About University of Alaska Southeast
University of Alaska Southeast brings together just 920 students in Alaska's capital city, creating an intimate learning environment where outdoor adventure meets academic focus. The university built its reputation around career-oriented programs that prepare graduates for Southeast Alaska's unique economy. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than student ID numbers.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for Alaska residents. In-state students pay just $6,960 in tuition, and the average net price drops to $7,233 after aid. Low-income families often pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 facing a net price of only $4,340. Graduates earn a median of $48,475 ten years after graduation, while carrying modest debt loads of $19,111. Monthly loan payments average just $203, making this education highly affordable relative to earning potential.
Women make up 68% of the student body, and nearly 92% of students come from Alaska. The Humpback Whales compete in various sports, though athletics take a backseat to outdoor recreation in Juneau's stunning wilderness. However, the 31% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused despite the distractions of living in one of America's most beautiful state capitals.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for Alaska residents. In-state students pay just $6,960 in tuition, and the average net price drops to $7,233 after aid. Low-income families often pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 facing a net price of only $4,340. Graduates earn a median of $48,475 ten years after graduation, while carrying modest debt loads of $19,111. Monthly loan payments average just $203, making this education highly affordable relative to earning potential.
Women make up 68% of the student body, and nearly 92% of students come from Alaska. The Humpback Whales compete in various sports, though athletics take a backseat to outdoor recreation in Juneau's stunning wilderness. However, the 31% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused despite the distractions of living in one of America's most beautiful state capitals.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Alaska Southeast operates as a regional public university known for career-focused programs that serve Alaska's unique workforce needs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means students get personalized attention from professors who understand the challenges of studying in a remote location. Only 28% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the reality that many students work while attending or take time off for seasonal employment in Alaska's economy. The university emphasizes practical programs in fields like marine biology, education, and public administration that align with Southeast Alaska's industries. Small class sizes allow for hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for Alaska's job market, where 95% of graduates find employment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.0%
- Retention Rate
- 71.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,475
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $63,749 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,383 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $53,775 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,941 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,421 |
Campus Life
Juneau sits 900 miles from Seattle, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and accessible only by plane or boat. You'll need serious winter gear here - temperatures hover around 30°F in winter with frequent rain and snow. The Humpback Whales compete in a setting where glaciers meet the ocean, and the Northern Lights often light up the night sky.
With housing for just 275 students and total enrollment of 920, about 30% of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. Women make up 68.15% of the student body, and 91.61% are Alaska residents who understand the rugged lifestyle. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your story. Weekends often involve outdoor adventures - hiking Perseverance Trail, whale watching, or exploring nearby Mendenhall Glacier. The campus serves as a center for Southeast Alaska's scattered communities, with students from remote villages mixing with Juneau locals. When cabin fever hits during the long winters, students gather in the student center or catch the ferry to explore other Southeast Alaska towns.
With housing for just 275 students and total enrollment of 920, about 30% of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. Women make up 68.15% of the student body, and 91.61% are Alaska residents who understand the rugged lifestyle. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your story. Weekends often involve outdoor adventures - hiking Perseverance Trail, whale watching, or exploring nearby Mendenhall Glacier. The campus serves as a center for Southeast Alaska's scattered communities, with students from remote villages mixing with Juneau locals. When cabin fever hits during the long winters, students gather in the student center or catch the ferry to explore other Southeast Alaska towns.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 275 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1972
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–31°F
- July Avg
- 51°–63°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 65.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 80.7"
Student Demographics
Students at University of Alaska Southeast come overwhelmingly from within the state, with over nine out of ten hailing from Alaska itself. The strong local draw reflects the university's role as Southeast Alaska's primary higher education center. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, likely reflecting the school's emphasis on education, health sciences, and public administration programs that traditionally attract more female students. The diverse student population includes significant representation from Alaska Native communities. Most students work while attending classes, fitting their education around career and family obligations in Alaska's unique economic landscape.
- Men
- 31.9%
- Women
- 68.2%
- White
- 53.8%
- Black
- 1.1%
- Hispanic
- 9.5%
- Asian
- 6.4%
- In-State Students
- 91.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.0%
Location
Juneau sits in Alaska's southeastern panhandle, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and accessible only by boat or plane. The capital city lies about 570 miles northwest of Seattle, the nearest major metropolitan area. Students experience a unique blend of government activity and wilderness access, with glaciers, mountains, and coastal waters defining daily life. The university draws 91.61% of its students from within Alaska, reflecting its role serving remote Southeast Alaska communities. Winter daylight hours shrink dramatically, while summer brings nearly 19 hours of sunlight. The setting offers unparalleled outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities typical of college towns. Students considering colleges in Alaska may also compare University of Alaska Southeast with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Juneau, Alaska 99801-8697
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,475
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,401
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $203/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,111
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Alaska Southeast?
University of Alaska Southeast accepts 62.66% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The small regional university primarily serves Alaska residents, with 91.61% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Alaska Southeast cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,233 after aid, though only 13.98% receive financial assistance. In-state tuition runs $6,960 while out-of-state students pay $21,096, reflecting the school's focus on serving local Alaskans.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Alaska Southeast?
The university maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of just 920 students. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in career-focused programs that prepare students for Alaska's job market.
What are the graduation rates at University of Alaska Southeast?
Only 31% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 28.21%. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median salary of $48,475 ten years after enrollment, and the employment rate reaches 94.8%.
Where do students live at University of Alaska Southeast?
The campus houses 275 students in on-campus facilities, serving a student body that is 68.15% female. Most students commute from around Juneau and Southeast Alaska's remote communities to access higher education in the state capital.
Does University of Alaska Southeast have unique school traditions?
The athletic teams are called the Humpback Whales, reflecting Alaska's marine environment and the school's coastal location. Founded in 1972, the university has developed a reputation for programs that connect directly to Southeast Alaska's natural resources and tourism industries.
Similar Schools
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley, West Virginia
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, Mississippi
Maine Maritime Academy
Castine, Maine
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
Chickasha, Oklahoma
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
Mayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota