The least-densely populated and largest state in the US, Alaska takes pride in its strong sense of community and a thriving job market. However, certain factors such as long winters, high fuel costs, and remote location make it quite a challenge for students to attend conventional college and earn a degree. Considering the flexibility and convenience it offers, online education is on the rise in Alaska. Supporting this quest is the Alaska Society of Technology in Education (ASTE), an organization that is committed to helping students gain access to technology by promoting connectivity to information resources and technology integration.
Most of the Alaskan universities use the Blackboard learning system to deliver online education. Online programs are beneficial to students from rural areas and especially those who are working adults. This not only helps them attain their educational goals but also contributes to expanding their perspectives in building their career. The Alaskan higher education is made up of small groups of colleges and universities that provide distance education through their flexible online certificates and degrees.
Methodology
As it is our goal to assist you in your online college journey, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has put together the five online schools in Alaska that offer superior online degree programs. We came up with the 5 Top Online Schools in Alaska after taking these ranking factors into account:
- A top-quality virtual learning platform offering ease of student access and technical support,
- Rigorous coursework that is comparable with on-campus program curricula,
- Enrollment, admission, retention, and graduation data that demonstrate the high reputation of the online colleges and universities,
- Full certification from accrediting bodies, allowing them to award a variety of online degrees in all levels.
Check out our Methodology Page for our ranking process.
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Built in 1917, the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system first opened its classes in 1922 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School Mines. It was renamed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and now admits more than 8,000 students. Located in College, Alaska, this land-grant, space-grant and sea-grant institution boasts of it being the research center of the university system. Its major research units include Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, College of Natural Science and Mathematics Research Division, Geophysical Institute, Institute of Arctic Biology, Institute of Marine Science, Institute of Northern Engineering, International Arctic Research Center and UA Museum of the North.
UAF delivers 178 certificate and degree programs through its ten colleges in its seven campuses including its eCampus. UAF’s online programs cover comprehensive courses with the same quality with programs delivered on-campus awarding certificate, associate, bachelor, and graduate degrees. Online programs are provided in asynchronous courses with no scheduled meetings for students handling busy schedules. Among its online programs are Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Innovation and Design, Justice, Security and Emergency Management, and Special Education. UAF eCampus also offers occupational endorsements like Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeping Technician, Medical Coding and Supervision and Personnel Management.
Location: College, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Application Form,
- High school or college transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
- GPA of at least 2.5
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
With almost 18,000 students enrolled, the University of Alaska Anchorage stands to be the largest institution of higher learning and the largest among the units of the University of Alaska system. Its main campus is established in Anchorage and operates four community campuses and locations across Southcentral Alaska. The University of Alaska Anchorage runs ten divisions that offer over a hundred major and certificate programs. These are the colleges and schools of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Policy, Education, Health and Social Welfare, Community and Technical, Engineering, Nursing, Social Work, Honors Program and Graduate Division.
Its online programs are brought by UAA eLearning Services where students have the opportunity to enroll in programs with areas of study like Applied Science and Occupational Safety and Health, Corrections, Early Childhood Special Education, Educational Leadership, Nursing Science, Public Health Practice, Social Work and more. UAA’s online programs are structured to allow students to attend either part-time or full-time studies. Its online graduate programs are designed to give students advanced professional preparation in a particular field.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.5
- Standardized test scores (Writing and Math level placements)
- Official transcripts
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)
Located in Juneau, Alaska and with other campuses in Sitka and Ketchikan, the University of Alaska Southeast is a public research university that consists of School of Arts and Sciences, School of Career Education and Alaska College of Education. It may be the smallest unit of the University of Alaska system, but it is recognized as the university that is student-centered because of its small-sized classes and that it takes pride in its academic excellence delivered by the first-rate faculty.
Prospective students may choose from a variety of programs offered on-campus, online, or through a hybrid format. Its online education is designed to give practical learning and that it also encourages students to nurture their problem-solving skills by pursuing extra-curricular research activities. Online classes may be held live with a set of online meeting times or only set deadlines, which are all offered year round. UAS also provides community support for online learners through its platform called UASConnect, where video study sessions and academic social groups are easily accessed.
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- GPA not below 2.50 or 3.00
- ACT or SAT Scores
- High School or College Transcripts
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University is a Methodist-associated institution built in the late 1950s. It was first named as Alaska Methodist University and was renamed in 1978. API’s main campus is situated in Anchorage and shares a consortium library with the University of Alaska Anchorage. It has an extension campus in Palmer, Alaska called the Kellogg Campus.
Students get access to a broad range of academic programs in liberal arts and science education intended to support community engagement and cultivate hands-on learning. Some of API’s online programs include fields in Business Administration and Management, Counseling Psychology, Pre-Nursing, Strategic Leadership and Health Services Administration leading to bachelor’s, master’s and professional studies degrees.
Courses are offered online at daytime or evening, offering flexibility for the student’s preferred schedule. Its well-known online Business Administration and Management program is being provided throughout the levels with specializations and minors to choose from.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official high school transcript or official GED score report
- SAT/ACT results
- Personal essay or writing sample
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Kenai Peninsula College
Kenai Peninsula College is a member of the community campus system of the University of Alaska Anchorage. It was formed in 1963 to serve military students with evening Adult Basic Education as the Kenai City School District. In 1966, the school was chartered to Kenai Peninsula Community College and began serving more than 200 students. Its campuses are in various areas in Alaska with an Anchorage Extension Site for UAA students attending programs like Process Technology and Instrumentation.
As one of the fastest-growing colleges, KPC is known to provide education and help students succeed through their high-quality and interactive distance education. Students may earn certificates and associate degrees entirely online for programs like Corrections and Associate of Arts. Kenai Peninsula College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Locations: Soldotna, Homer, and Seward in Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- GED or High School diploma
- High School or College transcript
- Additional documents as the online degree program may require
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Pursuing a degree in Alaska means looking for a reasonable rate for your education. Although Alaska has marked this year as their “recovery year” (after the recession from the previous years), incoming college students still need to save more money on tuition. It means being able to spend essentials or basic needs such as boarding, utilities, and other school expenses.
Alaska’s tuition rates have climbed in recent years. The Trends in Higher Education Series revealed that Alaska’s public colleges offering four-year degrees public had 30.1% tuition increase within a five-year span and enrollment rose to 13.3%.
methodology
College students in Alaska are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of online learning. On this list, we compiled the reputable online universities and colleges that highlight not only top-quality education but also low-cost learning.
As detailed in our 5 Best Value Online Schools in Alaska, these online academic institutions promote cheap college education that most students will be able to afford without sacrificing the quality of learning.
University of Alaska Southeast
Students start their careers through the online programs at the University of Alaska Southeast spending only half the cost of other online schools in Alaska. In-state tuition rate begins at $212 per credit for the lower division while upper division is only $256 per credit. Non-resident lower division costs $751 per credit and $795 per credit for the top division. Tuition for graduate students starts at $489 per credit for in-state and $1028 per credit for out-of-state. Online students must also prepare for a Network Access Fee, Consolidated Fee (depending on the campus), Optional Student Annual Fee, and Laboratory/Materials Fee. Students can access the UAS payment plan through UAS Tuition Management System.
Application Fees run from $40 to $50 and are non-refundable. Financial Aid available are grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. UAS awards the top ten percent of all Alaskan high school graduates with $12,000 worth of learning.
Locations: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka in Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of at least 2.50
- High school core curriculum
- SAT or ACT scores
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Students can pursue a degree from a variety of online programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Residents of Alaska may take lower-level courses for $223 per credit and non-residents at $789 per credit. Upper-level courses cost $269 per credit for resident students and $835 per credit for non-resident ones. Graduate courses cost $513 per credit for resident tuition while non-resident tuition is at $1,079 per credit. First-year students pay $8,538 for one year. This university offers tuition waivers and assistance for military members and veterans. Students who have rendered Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard service may receive 100% tuition not exceeding $4,500 per fiscal year.
UAS provides “Dual Enrollment Advantage.” This option offers flexibility in taking high school courses that can qualify as university credits. It saves them not just money but also their precious time. Application fees take from $40 to $75 depending on the degree level.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma (with completed core curriculum)
- GPA of at least 2.5
- ACT or SAT
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers high-demand fields and career-oriented programs. Students don’t have to sacrifice quality for its affordable rates. Undergraduate lower level courses cost $223 per credit, and upper division level courses cost $269 per credit for resident students. Out-of-state tuition for lower division courses is $269 per credit, and upper division courses cost $835 per credit. Graduate courses for resident students cost $513 per credit, while the non-resident rate is $1,079 per credit.
Students also prepare for mandatory school fees, course fees, and application fee ($40-$75) varying upon the application type. Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are all available as financial aid.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- High school graduation or GED
- GPA of 2.5 (minimum)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Kenai Peninsula College
With rates that are hovering below $3,000 per semester, Kenai Peninsula College online programs help students who are on a tight budget. In-state tuition for the undergraduate lower division is $212 per credit while out-of-state tuition is $751 per credit. Upper division tuition for resident students is $256 per credit, while non-resident students pay $795 per credit. Graduate students pay $489 per credit for in-state tuition and $1,028 per credit for out-of-state tuition.
All online learners have to pay a distance delivery fee, which costs $18 per credit for courses originating at KPC sites except for classes delivered through video conferences. The application fee is $40. Financial aid grant programs, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are available.
Locations: Soldotna, Homer, Seward, and Anchorage in Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school or college transcripts
- SAT, ACT or ACCUPLACER scores
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
Ilisagvik College
The only college located within the Arctic Slope (Utqiagvik, Alaska) and the only tribal-controlled higher learning institution in Alaska, Ilisagvik College was established as a direct outgrowth of the Native American self-determination movement in the late 1960s. This small college formed its educational system to support locals without disregarding the culture and lifestyle that are carried through generations. Ilisagvik College believes that incorporating Iñupiaq values in its activities helps strengthen community responsibilities.
Programs include Associate of Arts, Iñupiaq Studies, Allied Health, Business, Information Technology, Emergency Services, Foundation Studies, and Vocational Technical Trades at a very low cost of only $145 per credit/$3,480 per year. Students should take note that “solar storms” (which produce Northern Lights) interfere with the internet connection, so checking the aurora forecast is best advised for online learners. They are offered for the associate and bachelor degrees, one-year certificates, and semester-long endorsement. Ilisagvik College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Locations: Barrow, Alaska
Admission Requirements:
- High School diploma or GED
- Official Transcript
- Alaska Native Shareholder-Native American Tribal Affiliation card, if qualified (for scholarship)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
