Top 10 Private Colleges in Alaska in 2027

How We Ranked the Top Private Options for Alaskan Students

We weighted each option against priorities that matter to Alaskan families, drawing on published figures from each institution, the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and NCES data. The weighting:

• Academic quality and programs: 25%
• Value and cost (tuition, aid, net price): 20%
• Outcomes (graduation rates, career placement): 20%
• Accessibility from Alaska (direct flights, recruitment): 15%
• Resources and support for out-of-state students: 10%
• Distinctive mission and community fit: 10%

Because Alaska has only one in-state private college, we transparently include the leading regional private universities that Alaskan students frequently choose, clearly labeled as regional options.

1. Alaska Pacific University 🏆 BEST OVERALL 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Private Nonprofit University (In-State, Anchorage) Tuition: Approximately $22,000/year (2024-2025) Enrollment: ~500 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a small private university focused on environmental science, outdoor studies, and Alaska Native partnerships

Alaska Pacific University (APU) in Anchorage is Alaska's only private nonprofit university. APU is known for small classes, hands-on learning, and strong programs in environmental science, outdoor studies, health sciences, and business. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, and APU's block-style and field-based courses emphasize experiential learning across Alaska's outdoors. APU has a formal affiliation with Alaska Native interests through its partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and other organizations, strengthening its mission and community ties.

Pros:

• Alaska's only private nonprofit university
• Tuition well below most Lower 48 privates
• Strong environmental, outdoor, and health programs
• Small classes with 10:1 student-faculty ratio
• Experiential, field-based learning model

Cons:

• Very small size limits program breadth
• Fewer large-university resources and athletics
• Limited on-campus housing

Verdict: APU is the clear in-state private option, with distinctive experiential programs and a tuition that undercuts most private colleges nationwide.

2. Seattle Pacific University (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Seattle) Tuition: Approximately $46,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~3,000 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a Christian private university close to home in the Pacific Northwest

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a Christian private university and a frequent choice for Alaskans heading to the Lower 48. SPU offers strong programs in nursing, business, education, and the sciences within a faith-based framework, plus need- and merit-based aid that lowers the net price. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1. SPU's Seattle location is accessible by direct flight from Anchorage (about 3 hours), and the university actively recruits Alaskan students.

Pros:

• Strong nursing, business, and science programs
• Generous aid that lowers net price significantly
• Accessible by direct flight from Anchorage
• Faith-based community and small classes

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Faith-based framework may not suit all students

Verdict: A top regional private for Alaskans, with strong professional programs and aid in a nearby Pacific Northwest city.

3. Gonzaga University (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Spokane) Tuition: Approximately $50,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~5,200 undergraduates Best for: Alaskan students wanting a respected Jesuit university in the Northwest

Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, is a highly regarded Jesuit university popular with Alaskan students. Gonzaga offers strong programs in nursing, engineering, business, and the liberal arts, a renowned athletics and community culture, and need- and merit-based aid. Its graduation rate exceeds 85% (six-year), and the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Spokane is accessible by direct flights from Anchorage and Fairbanks, and Gonzaga has a dedicated admissions counselor for Alaska.

Pros:

• Respected Jesuit academics and strong outcomes
• Graduation rate above 85%
• Generous need- and merit-based aid
• Accessible Northwest location with direct flights

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Faith-based framework may not suit all students

Verdict: A top Jesuit option for Alaskans, with strong outcomes and aid in the nearby Northwest.

4. University of Puget Sound (Regional Private)

Type: Private Liberal Arts College (Regional, Tacoma) Tuition: Approximately $58,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after merit aid Enrollment: ~2,000 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a top liberal arts college near home

University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, is a respected liberal arts college popular with Alaskans. Puget Sound offers strong programs across the sciences, humanities, and business, small classes, and merit aid that lowers net price. Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Tacoma location is accessible by direct flight to Seattle-Tacoma Airport, and the college actively recruits Alaskan students through its Alaska outreach program.

Pros:

• Respected liberal arts academics
• Generous merit aid lowering net price
• Small classes and close mentorship
• Accessible Northwest location

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Smaller than the regional universities

Verdict: A top liberal arts option for Alaskans, with close faculty mentorship in a nearby Northwest city.

5. Whitworth University (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Spokane) Tuition: Approximately $50,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~2,300 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a faith-based liberal arts university in the Northwest

Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, is a Christian liberal arts university popular with Alaskans. Whitworth offers strong programs in education, business, nursing, and the liberal arts, small classes, and need- and merit-based aid. Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Spokane location is accessible by direct flight from Anchorage, and the university maintains a welcoming, faith-based community with an active Alaska student group.

Pros:

• Strong education, business, and nursing programs
• Generous need- and merit-based aid
• Small classes and faith-based community
• Accessible Northwest location

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Faith-based framework may not suit all students

Verdict: A welcoming faith-based liberal arts option for Alaskans, with strong programs and aid in Spokane.

6. Pacific Lutheran University (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Tacoma) Tuition: Approximately $48,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~2,500 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a mid-size private university with strong nursing and education programs

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, Washington, is a Lutheran private university popular with Alaskans. PLU offers strong programs in nursing, education, and business, small classes, and need- and merit-based aid. Its graduation rate exceeds 70%, and the student-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Tacoma location is accessible by direct flight to Seattle-Tacoma Airport, and PLU has a dedicated Alaska recruitment program.

Pros:

• Strong nursing, education, and business programs
• Generous need- and merit-based aid
• Small classes and welcoming community
• Accessible Northwest location

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Mid-size, fewer large-university resources

Verdict: A solid mid-size private for Alaskans, with strong professional programs in an accessible Northwest city.

7. Seattle University (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Seattle) Tuition: Approximately $52,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~4,400 undergraduates Best for: Alaskan students wanting a Jesuit university in a major city

Seattle University is a Jesuit university popular with Alaskans for its strong programs in nursing, business, engineering, and the sciences in the heart of Seattle. The university offers need- and merit-based aid, a diverse student body, and strong ties to Seattle employers. Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is 12:1. Direct flights from Anchorage (about 3 hours) keep it accessible, and Seattle University has an active Alaska alumni network.

Pros:

• Strong nursing, business, and engineering programs
• Major-city location with strong employer ties
• Generous need- and merit-based aid
• Diverse student body

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• High cost of living in Seattle

Verdict: A top urban Jesuit option for Alaskans, with strong professional programs in a major Pacific Northwest city.

8. Lewis & Clark College (Regional Private)

Type: Private Liberal Arts College (Regional, Portland) Tuition: Approximately $62,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after merit aid Enrollment: ~2,000 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a top liberal arts college with environmental strengths

Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, is a respected liberal arts college that appeals to Alaskans drawn to its environmental studies, sciences, and international programs. The college offers small classes, merit aid, and a strong study-abroad tradition. Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Portland is accessible by direct flight from Anchorage, and the college's outdoor-oriented culture resonates with many Alaskan students.

Pros:

• Strong environmental studies and international programs
• Generous merit aid
• Small classes and study-abroad tradition
• Outdoor-oriented culture

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Smaller than the regional universities

Verdict: A top liberal arts option for outdoor-minded Alaskans, with strong environmental and international programs.

9. University of Portland (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Portland) Tuition: Approximately $54,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~3,700 undergraduates Best for: Alaskan students wanting a Catholic university with strong nursing and engineering

University of Portland is a Catholic university popular with Alaskans for its strong programs in nursing, engineering, and business. The university offers small classes, need- and merit-based aid, and a scenic Portland campus overlooking the Willamette River. Its graduation rate exceeds 80%, and the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Direct flights from Anchorage keep it accessible, and the university actively recruits Alaskan students through its Alaska admissions counselor.

Pros:

• Strong nursing, engineering, and business programs
• Graduation rate above 80%
• Generous need- and merit-based aid
• Accessible, scenic Northwest location

Cons:

• High sticker tuition before aid
• Faith-based framework may not suit all students

Verdict: A strong Catholic option for Alaskans, with excellent professional programs and outcomes in Portland.

10. Northwest Nazarene University (Regional Private)

Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Nampa, Idaho) Tuition: Approximately $36,000/year (2024-2025), net price lower after aid Enrollment: ~1,800 students Best for: Alaskan students wanting a faith-based private university with lower tuition

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) in Nampa, Idaho (near Boise), is a Christian private university that attracts Alaskan students seeking a more affordable private option. NNU offers strong programs in nursing, education, business, and the liberal arts, small classes, and need- and merit-based aid. Its graduation rate exceeds 60%, and the student-faculty ratio is 14:1. Boise is accessible by direct flight from Anchorage, and NNU has a history of enrolling Alaskan students.

Pros:

• Lower sticker tuition than many Northwest privates
• Strong nursing, education, and business programs
• Small classes and faith-based community
• Accessible by direct flight to Boise

Cons:

• Lower graduation rate than other options
• Faith-based framework may not suit all students
• Further from Alaska than Washington options

Verdict: A more affordable faith-based option for Alaskans, with strong professional programs in the inland Northwest.

What to Look For When Choosing a Private College as an Alaskan

• In-state versus Lower 48: Alaska has exactly one private college (APU), so decide early whether you want to stay in state or head to a regional private in the Pacific Northwest.
• Net price, not sticker price: Regional privates carry high sticker tuition but offer generous merit and need aid; use each institution's net price calculator before ruling one out.
• Travel and accessibility: Favor schools with direct flights from Anchorage or Fairbanks, since travel cost and time matter for visits, holidays, and emergencies.
• Program fit: Match the school to your field, whether environmental science at APU or Lewis & Clark, nursing at Seattle Pacific or University of Portland, or engineering at Gonzaga or Seattle University.
• Outcomes and graduation rates: Weigh four-year and six-year graduation rates and career outcomes, not reputation alone.
• Aid for Alaskan students: Ask whether a school offers scholarships or recruitment programs specifically for Alaskans, which several Northwest privates do through dedicated admissions counselors.

What matters less than marketing implies: a school's sticker tuition alone, its size alone, or a single ranking number. For Alaskan families, accessibility, net price, and program fit drive the decision far more.

FAQ

How many private colleges are in Alaska? Alaska has exactly one private nonprofit university physically located in the state: Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage. There are no other private nonprofit colleges or universities in Alaska.

Which private college in Alaska is the best overall? Alaska Pacific University is the only in-state private option, with strong environmental, outdoor, and health programs, small classes, and a tuition well below most Lower 48 privates.

What is the best value private college for Alaskans? Alaska Pacific University is the best value among in-state privates; for the lowest overall cost, many Alaskans compare it against the public University of Alaska Anchorage before deciding.

Which Lower 48 private colleges do Alaskans most often attend? Alaskans frequently choose Pacific Northwest privates like Seattle Pacific University, Gonzaga University, University of Puget Sound, Seattle University, and University of Portland, which are accessible by direct flight and offer generous aid.

Are private colleges affordable for Alaskan students? Sticker tuition at regional privates is high, but generous merit and need-based aid often lowers the net price substantially. Alaska Pacific University charges far less than most Lower 48 privates, with tuition around $22,000/year.

Which college is best for environmental studies in or near Alaska? Alaska Pacific University offers strong in-state environmental and outdoor programs, while Lewis & Clark College in Portland is a leading regional private for environmental studies.

Does Alaska have any private liberal arts colleges? No. Alaska has no private liberal arts colleges. The only private nonprofit university in the state is Alaska Pacific University, which is a comprehensive university rather than a liberal arts college.

Bottom Line

For Alaskan families, Alaska Pacific University is the Best Overall and Best Value private college in the state, with distinctive environmental and outdoor programs at a tuition below most Lower 48 privates. Because Alaska has only one in-state private, many students head to accessible Pacific Northwest privates like Gonzaga, Seattle Pacific, University of Portland, and University of Puget Sound, which offer generous aid and direct flights home. Use the criteria above to match a school to your program and budget, compare net prices rather than sticker tuition, and you will find a strong private-college fit in or near Alaska.

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Sources

• Alaska Pacific University Official Website
• U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard - Alaska Pacific University
• U.S. News & World Report - Alaska Pacific University
• Seattle Pacific University Official Website
• Gonzaga University Official Website
• University of Puget Sound Official Website
• Whitworth University Official Website
• Pacific Lutheran University Official Website
• Seattle University Official Website
• Lewis & Clark College Official Website
• University of Portland Official Website
• Northwest Nazarene University Official Website
• NCES College Navigator - Alaska Institutions
• U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

*Private colleges in Alaska review - best private colleges Alaska, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top in-state and regional options for Alaskan students.*

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