University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF, UAF) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Part of the University of Alaska system, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is the flagship campus of the system of schools. University of Alaska Fairbanks is divided into 7 major research units and offers students a unique learning experience in the heart of Alaska. The campus is also home to the Center for Distance Education; a division of the University of Alaska system providing distance learning opportunities for students from anywhere in the world. Both undergraduate and graduate studies are available on the Fairbanks campus.

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Information Summary

Ranks 3rd in Alaska and 624th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	85.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$20,281
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	25 / 1270
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	10 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	73% / 61%
Enrollment Total (all students)	7,404

Academics

As one of the major universities in Alaska, University of Alaska Fairbanks offers both undergraduate and graduate study programs, amongst other possible programs. These programs can lead to a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD and many research opportunities.

Students who wish to enroll in undergraduate studies at University of Alaska Fairbanks can choose between a wide variety of majors and specializations. The school is divided into different “colleges”: the College of Engineering and Mines, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Natural Science and Mathematics and the College of Rural and Community Development. Each college offers a variety of programs of study to cater to the interests of students from all backgrounds and walks of life. Students who have not declared a major at the time of admission will be granted entrance as General Studies students. The majority of the students enrolled at University of Alaska Fairbanks are undergraduate students working towards their bachelor’s degrees.

University of Alaska Fairbanks features a comprehensive graduate school, offering master’s degrees and PhDs as well as research opportunities. By undertaking graduate studies at UAF, students are able to choose between the Masters of Arts and Masters of Science as well more than 15 different PhDs. The research programs offered through UAF’s graduate school mostly consist of environmental and nature-related research, such as geo-botany, climate, sea, space, volcano studies and more.

University of Alaska Fairbanks also offers programs such as International Studies, in which students from UAF are to study in a different part of the world for a semester or even a full year. On top of offering these international programs, UAF also provides students with the opportunity to enroll in unique summer sessions offered at in-state tuition for all students, which is a great incentive for many international students who already attend the institution during the regular academic year.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

The total enrollment at UAF averages approximately 10,000 students a year, which includes US citizens, international students and Alaska native/American Indian students. Admission at University of Alaska Fairbanks is not open-door, which means that not all students are eligible to enter.

It is recommended that students apply well before the deadlines in order to facilitate the evaluation of their file. To be admitted in a bachelor’s degree program, students need to provide an official high school transcript. Students with a GED can be admitted into a bachelor’s degree program after having met certain GPA requirements in an associate’s degree curriculum. University of Alaska Fairbanks also accepts admission requests from transfer students who have completed 30 credits or more with a GPA of 2.0 at their current educational institution.

It is recommended that all students apply at least 4 months before the start of the semester they wish to begin classes, and international students applying are encouraged to apply at least 6 months in advance.

Financial Aid

A division of the Students Services department, the Financial Aid office exists to help students find the necessary financial aid needed to cover tuition and personal expenses while studying at University of Alaska Fairbanks. Types of financial aid available through the University of Alaska Fairbanks after students have filed the FAFSA includes federal aid such as grants and loans. This type of aid is available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens. For international students and other non-eligible students, financial aid can be available through scholarships, work programs, assistantships and fellowships. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3460th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Alaska.

Students

With an undergraduate and a graduate school, the student body at University of Alaska Fairbanks is very diverse and features all sorts of individuals of all ages and cultures. Campus life is very active at UAF and students can decide to join a variety of clubs and groups that meets their interests and career goals. Student life activities include athletics, campus radio, recreation center, student organizations, the newspaper, a variety of outdoors activities and much more. All students are encouraged to take part in the campus life at University of Alaska to widen their horizons and blossom as individuals and learners.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Local Community

To study at University of Alaska Fairbanks is to study in a unique setting and community. It is also noted that the majority of University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates end up living around the campus and in Fairbanks after graduation in order to start their career. Students are encouraged to discover the local surroundings and their community. It is also a priority of University of Alaska Fairbanks to involve itself in the community by providing public services. One such example is public radio.

Additional School Information

University of Alaska Fairbanks also offers distance learning opportunities through the campus Center for Distance Education. All classes offered through the e-learning program can be applied towards university credit and count towards acquiring a degree or certificate. The Distance Learning courses offered through UAF are renowned nation-wide and provide students with high quality educational opportunities through an online portal. It is recommended that all students interested in e-learning meet with a student advisor to ensure they can register for their desired classes and can transfer their credits appropriately. E-learning is recommended for students who are highly motivated and are skilled at managing their schedule.

Bibliography

University of Alaska Fairbanks. University of Alaska Fairbanks. 2011. Web. 24 July 2011.
University of Alaska Fairbanks. University of Alaska Fairbanks Admissions. Web. 24 July 2011.
University of Alaska. University of Alaska. 2011. Web. 24 July 2011.

University of Alaska Fairbanks