Best Online Colleges in Alaska
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The best online colleges in Alaska offer multiple paths to degrees that prepare students to work in some of the state’s top industries.
Online education offers new and returning learners flexibility while ensuring safety and health. In Alaska, organizations like the Society for Technology in Education support innovations and increased accessibility in online learning. The best online colleges in Alaska provide several ways for students to receive the training to pursue employment in the state.
This ranking lists programs using criteria like affordability, convenience, flexibility, quality of programming, and accreditation. This page explores some of the key benefits of online learning for Alaskans and highlights how earning online degrees in fields like business and science can prepare learners to land jobs after graduation.
The Best Online Colleges in Alaska
The University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,962
- Out-of-state$22,980
- In-State$10,414
- Out-of-state$21,904
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled7,179
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,888
- Out-of-state$22,736
- In-State$11,132
- Out-of-state$23,414
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled2,150
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alaska Anchorage
- Anchorage, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,804
- Out-of-state$26,152
- In-State$11,286
- Out-of-state$23,738
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled12,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Alaska
2023
Online Alaska Colleges Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyFeatured Online Alaska Colleges
Employment in Alaska
Major industries in Alaska include oil, fishing, and tourism, followed by other sectors like agriculture, mining, and timber. Several of the most common and highest-paying careers in the state are in these fields.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 30% of Alaskans hold college degrees. As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a mean annual wage of $61,760 for the state. This figure outpaces the national mean of $56,310 and correlates with the high cost of living index in Alaska, which is at 125.8. The national average cost of living index is 100.
The unemployment rate in Alaska is 6.6% as of June 2021, according to the BLS. Those numbers exceed the national unemployment rate for the same period by nearly one percentage point, but they reflect unprecedented conditions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following information explores the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Alaska. Salary information applies specifically to Alaska, while job growth data pertains to the entire United States.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $180,100 | 13% | Bachelor’s |
| Chief Executives | $166,360 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $122,430 | 32% | Bachelor’s |
| Lawyers | $116,440 | 9% | Law Degree |
| Financial Managers | $111,200 | 17% | Bachelor’s |
| General and Operations Managers | $110,170 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| Construction Managers | $103,570 | 11% | Bachelor’s |
The following data reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,500 professionals in Alaska. Salary figures apply specifically to Alaska, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $110,170 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| Registered Nurses | $95,270 | 9% | Associate |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $74,720 | 7% | Bachelor’s |
| Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists | $86,700 | 6% | Bachelor’s |
| Accountants and Auditors | $80,520 | 7% | Bachelor’s |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $75,790 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $88,420 | -3% | High School Diploma |
| Civil Engineers | $100,160 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
Online Associate Degrees and Community Colleges in Alaska
Alaska has two community colleges with options for online learning. Each school offers two-year programs in fields that align with some of the state’s top industries. An online associate degree in hospitality or business, for example, could qualify students for entry-level work in the tourism or oil industries.
Online learning at this level continues to expand amid the pandemic, giving learners the opportunity to graduate, enter the workforce, and contribute to the state’s economy. Individuals interested in further study or advancement can earn transfer credits to switch to four-year institutions throughout the state.
Online Graduate Degrees in Alaska
For students pursuing graduate-level study, the best online colleges in Alaska offer convenient pathways to further your career, especially in areas like science and engineering. Most schools deliver their coursework through learning methods that blend self-paced study with structured, interactive experiences with faculty and peers.
These schools feature several options for internships, practicums, and other capstone projects. Some may provide virtual lab experiences that simulate real-world work conditions, while others may work with students to identify work placements in their local areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Alaska
Is Online College Cheaper in Alaska?
Yes — in some cases. As an in-state resident, you may qualify for reduced tuition rates. Some of the best online colleges in Alaska offer flat-rate tuition for virtual programming.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Alaska?
Earning an online degree in Alaska takes less time than traditional, in-person instruction in most cases. You can earn an associate degree in about 18 months. Other degrees may take longer, but transfer credits can help you complete your studies faster.
What Is the Most Popular Degree in Alaska?
Business, science and engineering, and agriculture or environmental fields are some of the most common college majors in Alaska.
Blake Huggins is a Boston-based writer and researcher with roots in north Texas and southern Oklahoma. He holds degrees in religion and philosophy and writes widely on higher education, healthcare, and the humanities broadly conceived. He earned a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in philosophy, writing, and composition.
Featured Image Credit: Patrick J. Endres | Corbis Documentary | Getty Images
