Quick Summary
Public, land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant research university in Fairbanks, United States — University of Alaska Fairbanks, est. 1917. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 8200 students including 3% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Earth and Marine Sciences, Geophysics, Atmospheric Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 67%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UAF is a global leader in climate change and Arctic research, offering a small student-to-faculty ratio in a unique subarctic environment.
Subject Strengths
Earth and Marine SciencesGeophysicsAtmospheric SciencePetroleum EngineeringIndigenous Studies
Founded1917
TypePublic, Land-grant, Sea-grant, Space-grant Research University
Total Students8200
Intl Students3%
Faculty Ratio10
CampusRural/Suburban
Campus Size2250 acres
Affiliated HospitalsFairbanks Memorial Hospital
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
190
Programs
Atmospheric Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, Marine Biology, Natural Resources and Sustainability
PhD Programs
UAF eCampus offers 60+ fully online degree programs
Online Programs
Geophysical Institute, International Arctic Research Center, Institute of Arctic Biology, Alaska Center for Energy and Power
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate67%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA2.5
GRERequired for select graduate programs
GMATRequired for MBA (waivable)
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit transcripts early and emphasize research interests, especially for STEM and Arctic-focused graduate programs.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$28,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$15,400/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$21,800/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$43,900/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableNanook Pledge, Alaska Performance Scholarship, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidFAFSA, Federal Grants, Loans, and Institutional Grants
Work-StudyAvailable for both domestic and international students on campus
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 190 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Homeland Security and Emergency Management | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Fisheries | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with NOAA, NASA, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Industry Connections
Oil and Gas industryEnvironmental ConsultanciesFederal Research Agencies
Notable Alumni
Bob Bartlett, Tom Albanese, Marcus Shelby, T. Neil Davis
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Student Recreation Center, Patty Ice Arena, Ski Trails, Climbing Wall
Student Clubs
100+ active student organizations
Library Resources
Elmer E. Rasmuson Library (Largest library in Alaska), Alaska Film Archives
Exchange Programs
National Student Exchange (NSE), North2North, ISEP
Summer Programs
Arctic Skills Summer Sessions, Field Geology Summer Camp