Online Colleges in Alaska
Alaska is known for snow and frigid temperatures, but it has a lot more to offer!
The colleges and universities in Alaska offer a robust selection of online degree programs and some of the lowest tuition rates in the country. Even with already low tuition rates, Alaska also offers grants and scholarships, and even participates in an exchange program with other northeast states to help students avoid high out-of-state tuition costs.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a postsecondary degree in Alaska, check out all the opportunities and savings that are in store for you!
Overview of Higher Education in Alaska
According to a 2013 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Alaska is home to 9 degree-granting institutions, including 4 public, 3 nonprofit, and 2 for-profit schools. During the 2012-2013 school year, 1757 bachelor’s degrees were awarded in Alaska.
With such a limited selection of schools, you might think tuition costs would be through the roof, but that’s not the case at all.
In 2016-2017, Collegeboard.org reported that the average tuition and fees for a 4-year public institution in Alaska was $7130 for in-state students and $21,800 for out-of-state students. When compared to the national averages, that is $2520 less for in-state students, and $3130 less for out-of-state students!
To provide even more of a financial incentive, Alaska also participates in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE is a collaborative program that allows residents to enroll in degree programs at any of the 16 participating states while paying no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate.
About Online Colleges in Alaska
You don’t have to be an Alaska resident to know that the state is cold and snowy most of the time. Conditions like these can make it difficult or even impossible for college students to get to campus for classes, so online degree options are a must!
The University of Alaska system offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certifications and endorsements, through its 3 main campuses: Anchorage, Fairbanks and Southeast. University of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #132 in the US News & World Reports’ list of top online bachelor’s programs for 2017.
Charter College also offers a number of online degree programs at its Anchorage location.
Degree programs like these can be completed entirely online or through a hybrid format that includes both online and on-campus classes.
According to the NCES, in 2012 16.4% of Alaska’s students were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses, while 17.2% were enrolled in hybrid programs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Alaska
In order to receive financial aid to attend college in Alaska, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which unlocks the door to federal, state and private college funds.
The FAFSA application will require you to provide financial information for yourself and your parents (unless you’re considered “independent”). Your answers will help determine how much need-based aid is offered to you.
FAFSA funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis, so you should apply as soon as possible. It is available starting October 1st of the year before you plan to attend college.
In addition to federal aid, the FAFSA provides access to the Alaska Education Grant. This grant, funded by The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, is entirely need-based and can offer $500-$4000 in assistance each year.
Students majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) should also check out the Alaska Space Grant Program. This grant is given based on academic achievement, recommendations and career goals.
More “free money for college” is also available through scholarships, which you can find using scholarship search sites like Fastweb.com. Scholarships are often awarded to students with exceptional grades and test scores, but they may also be awarded based on race, religion, gender, athletic skills, talents, etc.
Some scholarships are offered to students in a particular state or region. Residents of Alaska, as well as out-of-state students who enroll at institutions in Alaska, can apply for scholarships like the ones below.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Information | Scholarship amount |
| Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) | Alaska residents with qualifying grades and test scores who are enrolled at an Alaska college, university or vocational/technical program can apply. | $2378-$4755 per year (3 tiers based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores) |
| Red Boucher Scholarship | Alaska students who demonstrate academic success and/or leadership, have financial need, and are pursuing a career in technology are eligible for this. | $1000 |
| Art Jess Scholarship | Alaska residents who demonstrate financial need may apply; Preference is given to applicants who are Alaska Native, American Indian, Hawaiian Native, residents of or connected to Chilkat Valley tribes, and/or have completed one year of post-secondary education. | $1000 or more, renewable |
| Tim Akers Memorial Scholarship | This scholarship is open to Alaska residents pursing technology education or training, and who have at least a 3.0 GPA. | $1000 |
| NSHSS Tesoro Youth Leadership Awards | Graduating seniors in one of 19 states can apply. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher | $2500 |
Each of the colleges and universities in Alaska offer additional financial aid, some based on need and some based on merit. To find out how you can access those funds, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend.
List of Online Colleges in Alaska
| Online Colleges in Alaska | Location | Annual Tuition | Accreditation | Application Fee |
| University of Alaska – Anchorage | Anchorage, Alaska | $5,784 | Regional | $50 |
Conclusion
Alaska might seem like it’s a world away, but is very much in line with the rest of the US when it comes to higher education.
Students interested in attending one of Alaska’s degree-granting institutions can look forward to top educational programs, plenty of online learning opportunities, and extremely competitive tuition costs!
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