Alaska Pacific University vs University of Alaska Southeast
University of Alaska Southeast is moderately selective with a 62.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Alaska Pacific University (86.2%). Graduates of Alaska Pacific University earn $5,796 more per year at the 10-year mark ($54,271 vs $48,475). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Alaska Southeast is more affordable at $14,510 net price vs $16,037. Students at University of Alaska Southeast graduate with less debt ($19,111 vs $23,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Alaska Southeast has a higher yield rate (74.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Anchorage, AK
Juneau, AK
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Alaska Southeast is more affordable at $9,955 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $31,181 vs $19,373.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Alaska Pacific University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (34%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Alaska Pacific University
- 1 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology$26,353
University of Alaska Southeast
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$55,383
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$42,682
- 3 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other$37,208
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Alaska Pacific University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Public Health
- 3 Biological and Physical Sciences
- 4 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- 5 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
University of Alaska Southeast
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 3 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 4 Social Sciences, General
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Alaska Pacific University
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$20,350
- Est. total cost/year$29,060
- School typePublic
University of Alaska Southeast
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$19,200
- Est. total cost/year$30,344
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Alaska Pacific University or University of Alaska Southeast?
University of Alaska Southeast is more selective with a 62.5% acceptance rate, compared to 86.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Alaska Pacific University or University of Alaska Southeast?
Alaska Pacific University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $54,271 compared to $48,475. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Alaska Pacific University or University of Alaska Southeast?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Alaska Southeast has a lower net price at $14,510 per year vs $16,037. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Alaska Pacific University vs University of Alaska Southeast?
Alaska Pacific University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 47.1%, compared to 29.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Alaska Pacific University or University of Alaska Southeast?
University of Alaska Southeast has a larger international student population at 1% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Alaska Pacific University and University of Alaska Southeast?
At Alaska Pacific University, Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology graduates earn a median of $26,353 within two years. At University of Alaska Southeast, the top-earning major is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $55,383. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.