Alaska Colleges and Universities

Alaska Colleges and Universities

Fueled by the popularity of reality shows such as "Deadliest Catch" and "Flying Wild Alaska," the northernmost state in the union has developed a reputation as the perfect locale for rugged adventure seekers. But the state also has urban appeal--Anchorage was named "Where to Live Now" by Men's Health Magazine in 2009--that makes it a good choice for city lovers as well.

Universities in Alaska allow students the opportunity to live in one of America's final frontiers. The state is home to an extensive public university system that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs on nine campuses. In addition, institutions such as the Alaska Bible College, Alaska Pacific University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Wayland Bible College offer four year degrees. Two year programs can also be found at Alaska schools.

The future of jobs in Alaska

Ready to hit the ground running after graduation? Then pick a degree program that will prepare you for a job with one of state's largest employers. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Providence Health & Services (an Alaskan health care system that serves five large communities) was the largest private sector employer in 2010. Other top 10 employers included BP Exploration Alaska, Trident Seafoods and NANA Management Services, which works with firms in the hospitality industry.

With top employment occurring in the health care, gas, oil, and tourism industries, Alaska offers graduates a number of sectors in which to look for jobs upon completion of a degree. Careers that fall within those sectors and the mean earned wages associated with workers in the field were, according to 2010 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  1. Diagnostic medical sonographers: $73,690
  2. Geological and petroleum technicians: $67,190
  3. Lodging managers: $66,190
  4. Petroleum engineers: $157,480
  5. Registered nurses: $79,350

At more than two times the size of Texas, there is a lot of Alaska just waiting to be explored. Head to the universities in Alaska to start your adventure today.

See also: Alaska Vocational Schools and Career Training

Alaska Colleges and Universities

Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage. Some distance education courses available www.alaskapacific.edu
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
Seward, Alaska avtec.labor.state.ak.us
Career Academy
Anchorage, Alaska www.careeracademy.edu
Ilisagvik College
Barrow, Alaska www.ilisagvik.cc
Sheldon Jackson College
Baranof Island in Sitka. Private, four-year liberal arts college (Presbyterian)
University of Alaska (Anchorage)
Anchorage, Alaska www.uaa.alaska.edu
University of Alaska Southeast (Juneau)
www.uas.alaska.edu
Alaska Bible College
Glennallen
Alaska Bible Institute
Homer (non-denominational)
Far North Bible College
Anchorage, Alaska
Prince William Sound Community College
Valdez, Alaska www.pwscc.edu
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska www.uaf.edu
University of Alaska System
University of Alaska: Fairbanks
University of the Arctic
a network of academic institutions and programs in the circumpolar North
Wayland Baptist University
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Alaska