Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University is a private nonprofit university in Anchorage, AK ranked #1146 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 457 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.5%. Students most often pursue health and life sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 68.0% first-year retention, and 47.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $21,616, about $4,618 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.7%, roughly 130.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $47,803. That's about $4,115 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Alaska Pacific University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Alaska Pacific University graduates 47.2% of students within six years and keeps 68.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Alaska Pacific University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $20,760 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,932 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,026 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 32.0% of Alaska Pacific University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $19,404 to $31,181 depending on family income. Use Alaska Pacific University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,803
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,803
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,696
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.0%
- Employment Rate 80.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Alaska Pacific University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Alaska Pacific University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Alaska Pacific University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Alaska Pacific University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Alaska Pacific University graduates earn $47,803 median, the -44.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 457
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 68.0%
- Graduation Rate 47.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Alaska Pacific University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Alaska Pacific University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.5%, Alaska Pacific University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.5% acceptance rate, Alaska Pacific University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Alaska Pacific University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, and Biological and Physical Sciences draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 33.3%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 21.6%
- Biological and Physical Sciences 15.7%
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies 11.8%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 9.8%
- Sustainability Studies 3.9%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.9%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 0.0%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Alaska Pacific University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 11 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree, 8 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 8 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Sustainability Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Outdoor Education
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Public Health
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Public Health
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 457
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 23.6%
- Female Students 76.4%
- Caucasian 31.9%
- Asian 8.1%
- Hispanic 8.5%
- Black 4.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Alaska Pacific University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Alaska Pacific University's undergraduate population. Women make up 76.4% of the student body, while men represent 23.6%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Alaska Pacific University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Alaska Pacific University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Alaska Pacific University has a diverse student body, with 31.9% identifying as White. Women make up 76.4% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Alaska Pacific University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Alaska Pacific University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Alaska Pacific University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -44.7% ROI. Ranked #1146 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,616 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $47,803 median earnings. With 47.2% graduating within six years and 68.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Alaska Pacific University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1146 ranking, Alaska Pacific University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,616 annually, Alaska Pacific University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 68.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,131 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -44.7% ROI and $47,803 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,616+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Alaska Pacific University ranks #1146 of 1942 institutions, with 886 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 47.2% six-year graduation rate sits 15.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 68.0% first-year retention is 8.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.7% return on investment is 130.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,803 run about 9% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,616 is roughly $1,598 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 68.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.0% employment rate within three years sits 11.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,616 is about $1,598 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 32.0% trails the national share by 2.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Alaska Pacific University—a private nonprofit university in Anchorage, AK—at B- overall. It holds a #1146 national ranking Completion earns B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 68.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 47.2% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -44.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,616 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,026.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,410 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,696 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $47,803 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 9% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 80.0% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -44.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Alaska Pacific University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Anchorage, AK 99508
- Website www.alaskapacific.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$96.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.7%