University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States
Founded
1917
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
7,486
Campus Size
2,250 Acres
Discover the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Discover the University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system and America's northernmost Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution. Founded in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, UAF opened its doors to students in 1922 and has grown into a leading research university with international recognition in Arctic and subarctic studies.
UAF is classified as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity and is home to renowned research institutes including the Geophysical Institute, the Institute of Arctic Biology, and the Institute of Marine Science. The university operates Poker Flat Research Range, the only university-owned rocket range in the world, and conducts groundbreaking work in climate change, geophysics, fisheries, and engineering.
With seven campuses across the state of Alaska, UAF offers more than 190 degree and certificate programs in over 120 disciplines. The university serves a diverse student body and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, providing personalized attention in a unique subarctic learning environment.
Key Milestones
- 1917: Alaska Territorial Governor John Strong signed the bill creating the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines.
- 1935: The institution was officially renamed the University of Alaska to reflect its expanding role in research, teaching, and public service.
- 1955: The Alaska Constitutional Convention was held on the UAF campus, and the Alaska Constitution was signed in what is now Signers' Hall.
- 1969: The Geophysical Institute began operating Poker Flat Research Range, the world's only university-owned rocket launch facility, for NASA and the Department of Defense.
Academic Structure and Programs
Academic Structure and Programs
UAF's academic offerings span nine colleges and schools that provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across more than 120 disciplines. The university is particularly recognized for its strengths in Arctic research, earth sciences, engineering, and indigenous studies.
College of Engineering and Mines
Offers programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, mining, and geological engineering with hands-on research opportunities in Arctic engineering and resource extraction.
- B.S. in Civil Engineering
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
- M.S. in Mining Engineering
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
A nationally recognized college focusing on marine biology, fisheries science, and oceanography, leveraging Alaska's vast marine ecosystems as a living laboratory.
- B.S. in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
- M.S. in Marine Biology
- Ph.D. in Oceanography
College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Provides rigorous programs in the natural sciences with strong research ties to the Geophysical Institute and Institute of Arctic Biology.
- B.S. in Biology
- B.S. in Geosciences
- Ph.D. in Physics
College of Liberal Arts
Encompasses humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and Alaska Native languages, offering a broad liberal arts education enriched by the cultural diversity of the North.
- B.A. in English
- B.A. in Political Science
- M.F.A. in Creative Writing
College of Indigenous Studies
Established in 2024 as the first college for indigenous studies in the United States, this college serves rural Alaska communities and preserves Alaska Native knowledge systems.
- B.A. in Alaska Native Studies
- Certificate in Tribal Management
- A.A.S. in Rural Human Services
School of Management
Offers business and management programs that prepare students for leadership roles in Alaska's unique economic landscape, including resource management and public administration.
- B.B.A. in Business Administration
- M.B.A. in Business Administration
- B.B.A. in Accounting
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- High School DiplomaRequired (or GED equivalent)
- GPA Requirement2.0 minimum; 3.0 recommended for baccalaureate programs
- SAT/ACT ScoresTest-optional; considered if submitted
- English ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo required for non-native speakers
- Application FeeRequired (fee may be waived for eligible students)
Graduate Admissions
- Bachelor's DegreeRequired from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA3.0 on a 4.0 scale (varies by program)
- Letters of RecommendationThree letters typically required
- Statement of PurposeRequired for most graduate programs
- English ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants
Application deadline for undergraduate admission to the fall semester.
Application deadline for undergraduate admission to the spring semester.
Application deadline for undergraduate admission to the summer session.
Annual deadline for UAF Foundation Scholarship applications for the following academic year.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
UAF offers competitive tuition rates that are significantly below the national average for public universities. Financial aid, scholarships, and the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program help make a UAF education affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students.
| Cost Category | Alaska Resident (Annual) | Non-Resident (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 8,736 | USD 22,320 |
| Room & Board | USD 10,590 | USD 10,590 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,200 | USD 1,200 |
| Personal & Transportation | USD 5,097 | USD 7,322 |
| Total | USD 25,623 | USD 41,432 |
Nanook Pledge Scholarship
A four-year renewable merit scholarship automatically awarded to incoming first-year, transfer, and readmitted students based on academic performance and residency status.
- Award Amount: USD 500 to USD 12,000 per year
- Eligibility: Full-time enrollment in a baccalaureate program with 2.0+ GPA
- Duration: Renewable for up to four years
Alaska Adventure Award
A four-year renewable scholarship for nonresident students pursuing any major at UAF. Automatically considered upon admission with no separate application required.
- Eligibility: Nonresident students enrolled full-time at UAF
- Requirements: Maintain 2.0+ GPA and complete 67% of attempted credits
- Coverage: Tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meal plans, and course materials
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The UAF Troth Yeddha' Campus sits on 2,250 acres of subarctic terrain in Fairbanks, featuring two lakes, extensive trail systems, and modern academic and research facilities. The campus provides a unique environment where students can experience the northern lights, midnight sun, and Alaska's stunning natural landscape.
UAF's hilltop campus offers front-row views of the northern lights during the long winter nights.
The iconic Museum of the North houses over one million cultural and natural history objects from across Alaska.
The recreation center provides year-round fitness, swimming, and indoor sports facilities for the campus community.
Housing & Dining
Residence Halls
UAF offers year-round on-campus housing with a variety of residence halls, apartments, and family housing options across the lower and middle campus areas.
- Multiple residence hall styles for different student preferences
- Graduate and family housing available in campus apartments
- All halls include kitchens, laundry, and secure access systems
Dining Options
All students living in residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Several plan options are available ranging from approximately USD 2,200 to USD 3,200 per semester.
- Dine 49 in the Wood Center serves diverse daily menus
- Arctic Java offers coffee and light fare on campus
- Chartwells Market Basket provides grocery pickup options
Student Life at UAF
Student Life at UAF
Student life at UAF is shaped by the unique subarctic environment and a tight-knit campus community. From aurora viewing events to outdoor adventures, students enjoy a distinctive college experience that blends academic rigor with Alaska's extraordinary natural setting.
Fairbanks, Alaska — Life at the Top of the World
Fairbanks, Alaska — Life at the Top of the World
Living in Fairbanks
Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city and is known as the Golden Heart City. Located in the interior of Alaska, it offers a unique subarctic lifestyle with dramatic seasonal changes, from nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer to spectacular aurora borealis displays in winter.
Northern Lights Capital
Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to view the aurora borealis, with displays visible an average of 243 days per year.
Outdoor Recreation
Access to Denali National Park, Chena Hot Springs, world-class fishing, dog mushing, skiing, and hiking in pristine wilderness.
Midnight Sun
During summer solstice, Fairbanks experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight, enabling unique outdoor activities and research opportunities.
Gateway to the Arctic
Fairbanks serves as a hub for Arctic research and exploration, with daily flights connecting to Anchorage, Seattle, and destinations throughout Alaska.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Employers of UAF Graduates
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
ISSS provides visa guidance, immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, and orientation programs for international students and scholars at UAF.
UAF offers English as a Second Language support to help international students meet academic English requirements and succeed in their coursework.
International students must submit financial verification documents and proof of funding as part of the admission and visa process. Updated documents are required each year.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is recognized internationally for its research contributions, particularly in Arctic and environmental sciences. The university appears in multiple global and national ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanography | US News Global | #51 |
| Geosciences | EduRank | Top 100 in U.S. |
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #92 in U.S. |
| Arctic Biology | International Recognition | Leading Program |
Features
There are places in this world where you are destined to discover who you truly are. Here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as wisdom passes from one generation to the next, revolutionary ideas are thriving and a new academic culture is taking shape. Smarter questions. Better answers.\nWith undergraduates making up 89 percent of the total student body, UAF is a hotbed of fresh thinking. Whether you're returning to school to start a new phase of your life or coming in as a recent high school graduate, you'll quickly make new friends with a similar drive to achieve. And, because our backyard is the vast environmental laboratory of Alaska, UAF attracts exceptional individuals — academic superstars and adventure-seekers alike\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - March
Location
505 S Chandalar, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
