By BVS Staff
Welcome to our best value ranking of online colleges in Alaska.
Considering Alaska's remote location, one might expect the state's colleges and universities to offer online programs as a way to increase accessibility to students all over the country. Indeed, that is exactly what they have done! Although there are only 5 four-year schools in all of Alaska, an astounding 80% have carved out programs specifically for distance learners. What's more, their affordability and online enrollment numbers qualify each and every one of them as "best values." These top 4 colleges all earned at least 55 points (out of 100) in our ranking.
Methodology
Click here to read all about our best value online schools ranking methodology, or head on over and check out our ranking of cheap online colleges.
4. University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK
As evinced by the nearly one-third of Anchorage students who are enrolled in one or more online course, distance learning is quite popular at the University of Alaska Anchorage. And given that UAA enrolls over twice as many students as even the second-largest post-secondary institution in the state, it stands to reason that this school further qualifies as one of Alaska's all-around leaders in online education. Although the program is relatively young, this top online school in Alaska is constantly building its eLearning platform through faculty training and integration of the latest technologies and software.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $5,545/yr
Score: 56
3. University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
With national recognition as a Military Friendly School and a student enrollment that includes over 2,000 veterans, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a favorite among members of the military. In fact, the school's flexible online degree options - in Business Administration, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Justice - are perfect for anyone with a "protect and serve" background. Plus, the university's in-state tuition is second only to its counterpart in Anchorage—and even then, by just over a hundred dollars a year. All in all, UAF's affordable online degrees in Alaska offer significant benefits that extend far beyond its state borders.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $5,674/yr
Score: 68
2. Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK
Clocking in at nearly $20,000 a year (even for in-state students), Alaska Pacific University is not necessarily the most affordable online school in Alaska. But in terms of its graduation rate—which is nearly double of every other school on this list—it's hard to imagine getting so much educational benefit for even a penny less. APU's online students get their money's worth through a variety of academic and pre-professional bachelor's programs that are designed to optimize their time, effort, and of course, tuition. With topics of study that span Creative & Professional Writing; Marine & Environmental Studies; and Alaska Native Governance, APU opens the doors to a whole world of opportunity.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $19,610/yr
Score: 93
1. University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK
It may not be the biggest, cheapest, or most "military friendly" school on our list, but there's a reason nearly 60% of students at University of Alaska Southeast qualify as distance learners. When it comes to providing the best online college courses in Alaska, there's no denying that UAS is at the top of the heap. With online delivery methods that include audio/video conference, satellite broadcast, and even one-on-one instruction via email, the University of Alaska Southeast has made distance learning a huge priority in its various undergraduate curricula—and it shows.
In-State Undergrad Tuition: $6,132/yr
Score: 100
What did you think of these top online degrees in Alaska?
See also: 3 Best Value Colleges and Universities in Alaska
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