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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 school uses 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%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is June 15. Read more about what you can expect if you get into University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Quick Facts
5,912
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
39%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to discover as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. Read on to find out some essential data about admission policy and requirements at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
In 2025, the school accepted 2,284 new students. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of applicants 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 enrolled 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% of the students between 800 and 999, and 3% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of new students 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 ACT composite average score for all the enrolled students in 2025 was 20 and the average GPA was 3.37. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into University of Alaska Fairbanks; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 589 for the enrolled first-year students, while the average SAT Math score was 572.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by June 15.
Retention Rate
The percentage of freshmen at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. When you create 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%, indicative of the exceptional educational experience and supportive environment at this school.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 39%.
Student Body
Making the choice of which school is the best match for you is not easy. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better understanding of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2025 was 6,982.
That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 22. There was a total of 5,912 those pursuing undergraduate studies, including 43 international students. The school admitted a total of 370 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 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
Higer Education is committed to expanding the diversity of its student population and improving students' sense 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. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
This school had 134 Asian students and 128 Afro-American students in 2025. 412 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 480 as multirace. The school also had 20 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 540 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 213 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. Here are some data on the expenses that most students at this school have.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition fees for this university.
Tuition fees for area resident were $8,670, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $25,650 for students coming from a different state. For international students, tuition fees at this school stood at $25,650, as well. Full-time students in 2025 were mandated to pay additional fees in the amount of $2,250.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $25,650 | $2,250 | $27,900 |
| In-State | $8,670 | $2,250 | $10,920 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?
In 2025, room and board cost at University of Alaska Fairbanks amounted to $10,590 a year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school came to $5,200, according to the data from 2025. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $9,500.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 8,670 |
| Room and Board | $ 10,590 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 20,460 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all types of financial aid available to students. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 319 freshmen. The average financial aid package awarded to students reached $11,037.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 1,076 students who secured need-based financial aid of any kind. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 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.
163 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based financial aid at this institution in 2025. 59 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $6,108,657 while the state aid is $9,070. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants 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
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at University of Alaska Fairbanks was 11:1: that means 11 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 994. Out of that number, there were 673 men and 321 women.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some details about social life at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Its campus is 2,250 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership typically consists exclusively of current students and/or alumni.
There are 153 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. 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 among the students 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. You have a talent for media and communication? University of Alaska Fairbanks publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At University of Alaska Fairbanks, there are many amenities that make life on campus comfortable and safe.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
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.
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The most recent reported acceptance rate for University of Alaska Fairbanks is 62%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for University of Alaska Fairbanks is 74.1%.
Contact Information
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.