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Leading the list is Ilisagvik College, our #1 best value in Alaska. Ilisagvik College is a public school based in Barrow, AK. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,541.
by our College Data Analytics Team
Looking for the best colleges for the money in Alaska? Our ranking highlights 4 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. This is our No Aid ranking, which weighs each school’s published sticker price (tuition, fees, and room and board) before financial aid — use Customize Your Rankings below to narrow the list.
So you can compare your options, College Factual analyzed 4 schools to produce this 2026 best-value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
See What’s Included in This Value Report:
After analyzing 4 schools in Alaska to surface the strongest return on investment. We focus on objective measures, not subjective opinion.
We start with the combined cost of average tuition, fees, and room and board — what a student pays before aid, which is why this is our No Aid ranking. Value also depends on the quality of the education, not just the price. We then balance cost against student outcomes — completion, resources, and earnings after graduation.
That balance of cost and outcomes is what drives the ranking below. Read more about our methodology.
Not every student is looking for the same thing. Drill down by location and field of study, or explore related rankings below. Start by picking a degree level:
Explore the best values below:
Leading the list is Ilisagvik College, our #1 best value in Alaska. Ilisagvik College is a public school based in Barrow, AK. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,541.
University Of Alaska Southeast came in at #2 on this year's best-value ranking in Alaska. Based in Juneau, AK, University Of Alaska Southeast is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,936, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. University Of Alaska Southeast students take on a median of $20,458 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks came in at #3 on this year's best-value ranking in Alaska. Set in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. The median program debt is $23,439. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,866. Set against $23,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Alaska Anchorage one of the best values in Alaska. Located in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, while out-of-state students pay about $21,322. Graduates carry a median of $21,787 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,871 ten years out. Set against $21,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Avtec Alaskas Institute Of Technology one of the best values in Alaska. Set in Seward, AK, Avtec Alaskas Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,083.
Alaska Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Soldotna, AK, Alaska Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,740. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $25,787. About 92% of those who apply are admitted.
Alaska Career College landed the #7 spot for value in Alaska this year. This private for-profit school is set in Anchorage, AK. Typical student debt is $13,016. Median earnings reach $34,468 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,016 median debt.
Alaska Pacific University placed #8 among the best values in Alaska. Located in Anchorage, AK, Alaska Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,760. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,271. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Charter College Anchorage landed the #9 spot for value in Alaska this year. Set in Anchorage, AK, Charter College Anchorage is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,341 in tuition and fees. The median program debt is $19,411. Charter College Anchorage alumni report median earnings of $35,504 a decade after entry. Set against $19,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Alaska Bible College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money.
University Of Alaska System Of Higher Education came in at #11 in this year's value ranking.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 4 schools evaluated. References
See our data sources and methodologies.