4 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Alaska 2025

Online colleges in Alaska provide high-quality degrees with low tuition rates. Learners can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in numerous fields online.

The ever-rising costs and strict scheduling of in-person higher education programs sometimes create barriers for prospective students. Though it may seem challenging, students in Alaska can enroll in cheap online colleges to find affordable and flexible learning opportunities.

Although the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) only identifies seven colleges across the Last Frontier State, four of these institutions are considered accredited cheap colleges in Alaska. Each one offers distance education programs, including associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees offered fully online. Alaskan learners can use these programs to earn a degree while qualifying for in-state tuition rates and state-based financial aid.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Alaska

Distance learning programs are available at some of the cheapest colleges in Alaska. Students can find diverse enrollment options in four-year degree programs with options to pursue graduate degrees and certificate programs.

1. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage has 11 online bachelor's degrees, including anthropology, nursing, and human services. Online learners can also pursue 14 graduate degrees and certificate programs in education, public health, and more.

UAA has two different tuition rates for undergraduate programs based on the level of online coursework. Lower-level courses cost $234 per credit hour for Alaska residents, while upper-level courses cost $282. Graduate programs are $513 per credit hour.

2. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers 16 undergraduate programs, including four-year degree programs and degree completion opportunities. Some of the fields of study available at UAF include criminal justice, business administration, and fisheries and marine science � there are also master's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates available through online education.

Alaska residents pay $234 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees, either on-campus or through online learning. Graduate tuition costs are $614 per credit hour.

3. University of Alaska Southeast

Students at the University of Alaska Southeast can choose fromchoose from six undergraduate degree programs and seven graduate programs. The bachelor's programs at UAS include liberal arts, special education, and social science. Some of the online certificates and degrees include an on-campus component, but most are delivered entirely through online courses.

The average tuition cost at UAS is $258 per credit hour for full-time enrollment (12 credit hours). The school also offers various scholarships and grants that can reduce costs even further.

4. Charter College

Charter College primarily offers associate degrees, but students have the opportunity to complete four bachelor's degree completion programs, coordinated through the Charter College Anchorage campus. The four bachelor's degrees available from Charter College are:

Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer information systems
BS in business administration
BS in healthcare administration
BS in health technology management

Charter College costs $18,678 per academic year after all tuition and fees are applied. Learners can apply for federal financial aid and third-party scholarships, and they can participate in federal work-study programs to receive lower tuition rates.

Accredited Online Colleges Without Out-of-State Tuition Rates

Although there aren't many online Alaska colleges, students can find programs from other states without sacrificing affordability. Students in Alaska can access some of the best cheap online colleges in the country without ever stepping foot on campus.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global has 15 undergraduate programs offered in fully online formats. Students can earn degrees in business administration, human resource management, and computer science. There are also graduate degree programs available in many of the same areas of study.

All students, regardless of residency, have the same tuition rates. Undergraduate degrees cost a rate of $375, while graduate degrees cost $675. Learners will also be able to qualify for federal and institutional financial aid after they submit their FAFSA forms.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the top options for online college students nationwide. Learners can earn degrees and certificates from the associate to doctoral level in various subjects, such as accounting, engineering, and technology.

The online undergraduate programs at SNHU cost $330 per credit hour, and graduate programs cost $637. These rates are for all students, regardless of residency or enrollment status.

Our Selection Criteria

This ranking was based on several strict guidelines to ensure that learners receive more information about the most affordable online colleges in Alaska and cheap colleges in other states. We used three main criteria to evaluate these schools.

Affordability: We selected schools with credit hour costs under $500. Some of these programs are above that threshold, but the universities offer financial aid that can lower the costs.
Accreditation: Every program we selected is accredited, either regionally or nationally. Accreditation ensures that students will be able to apply for federal financial aid.
Diversity of Education Options: Each school in our rankings offers at least three online bachelor's degrees, but most of these schools offer more than 10.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Alaska Cost?

The average cost of tuition in Alaska for an academic year is $7,916. Some of the more affordable colleges can cost as low as $234 per credit hour.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable in Alaska?

There are several things you can do to make an online degree affordable. Some examples include searching online for low-cost degrees in your area of study, applying for grant and scholarship opportunities, and exploring tuition waivers.

If you are employed, you may be able to earn your online degree through a tuition reimbursement program offered through your employer.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About Higher Education at the Cheapest Colleges in Alaska

As online education becomes more common, more students are looking into distance learning opportunities. This leads to many common questions about factors such as admission requirements, tuition rates, and the value of online degrees.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Alaska?

The cheapest online colleges in Alaska are the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Both programs have a per-credit cost of $234 for Alaskan residents, making them some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation.

Are There Any Free Online College Degrees in Alaska?

Some of the online colleges in Alaska offer free individual courses, but there aren't any tuition-free online college degrees offered in Alaska. Some schools offer the Promise Grant, which serves as a last-dollar, free-money program, but students must determine eligibility for other grants and scholarships before using these funds.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Alaska?

Charter College has an acceptance rate near 100%, making it the easiest online college to gain admission into in Alaska. Students are required to have an entrance interview, but the school operates with an open admissions policy.

Is an Online College Worth the Money?

If your online degree is accredited, then it will be worth the money. Online degrees are affordable pathways to high-quality education, which can lead to careers and graduate programs.

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs In-State

Whether you live in Alaska or another state, you can read our school profiles to learn more about all the programs available to you. Once you've narrowed down the best degree programs for your goals, use our resources to contact schools directly and begin your application process today.