Best Online Colleges in Alaska 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Alaska had the least number of students graduate with bachelor's degrees in the 2021-22 school year compared to all other states. Part of this is due to the state's low population, but many students also live in remote areas and can't make it to campus.

If you want to earn a degree but aren't able to learn in person, online college programs could be a great option. You can learn through accredited online colleges that are available to any student in the U.S. or opt for one located in Alaska with lower tuition rates.

The best online degrees provide a high-quality education with a flexible schedule. Keep reading to discover the best schools offering online degrees in Alaska.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Alaska

Alaska may be one of the largest states by area, but it's got one of the smallest populations. As a result, only a few schools are offering online college programs in the state. We've listed the top Alaska online colleges below.

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a research university in Fairbanks, AK. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, communication, marine science, and social work.

UAF is dedicated to making education accessible to everyone. All online students work with a dedicated student success team to help them reach their educational goals.

The tuition rate for online bachelor's degrees is $289 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. A number of scholarships and grants are available, and 89% of students receive some type of financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,640

Out-of-State: $22,752

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,459

Out-of-State: $23,492

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Alaska Anchorage

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, healthcare and nursing, and social sciences.

About 83% of students receive some form of financial aid. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate as Alaskan residents if they're studying solely through online learning.

In addition to online degree programs, UAA offers a variety of individual online courses as well. Students also have the option to take online classes without enrolling in a program.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,566

Out-of-State: $21,693

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,234

Out-of-State: $19,422

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. University of Alaska Southeast

The University of Alaska Southeast offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, liberal arts, social sciences, and special education. The university is located in the state capital, Juneau.

UAS strives to provide high-quality programs to both in-person and distance learning students. It also offers occupational endorsement certificates online in topics like aquaculture, fisheries management, and healthcare information technology.

In-state tuition starts at $234 per credit for undergraduate programs, while out-of-state tuition starts at $800 per credit. However, students from states in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) pay a slightly reduced out-of-state rate. Roughly 81% of college students at UAS receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,960

Out-of-State: $21,096

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,132

Out-of-State: $23,414

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Featured Online Schools

Students in Alaska aren't restricted to the online college programs offered in their state. There are many schools across the U.S. that offer online education to students regardless of their location. We've highlighted some of the best colleges online below.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school in Manchester, NH. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in fields like criminal justice, English, information technology, and psychology.

SNHU has been a leader in distance education for years and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). It charges $330 per credit for online bachelor's degrees and accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

University of Massachusetts Global

Students at the University of Massachusetts Global can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online in areas of study including business, education, liberal studies, and technology. Some programs are available in the school's self-paced MyPath format.

The fully online college is a private affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system. It's headquartered in Aliso Viejo, CA, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Washington State University

Washington State University offers online academic programs from the associate degree through the doctoral levels in fields like business, communication, social sciences, and technology. The public research university is based in Pullman, WA.

Like the Alaska schools above, WSU is accredited by the NWCCU. In-state tuition is $583.90 per credit, and out-of-state tuition is $651 per credit.

How We Rank Schools

To choose the schools on this list, we started by using the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources. We looked for schools that met the following criteria:

• Location: We only included schools located in Alaska for our initial list.
• Accreditation: All schools on both lists are regionally accredited.
• Type: We focused specifically on four-year public or nonprofit schools; we did not include community colleges or for-profit institutions.
• Online programs: We looked for schools that offer a variety of online programs, especially bachelor's degrees, as well as support services for distance learners.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Alaska

Many students appreciate the ability to complete quality education programs online, but there are pros and cons to online courses. We've highlighted the most common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Schedule flexibility: Most online programs allow students to complete their coursework at a time that works best for them.
• Learn from anywhere: Because you don't have to meet in person, you can learn from home or wherever you prefer without dealing with a commute.
• Greater range of options: There are only a few colleges in Alaska, and studying online gives you access to programs from all over the country.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Requires more self-discipline: Because online courses allow you to work on your own schedule, you need to have the discipline to complete your coursework.
• Harder to connect: Some students find it harder to connect with their professors or peers when learning online.
• Technology dependency: Since you are accessing your courses digitally, if something happens to your electricity, internet, or tech, you will have a harder time getting your work done.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Alaska

When choosing an online college in Alaska, there are a few things you'll want to consider, including:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose needs to be accredited; look for regional accreditation because nationally accredited online colleges are not held to as high a standard.
• Major: Not all schools offer all majors online.
• Admissions requirements: Some schools require only a high school diploma, while others have stricter requirements like a minimum GPA or test scores.
• Schedule: You may be able to find accelerated or part-time programs that fit your schedule better than a traditional full-time program.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary significantly between schools.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid to help students cover their costs.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Alaska Cost?

Online bachelor's degrees at public universities in Alaska cost less than $300 per credit for online students. However, your final cost will depend on several factors, including financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Alaska More Affordable

There are a few things you can do to help make your college degree more affordable. Start by looking at schools with low tuition rates; the cheapest online colleges in Alaska are public schools.

Additionally, all students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines what federal and state programs you're eligible for. Below, we've offered additional information for making college affordable:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Alaska Scholarships & Grants

Students in Alaska can take advantage of scholarship and grant programs specifically for Alaskan residents. We've highlighted a few of these programs below.

Alaska Education Grant

The Alaska Education Grant provides need-based financial assistance to eligible Alaska students attending qualifying postsecondary educational institutions in Alaska. There is no separate application; students just need to fill out the FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to $4,000

Deadline: N/A, though it is recommended that students fill out their FAFSA as soon as possible.

Alaska Performance Scholarship

The Alaska Performance Scholarship is a scholarship based on financial performance. There are different levels depending on your GPA or test scores.

Award Amount: Up to $7,000 per year

Deadline: June 30, 2025, for priority consideration

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Scholarships

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) offers 10 scholarships each year to qualified Alaska Native and American Indian students living in Alaska. They must be working toward career in a healthcare-related field.

Award Amount: $5,000

Deadline: May 9, 2025

Top Majors for Alaska Graduates

According to the NCES, the most popular fields of study for students in Alaska are:

• Business: Earning a business degree can lead to careers in areas like finance, human resources, marketing, and sales.
• Humanities: Humanities is a broad field that includes the arts, cultural studies, and languages. Numerous careers are available in these fields.
• Healthcare: Common healthcare majors for bachelor's degree students are nursing, health sciences, and healthcare administration.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Common natural sciences majors in Alaska include marine sciences like aquaculture and fishery. Degrees in natural sciences and math can open up careers in research, academia, or fieldwork.
• Engineering: Most schools offer degrees in specific fields of engineering, like industrial or mechanical engineering, so students can choose the major that best aligns with the type of engineer they want to become.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Alaska

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges in Alaska.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Alaska?

Most bachelor's degrees take about four years of full-time study to complete. However, some colleges offer accelerated online degrees in Alaska that allow students to finish faster.

Which Accredited Online Colleges Offer the Best Value in Alaska?

The schools in the University of Alaska system offer the best value for online degrees. You'll receive a high-quality education for a highly affordable price.

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

The easiest online four-year college to get into in Alaska is UAF, which has an open admissions policy. This means they accept all students who meet the basic admissions requirements.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Degree in Alaska?

Online bachelor's degrees average about four years, though as we mentioned above, some schools offer accelerated programs. Online master's degrees can vary, but two years is about average.

Discover Bachelor's Degrees With Online Courses in Alaska

Find the perfect college for you by exploring the online degrees featured on Learn.org. Prospective students can reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.