Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Juneau, Alaska
62.5% Acceptance Rate
University of Alaska Southeast — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
62.5%Acceptance Rate
$16,796Annual Cost
$48,475Grad Salary
14%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
62.5%
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$7,233
Need-Based Aid
14% receive Pell
University of Alaska Southeast, established in 1972, specializes in marine biology, environmental science, and Indigenous studies against the backdrop of Alaska's wilderness.
The campus in Juneau features the Egan Library with Alaska Native art collections, marine research vessels, and outdoor leadership programs that utilize the surrounding Tongass National Forest as a living laboratory.
University of Alaska Southeast Acceptance Rate
University of Alaska Southeast is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Alaska Southeast is 62.5%. This means that 63 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 62.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Alaska Southeast
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Alaska Southeast's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Alaska Southeast Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of Alaska Southeast Without SAT or ACT?
University of Alaska Southeast does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Alaska Southeast
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Alaska Southeast is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
The Setting Is the Laboratory - Treat It That Way in Your Application
UAS sits on the shore of Auke Lake in Juneau, with the Mendenhall Glacier, Tongass National Forest, and the Inside Passage all within close range of the classroom. Marine biology students track humpback whale migrations and map kelp canopy from field stations accessible by kayak. Outdoor Studies capstone expeditions have crossed the Juneau Icefield, summited peaks in the Wrangell-St. Elias range, and traveled to Patagonia and the Japanese backcountry. The Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center coordinates research on one of the world's few intact coastal temperate rainforests. Applications should demonstrate that a student has researched which specific program at UAS leverages this environment - not just that they want to live near mountains and glaciers, but that they understand how the curriculum is built around the specific ecosystems outside the classroom door.
Juneau Is Only Accessible by Air or Ferry - Evaluate That Before Committing
Juneau is Alaska's capital and one of the few U.S. state capitals with no road connection to the rest of the state's highway system. The city is accessible only by plane or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. This means that getting on and off campus for holidays, medical appointments, or family emergencies requires advance planning and real cost - it is not a drive away from anything. Students who thrive at UAS typically lean into this geographic isolation as part of the experience; students who struggle often underestimated how genuinely remote Juneau feels, especially during the long, dark, wet winters that are characteristic of a Southeast Alaska rainforest climate.
Alaska Native and Indigenous Studies Programs Are Substantive, Not Symbolic
UAS is a federally designated Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving Institution (ANNHI). The Sitka campus offers the Northwest Coast Arts program, which provides a foundation in Northwest Coast artistic traditions and can lead into a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Alaska Native Language and Studies or a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. The Juneau campus hosts Alaska Native language programs and research through the humanities department. Students with Indigenous heritage or genuine scholarly interest in Alaska Native cultures, languages, or environmental justice in Indigenous communities will find UAS's programs are professionally serious, not tokenistic - they are built in partnership with regional tribes and communities that have a direct stake in the research.
The Online and Distance Programs Serve a Radically Different Student Population Than the Juneau Campus - Know Which One You're Applying To
UAS serves all of Southeast Alaska through a structure where campus-based residential study (Juneau) and distance/online learning serve very different student populations. The full-time residential Juneau enrollment is only about 428 students; the much larger total enrollment of ~2,000 reflects the many part-time distance learners distributed across the region. Students applying as traditional first-year residential students are entering a genuinely small, tight-knit community on the Auke Lake campus. Students applying for online programs are entering a completely different institutional context. Applications and advising conversations should specify which modality and campus the student is targeting, since academic support, housing, and community look entirely different across these tracks.
Expert Insight:
UAS's six-year graduation rate of approximately 21?28% (figures vary by source and population measured) is significantly below national averages, and this is largely a function of the institution's mission-driven service to part-time, working, and place-bound students in remote Southeast Alaska communities - not primarily a quality-of-program signal. However, for traditional-age students applying as full-time residential students at the Juneau campus, this aggregate figure can be misleading in both directions: the residential cohort's persistence profile looks different from the full institutional average. Students should ask UAS directly about first-time full-time student six-year completion rates, since the aggregate figure includes the high part-time and non-degree-seeking student share that depresses the published number.
University of Alaska Southeast Profile
Full Name
University of Alaska Southeast
City
Juneau
State
Alaska
ZIP Code
99801-8697
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a University of Alaska Southeast Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Alaska Southeast can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Alaska Southeast offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Alaska Southeast is $73,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.22%.
How much does a degree from University of Alaska Southeast Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Alaska Southeast is $16,796. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Alaska Southeast is $7,233.
14% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 14 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Alaska Southeast and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Alaska Southeast, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Alaska Southeast as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Alaska Southeast Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $48,475. An average University of Alaska Southeast graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at University of Alaska Southeast
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Alaska Southeast →
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Alaska Southeast Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48,475 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $16,796 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
14.0% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Alaska Southeast is 62.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.