Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Private Colleges in Alaska
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Private Colleges in Alaska
Direct Answer
Alaska has only a small number of private, nonprofit colleges, so this guide ranks the genuine private institutions in the state and rounds out the picture with the leading regional private options Alaskans most often attend. The Best Overall private college based in Alaska is Alaska Pacific University (APU) in Anchorage, a small private university known for hands-on, environment-focused programs and a tuition lower than most Lower 48 privates.
The Best Value pick is also Alaska Pacific University, which pairs modest private tuition with small classes and a recent affiliation with Alaska Native interests that strengthens its mission and aid. This list is built for students and families weighing private higher education in or near Alaska, with a focus on academics, cost, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from each institution, U.S. News, and federal sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each college against the priorities Alaskan families tell advisors they actually care about, drawing on published figures from each institution, U.S. News, NCES, and the federal College Scorecard. The weighting:
- Academic quality and programs: 25%
- Value and cost (tuition, aid): 20%
- Outcomes (graduation, careers): 20%
- Fit for Alaskan students: 15%
- Resources and support: 10%
- Distinctive mission and access: 10%
Because Alaska has few in-state private colleges, we transparently include leading regional privates Alaskans frequently choose, clearly labeled, alongside the genuine in-state options.
1. Alaska Pacific University 🏆 BEST OVERALL 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Private Nonprofit University (In-State, Anchorage) | Tuition: about $22,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a small private university focused on the environment and Native communities
Alaska Pacific University (APU) in Anchorage enrolls roughly 500 students and is the state's leading private nonprofit university. APU is known for small classes, hands-on learning, and strong programs in environmental science, outdoor studies, health, and business, with a tuition well below most Lower 48 privates, making it both the Best Overall and Best Value in-state pick.
The student-faculty ratio is near 10:1, and APU's block-style and field-based courses emphasize experiential learning across Alaska's outdoors. Its recent close affiliation with Alaska Native interests strengthens its mission, aid, and community ties.
Pros:
- Alaska's leading private nonprofit university
- Tuition well below most Lower 48 privates
- Strong environmental, outdoor, and health programs
- Small classes with a near 10:1 student-faculty ratio
Cons:
- Small size limits program breadth
- Fewer large-university resources and athletics
Verdict: APU wins on balance, the state's strongest private option and its best value, with distinctive experiential programs.
2. University of Alaska Anchorage (Public, in-state comparison)
Type: Public University (In-State, Anchorage) | Tuition: about $8,000 in-state | Best for: Alaskans weighing a low-cost public alternative to private tuition
While not private, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is the natural comparison for families weighing private cost, enrolling about 12,000 students. UAA offers broad programs in health, engineering, business, and the arts at a fraction of private tuition, plus strong ties to Anchorage employers.
We include it so families can weigh whether APU's small private experience justifies its higher tuition, since for many Alaskans UAA delivers strong outcomes at the lowest cost in the state.
Pros:
- Lowest tuition of any option for in-state students
- Broad program offerings and strong local ties
- Large campus with extensive resources
- Strong health and engineering programs
Cons:
- Public, not private, so not a true private-college pick
- Larger classes than the private options
Verdict: The low-cost public benchmark, the comparison every Alaskan should run before paying private tuition.
3. Seattle Pacific University (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Seattle) | Tuition: about $46,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a faith-based private university close to home in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a Christian private university enrolling about 3,000 students and a frequent choice for Alaskans heading to the Lower 48. SPU offers strong programs in nursing, business, and the sciences within a faith-based framework, plus generous need- and merit-based aid that lowers the net price well below sticker.
Its Seattle location keeps it accessible by direct flight from Anchorage. The student-faculty ratio is near 13:1.
Pros:
- Strong nursing, business, and science programs
- Generous aid that lowers net price
- 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, strong programs and aid in a nearby Pacific Northwest city.
4. Gonzaga University (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Spokane) | Tuition: about $50,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a respected Jesuit university in the Northwest
Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, enrolls about 5,200 undergraduates and 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 generous need- and merit-based aid.
Its graduation rate exceeds 85%, and the student-faculty ratio is near 11:1. Spokane's proximity and direct flights keep it accessible for Alaskan families.
Pros:
- Respected Jesuit academics and strong outcomes
- Graduation rate above 85%
- Generous need- and merit-based aid
- Accessible Northwest location
Cons:
- High sticker tuition before aid
- Faith-based framework may not suit all students
Verdict: A top Jesuit option for Alaskans, strong outcomes and aid in the nearby Northwest.
5. University of Puget Sound (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Liberal Arts College (Regional, Tacoma) | Tuition: about $58,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a top liberal arts college near home
University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, enrolls about 2,000 students and is a respected liberal arts college popular with Alaskans. Puget Sound offers strong programs across the sciences, humanities, and business, small classes, and generous merit aid that lowers net price.
Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is near 10:1. The Tacoma location is accessible by direct flight from Anchorage, and the college actively recruits Alaskan students.
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, close faculty mentorship in a nearby Northwest city.
6. Whitworth University (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Spokane) | Tuition: about $50,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a faith-based liberal arts university in the Northwest
Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, enrolls about 2,300 students and is a Christian liberal arts university popular with Alaskans. Whitworth offers strong programs in education, business, nursing, and the liberal arts, small classes, and generous need- and merit-based aid.
Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is near 11:1. The Spokane location is accessible by direct flight, and the university maintains a welcoming, faith-based community.
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, strong programs and aid in Spokane.
7. Pacific Lutheran University (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Tacoma) | Tuition: about $48,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a mid-size private university with strong nursing and education
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, Washington, enrolls about 2,500 students and is a Lutheran private university popular with Alaskans. PLU offers strong programs in nursing, education, and business, small classes, and generous need- and merit-based aid.
Its graduation rate exceeds 70%, and the student-faculty ratio is near 12:1. The Tacoma location is accessible by direct flight from Anchorage, and PLU actively welcomes Alaskan students.
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, strong professional programs in an accessible Northwest city.
8. Seattle University (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Seattle) | Tuition: about $52,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a Jesuit university in a major city
Seattle University enrolls about 4,400 undergraduates and 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 generous 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 near 12:1. Direct flights from Anchorage keep it accessible.
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, strong professional programs in a major Pacific Northwest city.
9. Lewis & Clark College (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Liberal Arts College (Regional, Portland) | Tuition: about $62,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a top liberal arts college with environmental strengths
Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, enrolls about 2,000 students and is a respected liberal arts college that appeals to Alaskans drawn to its environmental studies, sciences, and international programs. The college offers small classes, generous merit aid, and a strong study-abroad tradition.
Its graduation rate exceeds 75%, and the student-faculty ratio is near 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, strong environmental and international programs.
10. University of Portland (Regional Private, frequently chosen by Alaskans)
Type: Private Nonprofit University (Regional, Portland) | Tuition: about $54,000 | Best for: Alaskan students wanting a Catholic university with strong nursing and engineering
University of Portland enrolls about 3,700 undergraduates and is a Catholic university popular with Alaskans for its strong programs in nursing, engineering, and business. The university offers small classes, generous need- and merit-based aid, and a scenic Portland campus.
Its graduation rate exceeds 80%, and the student-faculty ratio is near 11:1. Direct flights from Anchorage keep it accessible, and the university actively recruits Alaskan students.
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, excellent professional programs and outcomes in Portland.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Private College as an Alaskan
- In-state versus Lower 48: Alaska has very few private colleges, so decide early whether you want to stay in state at APU 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 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 and breaks.
- Program fit: Match the school to your field, whether environmental science at APU or Lewis & Clark, nursing at Seattle Pacific or Portland, or Jesuit liberal arts at Gonzaga.
- 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.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's sticker tuition, 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 very few private nonprofit colleges; Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage is the primary private university in the state, which is why families often look to regional privates in the Pacific Northwest.
Which private college in Alaska is the best overall? Alaska Pacific University is the best 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, Gonzaga, 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 also charges far less than most Lower 48 privates.
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.
Bottom Line
For Alaskan families, Alaska Pacific University is our Best Overall and Best Value private college, the state's leading private university with distinctive environmental and outdoor programs at a tuition below most Lower 48 privates. Because Alaska has so few in-state privates, many students head to accessible Pacific Northwest privates like Gonzaga, Seattle Pacific, and University of Portland that offer generous aid and direct flights home.
Use the decision tree 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.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best Colleges rankings
- Alaska Pacific University
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- Seattle Pacific University
- Gonzaga University
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Portland
- U.S. Department of Education - College Scorecard
- NCES - National Center for Education Statistics
- College Board - BigFuture college search
*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.*