U

University of Alaska Fairbanks

PublicCity: Small

About University of Alaska Fairbanks

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

UAF is a public research university in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system and is known for its arctic and climate research, geophysics, and wildlife biology programs.

Founded

1917

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

Students

5,273

Institution

Public

Known For

Arctic ResearchGeophysicsWildlife BiologyAlaska Flagship

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

Open

Admits all qualified applicants

Graduation Rate

38%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$8,736

Out-of-state: $22,320

Avg Net Price

$10,892

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not required

No test scores requested

Median Earnings

$48,866

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Open Admission

Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate

How to Apply

Test Policy

No test needed

Application Fee

$50

Early

N/A

Deadline

Jun 15

SAT Scores

N/A

Not reported

ACT Scores

22/ 36

Average: 22 out of 36

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
38%

Below Average

38% complete their degree within six years

Retention

74.1%

4-Year Grad

26%

6-Year Grad

44%

Teaching Quality

11:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

61.5%

$/Student

$19.8K

Class Size

Medium

The 26% graduation rate is below average, but 74.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$8,736

In-State

/

$22,320

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$10,590

Books & Supplies

$1,200

Total Cost of Attendance

$22,407

After Financial Aid

$10,892

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$7,992

Receive Grants

22.4%

Take Loans

16.6%

The full cost of attendance is about $22,407/yr for in-state students, including $10,590 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $10,892. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,320.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Alaska Fairbanks fund their education.

While in School

22.4%

Get Grants

Free money

16.6%

Take Loans

Must repay

$35,967

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$20,291

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$215/mo

Monthly Payment

0.1%

Low

Default Rate

Only 16.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,291. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Gender

60%

Female

/

40%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

53.2%
11.4%
9.8%
3.2%
3%
1%
White
Multiracial
Hispanic
Asian
Black
International

Enrollment

4,207

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

1,066

Graduates

39.9%

First-Gen

25 yrs

Avg Age

39.6%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 39.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Small

City: Small

Campus Quick Facts

4,207

Students

public

Institution

Small

Campus Size

R2 Research

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

University of Alaska Fairbanks fields 6 varsity teams with 146 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division II without football

Conference

Great Northwest

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

6

Biggest: Cross Country

Student Athletes

146

3% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

51% / 49%

75

Men

/

71

Women

4

Men's Teams

5

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
37
Cross Country
31
Ice Hockey
29
Basketball
18
Volleyball
17
Skiing

Every Varsity Team

Cross Country37Ice Hockey31Basketball29Volleyball18Skiing17Swimming14

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of University of Alaska Fairbanksearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$48,866

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$41K
6yr
$40K
8yr
$49K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$47K

51 grads

1yr Earnings

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

$39K

45 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

$33K

36 grads

1yr Earnings

Homeland Security

32 grads

Biology, General

$31K

28 grads

1yr Earnings

Social Work

$48K

23 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Alaska Fairbanks

How much does University of Alaska Fairbanks cost?
Tuition at University of Alaska Fairbanks is $8,736 for in-state students and $22,320 for out-of-state students. The full cost of attendance is about $22,407/yr for in-state students, including $10,590 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $10,892. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,320.
What is the graduation rate at University of Alaska Fairbanks?
University of Alaska Fairbanks has a graduation rate of 38%. The 26% graduation rate is below average, but 74.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates is $48,866 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.