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Fairbanks , AK
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a public research university located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Established in 1917, it is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska System. UAF is known for its strong focus on Arctic and Earth sciences, as well as for being one of the few institutions in the world that conducts research on the polar regions. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including engineering, natural and social sciences, business, education, and more.
UAF is renowned for its exceptional research facilities and opportunities. The university operates several research institutes and centers, such as the Geophysical Institute, which focuses on understanding and predicting geological and atmospheric phenomena in the Arctic. Additionally, UAF is home to the Alaska Satellite Facility, which plays a vital role in collecting and disseminating satellite data. These research facilities provide students with unique hands-on experiences and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge scientific studies.
Beyond its academic and research excellence, the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers students a vibrant campus life. The university boasts various student clubs, organizations, and sports teams, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and pursue their interests outside the classroom. Moreover, UAF is located in an incredible natural setting, surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife, offering students exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife exploration. With its strong academic reputation, research opportunities, and unique location, UAF is an ideal institution for those interested in exploring and studying the Arctic region and its diverse ecosystems.
University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public university located in Fairbanks, AK. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 62%. The freshman retention rate at University of Alaska Fairbanks is 74.1% and the six-year graduation rate is 39%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is June 15. Here are some latest data on important things to consider about University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Quick Facts
5,912
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
7:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
39%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Discovering as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission increases your chances of getting admitted. Check out some essential facts about admission at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
In 2025, the school accepted 2,284 new students. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of students who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 14% and ACT scores 11%. 11% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 36% between 1,200 and 1,399, 40% between 1,000 and 1,199, 13% between 800 and 999, and 3% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 8, 30 between 24-29, 39 in the range between 18-23, 23 between 12-17, and 1 between 6-11.
The average ACT score for all the accepted students in 2025 was 20 and the average GPA was 3.37. Therefore, the chances are that you'll need a GPA higher than the average for acceptance, and the same goes for your ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 589 and an average SAT Math score of 572.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by June 15.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, you should consider the freshman retention rate, among other things.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for University of Alaska Fairbanks was 74.1%, a testament to the outstanding educational experience provided by this institution.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 39%.
Student Body
Making the decision of which school is the optimal match for you is not simple. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2025 was 6,982.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 22. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 5,912, 43 of which were foreign students. The number of transfer students at this school was 370.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 1,387 male and 1,717 female full-time students in 2025. 157 full-time graduate men and 186 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
This school had 134 Asian students and 128 Afro-American students in 2025. 412 undergraduates at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 480 identified with more than one race. The school also had 20 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 540 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 213 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into account when applying to any college or university is the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about University of Alaska Fairbanks estimated tuition costs.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $8,041, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $23,789 for students coming from out of state. For international students, tuition fees at this school came to $23,789, as well. Full-time students in 2025 were required to pay additional fees in the amount of $1,975.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $23,789 | $1,975 | $25,764 |
| In-State | $8,041 | $1,975 | $10,016 |
Books and Supplies
The estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another important financial element. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2025, room and board cost at University of Alaska Fairbanks amounted to $10,450 a year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school added up to $5,200, according to the data from 2025. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $8,500.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 8,041 |
| Room and Board | $ 10,450 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 19,691 |
Financial Aid
Financial aid for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
According to the most recent data, 319 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $11,037.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
1,076 students secured some form of need-based financial aid. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 1,193. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $6,108,657, and state $2,132,708. The students of University of Alaska Fairbanks received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $4,392,515, and external in the amount of $2,012,399.
$5,382
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 163 students overall (including freshmen) at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2025. 59 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $6,108,657 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $9,070. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $4,357,001. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $2,126,621 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
7:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio represents the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at University of Alaska Fairbanks was 7:1: that means 7 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. This school has recently reported to have 994 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 673 men and 321 women.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at University of Alaska Fairbanks is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some info about students' life at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
It has a campus size of 2,250 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
According to the most recent information, there are 153 open-membership organizations at University of Alaska Fairbanks. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Society of Women Engineers, followed by Volleyball Club and Community Yoga Club. Other popular organizations at University of Alaska Fairbanks are Alaska Alpine Club and The Wildlife Society.
There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. For individuals with an interest in media and communication, University of Alaska Fairbanks publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a number of services crucial for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The dormitory entrances at the school are electronically controlled. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of University of Alaska Fairbanks.
All in all, campus life at University of Alaska Fairbanks is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Career Counselling
At University of Alaska Fairbanks, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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University of Alaska Fairbanks is located in Fairbanks, AK.
-
According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for University of Alaska Fairbanks is 62%.
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The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for University of Alaska Fairbanks is 74.1%.
Contact Information
University of Alaska Fairbanks
1731 South Chandalar Drive
Fairbanks , AK
99775
907 474-7434
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
