Top Value Alaska Colleges

Below you will find a list of the colleges in Alaska that we found to provide the best value for students.  In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education.  Our team collected college data and arrived at the top Alaska colleges for you to research further.  Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.

Alaska Pacific University (Anchorage, AK) is a private university that maintains and values its United Methodist affiliation. It was established as the Alaska Methodist University in 1957. The university developed a partnership with Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. It was aimed to support academic and cultural programs that focused on the development of the state and Alaska Natives. APU offers undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral and certification programs. It also provides professional programs for non-traditional students. The university houses the Atwood Center, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. It was a center for a major conference of Alaska Natives during the passage of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971. APU offers residence halls, and it requires freshmen under 21 years old to live on campus for their first two years. The university integrates student development, community engagement, and keeping Alaska’s Indigenous heritage.

University of Alaska Southeast (Juneau, AK) is a public university that manages extended campuses in Sitka and Ketchikan. In 1987, the University of Alaska Juneau, Ketchikan Community College, and Islands Community College (Sitka) were turned into the University of Alaska Southeast. Each campus offers different programs and caters to a variety of areas of discipline. All campuses also offer career-focused programs to address the needs of the state’s economy. UAS also encourages collaborative research activities. It maintains partnerships with several research centers. The university offers on-campus and online modes of learning. UAS focuses on awarding undergraduate degrees and several certificates. Interested students can avail on-campus residence.

University of Alaska Fairbanks (Fairbanks, AK) is a public research university and considered as a flagship university under the University of Alaska system. The university was established in 1917 and was opened to the public in 1922 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines. Fairbanks is active in research. The Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the Geophysical Institute are just some of the centers affiliated with the university. The university has gained its popularity through research particularly in areas of Arctic biology, Arctic engineering, geophysics, supercomputing and Alaska Native studies. Fairbanks extends its education across several rural and urban campuses across the state. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral and certification programs. It also has Alaska Native and Indigenous programs. These programs are designed and focused on advancing Indigenous studies. UAF also offers online programs, study abroad opportunities, and continuing education. UAF has a long list of relevant and notable alumni across science, sports, leadership and governance, and others.

Empire Beauty School (Tucson, AK) is a chain of cosmetology schools across the United States founded in 1946. The headquarters is located in Pottsville, PA. The school trains students who are interested to have a career in beauty and cosmetology. The college already acquired the Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing and Cosmetology and the International Academy of Cosmetology School. All schools foster an eco-conscious environment. Students and professionals can take fundamental and advanced training. The school also has courses for professionals who aim to be educators in the industry.

Charter College-Anchorage (Anchorage, AK) is a network of private for-profit higher learning institutions founded in 1985. The college is focused on providing undergraduate education. It offers a variety of disciplines including healthcare, business, veterinary science, information technology and career-focused programs. Online education is also an option for selected programs. Blended learning approach is also an option for students. The college is recognized by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and School, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, or the Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education.

AVTEC-Alaska Institute of Technology (Seward, AK) was founded as Alaska Skills Center in 1969. It was established as a post-secondary component of the State of Alaska Department of Education. Today, AVTEC is the only post-secondary career and technical training center managed by the state. Campuses are situated across Seward and are providing a variety of career-focused programs. AVTEC has classroom and hands-on training labs to further enhance students’ skills and professional knowledge. The institute provides childcare and family housing. It also has programs that are focused on the health and wellness development of students. Accidental insurance is also available.

Alaska Bible College (Palmer, AK) is a private Christian college that was founded in 1966. The college has sites in Anchorage and Glennallen offering extension courses. The college focuses on training individuals, including Alaska Natives, for rural ministry in the Far North. The college awards undergraduate degrees and certificates on Biblical Studies. The college is open for new students, transferees, and international students. ABC also honors financial aids and tuition fee funding.

Grantham University is a for-profit university that was founded in 1951 and focuses on providing online degree programs. Since 1961, it is an accredited online university that gives students high quality, affordable and flexible education. It offers academic programs in business, management, humanities and social sciences, STEM, nursing, and allied health. It awards undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees as well as certificates. Students can seek financial assistance through scholarships and a variety of financial aids. It also offers a Heroes Program which provides financial aid to those who served and kept the country and communities safe. The aid is open for these individuals as well as their families.

Community College of Baltimore County is a public community college that extends its academic offerings at Catonsville, Dundalk, and Essex campuses and several extension centers. The community college awards a variety of associate degrees and certificates. Professional development, job skills, and several non-credit programs are also offered in CCBC. Admissions to several online programs are also open as well as classes and career options for adults with cognitive, developmental and mental health disabilities. The community college also has career path consultation for high school students.

Additional College Research

For additional information about MatchCollege, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online.  In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year.  Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.