location as the northernmost university in the United States.

What do graduates from University of Alaska Fairbanks typically earn?

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn a median salary of $48,866 ten years after graduation. The university has a 91.2% employment rate, reflecting strong job placement in Alaska's resource-based economy and research sectors.

Where is University of Alaska Fairbanks located and what is campus life like?

University of Alaska Fairbanks sits in Fairbanks, Alaska, with on-campus housing for 1,746 students at $10,450 annually. The campus serves a predominantly in-state student body at 86.98%, creating a tight-knit community centered around Alaska's unique geography and culture.

Does University of Alaska Fairbanks have a strong graduation rate?

University of Alaska Fairbanks has a 36.70% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many students face in Alaska's remote setting. Despite this, the university excels in specialized fields like Arctic engineering and northern research, where hands-on experience often extends traditional timelines.