Last Updated: July 05, 2021
Alaska - The Last Frontier
Alaska is the largest state in the US, in terms of area and also the least populated when it comes to its towns and cities. The state of Alaska is a perfect blend of sophistication and wilderness as the state provides its residents with the comfort of exploring the freedom of nature while staying in touch with the modern world. The weather in Alaska is quite unpredictable. In extremes, the weather has been recorded at a high of 38 degrees Celsius and a low of -62 degrees Celsius.
With a small range of higher educational facilities, Alaska still manages to attract a diverse crowd of international students, with its universities being the hub of research-oriented studies.
Major Cities in Alaska
Anchorage
It is the biggest city in Alaska in terms of population and is popularly known as the Municipality of Anchorage. The city, founded in 1914 is located in the southern part of the state. The city is the chief commercial center, focusing its primary economical activities around defense projects and mining. Anchorage is also home to the University of Alaska and the Alaska Pacific University.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the second biggest city of Alaska and is popularly known as the Golden Heart of Alaska. It is also the largest city, located in the central region of the state, and is home to one of the prestigious universities- The University of Alaska Fairbanks. Fairbanks is also a prominent location for winter sports events to take place. The city’s economy majorly depends on the oil business, mining, tourism, lumbering, etc.
Juneau
Juneau is known as the State Capital of Alaska and is located in proximity to the Canadian border. The city is largely surrounded by water and is one of the two American states that do not have any direct road connectivity with the rest of North America. Qualified as the largest city in the US, Juneau’s major economic activities include mining, tourism, fishing, forestry, etc.
Ketchikan
Widely known as the ‘Simon Capital of the World’ Ketchikan is the fifth largest city in Alaska with a diversified economy leading in the fishing and tourism industry. The University of Alaska Southeast established its campus here in Ketchikan in 1954 in the form of a community college.
Economy/Job Market
Alaska, popularly known as the land of opportunities has a flourishing job market, providing creative job opportunities in the field of healthcare, oil, fishing industries, mining, etc. With its thriving economy and abundance of resources, the state of Alaska acts as a primary choice for many significant high-tech firms to enhance the innovative potential and explore the budding stream of possibilities in the state. Software engineers, web developers, healthcare professionals are some of the highly acclaimed job positions in the state.
Tuition fee and Cost of Living in Alaska
The tuition fee normally depends upon the type of institution the student is enrolled in and the course of study. However, on average, a resident student needs to pay a tuition fee of around $8,000, whereas an international student is required to pay about $19,000.
The cost of living is pretty convenient and affordable compared to other states of the US such as San Francisco, Manhattan, etc. The universities also offer a broad range of on-campus jobs to their students to not only help them financially but also promote their academic and professional development. The International students can also go for off-campus jobs, provided they get proper authorization from a competent authority and meet the other criteria.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
- Alaska Pacific University:
Alaska Pacific University is a private university located in Anchorage. Earlier known as Alaska Methodist University, it is still affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The University offers a plethora of undergraduate courses related to professional studies and campus undergraduate programs including business administration and management, creative and professional writing, liberal arts, counseling psychology (BA), health sciences, etc. The University also offers graduate certificate programs in fields of investment and entrepreneurship.
- University of Alaska Fairbanks:
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the only National University in Alaska and is considered one of the finest small universities in the US. The University offers various undergraduate and graduate degree courses and certificate programs in the field of accounting, anthropology, applied business, applied management, aviation technology, biochemistry, communication, etc. UAF also offers online bachelor's degree programs to make education accessible to anyone across the globe.
- University of Alaska Anchorage:
Located in the largest city of Alaska, the UAA is a perfect amalgamation of innovative research and an extensive learning environment. The University boasts of having a diversified pool of students, enrolled in various degree and certificate programs offered by the University. The most popular programs extended by the UAA include degrees related to business, humanities, social sciences, visual and performing arts, engineering, education, etc. The University focuses on applied research methodology to promote effective learning and practical training.
- Ilisagvik College:
Ilisagvik College is the only tribally controlled community college, located within the bounds of North Slope in Barrow. The college offers a variety of courses and degree programs ranging from accounting, business management to liberal arts, applied health, construction technology, etc.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- Atwood Distinguished Scholar is a merit-based scholarship, provided to students enrolled in a full-time program at the Alaska Pacific University. The scholarship period can be extended up to 5 years provided the applicant maintains a satisfactory academic record and meet the other requirements.
The APU also provides an educational grant of roughly $1,000 to its international students.
- Pell Grant is a need-based scholarship provided to full-time undergraduate students. The scholarship amount can vary from $300 to $3,000 per semester, the eligibility of which is determined through FAFSA. The applicant needs to demonstrate financial need and documents supporting the same.
- Nanook Pledge is a merit-based scholarship provided by UAF to its incoming first-year or transfer students. Students who are eligible for Pell Grant can also apply under this scholarship scheme. The eligibility criteria for the same is determined by FAFSA.
- Alaska Education Grant is a need-based undergraduate scholarship granted to Alaskan residents. The applicant is subjected to receive a scholarship amount of $750 to $2,000 under the scheme.
The US Department of Education also provides a series of subsidized and non-subsidized loans to undergraduate students, to help them meet their financial needs. Students can also engage in a Federal work-study program, designed to help international students with their educational expenses.
Tourism
The state of Alaska is loaded with adventurous opportunities, making it a famous tourist hotspot for many years. The Denali National Park is the third-largest national park in the US. Students can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to get an insight into the customs and cultural background of the state and gain information about the Alaskan communities. The state is a perfect balance of wilderness combined with the comfort and convenience of city life.
Universities & Colleges in Alaska
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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