Online Schools In Alaska

High school students in Alaska graduate at a rate of 92%, which puts the state in the top five for graduation rates; 67% of these learners enroll in postsecondary schools. These numbers bode well for college graduates who wish to enter the Alaskan workforce, in which 66% of jobs require some higher education. Recent high school graduates, nontraditional learners, students from other states, and Native Alaskans thrive in Alaska’s online schools. In this guide, prospective applicants can learn about the benefits of enrolling in online schools in Alaska, the schools with the most affordable tuition, and the resources needed to enroll.

Online schools in Alaska charge various tuition rates based on factors such as residency, course load, and curriculum. This website considered the various tuition rates and fees to determine which online colleges in Alaska are most affordable. The rankings also consider the academic rigor of each institution. Learners who want to get the best value with their education should study this ranking.

The invention and expansion of online colleges in Alaska provide students with flexible access to education, allowing them to balance school with work and family obligations. Online students may be drawn to healthcare programs, in particular, as healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the state’s economy.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

On average, Alaskan residents pay $6,880 in tuition at public universities, while their out-of-state classmates pay $20,463 annually. Online programs in Alaska grant in-state status to learners who have lived in the Last Frontier for the previous two years.

Alaska is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange. Through this program, students from Alaska can pay in-state tuition at approved programs from participating states. Participating states include Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These jurisdictions have similar agreements for professional and graduate degrees.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2017

Alaska’s in-state tuition is lower than the national average at $8,778 per year. Regarding online learning, some institutions charge students the same rates regardless of residency, while others discount tuition for distance education. Prospective students should visit a school’s website or contact the financial aid department for current information.

There are 547 students from other states attending fully online programs in Alaska. Some of these students must pay elevated tuition rates for their degrees, while others attend through reciprocity programs. For example, 10 of the current out-of-state graduate students come from states that participate in the Western Regional Graduate Program and pay in-state tuition rates.

Out-of-State Undergraduate Students Studying Exclusively Online in Alaska: 436

Out-of-State Graduate Students Studying Exclusively Online in Alaska: 111

Alaska is part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). States in this commission participate in pacts that allow learners to get tuition discounts at public schools that participate in the WICHE. Alaska participates in many of these initiatives, including programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The state also offers unique programs to students from WICHE states, especially regarding counseling. Psychology students at online colleges in Alaska pay discounted tuition and can complete internships in any WICHE state.

Four Alaskan institutions comply with the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA): Alaska Pacific University, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast. With this agreement, learners in other SARA states can take courses from the approved Alaska schools without further approval. As of November 2018, all states and territories agree to SARA except California and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Students from these nonparticipating regions can apply through other WICHE programs.

Check with an admissions or financial officer: Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about what rates apply to you specifically as a potential member of a specific program.

Once learners submit the FAFSA, they discover their federal financial aid eligibility. In addition to federal aid, students can apply for private grants and scholarships to make their education more affordable, such as the five scholarships listed below.

This need-based program welcomes Alaskan residents with high school diplomas or GEDs to apply. Candidates must boast admission to an accredited undergraduate or vocational certificate program in the Last Frontier. They must also enroll at least half time, work toward their first bachelor’s degree, and maintain good academic standing.

Scholarship Amount: $500-$4,000 per year

Students in the Northwest region of the United States, including Alaska, can apply for scholarships through the Pride Foundation. Successful applicants must demonstrate leadership within the LGBTQ community, little support in their personal lives, and financial need. Awardees can use the funds at any postsecondary institution, including vocational schools.

Scholarship Amount: Varies

The Alaska Community Foundation awards the JJ Klein Scholarship to learners who graduate from Alaskan high schools, enroll full time in accredited institutions, show financial need, and earn GPAs between 2.0-3.5. Students can use the funds for vocational, certificate, or degree-granting programs.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000

As the tourism industry grows in Alaska, students who want to work in this sector can apply for Tourism Cares scholarships. The requirements vary by scholarship. However, most of the organization’s awards go to applicants with GPAs of 3.5 or higher who demonstrate interest in working for the tourism industry.

Scholarship Amount: Varies

The ACPE gives this merit-based award to Alaskan students at three different levels. Those who earn the most must have high school GPAs of 3.5 or higher and ACT scores of at least 25, or equivalent SAT scores. The third tier is for students with GPAs of 2.5-2.99 and ACT scores of 21 or 22.

Scholarship Amount: $2,378-$4,755 per year

Students who want to learn more about online colleges in Alaska should read the following answers to frequently asked questions about online learning in the state.