2024 Top Ranked Psychology Degree Programs in Alaska

Unlock Your Psychology Career Potential: Compare the Best Psychology Degree Programs in Alaska for 2024

Top (3) Psychology Programs in Alaska

Based on the information provided, here is an analysis of the top psychology programs in Alaska:

Alaska offers a relatively small but focused selection of psychology programs across 3 four-year institutions. In 2021, these programs produced 231 psychology graduates, indicating a growing interest in the field within the state. Let’s examine the top programs and key aspects of psychology education in Alaska:

Top Psychology Programs in Alaska

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF):
   • Ranked #1 in Alaska and #77 nationally
   • Produced 61 psychology graduates in 2021
   • 48% graduation rate (highest in the state)
   • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
   • Average net price: $9,379 (most affordable in the state)
2. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA):
   • Ranked #2 in Alaska and #595 nationally
   • Largest program with 138 psychology graduates in 2021
   • 34% graduation rate
   • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
   • Average net price: $12,816
3. Alaska Pacific University (APU):
   • Ranked #3 in Alaska and #1341 nationally
   • Produced 32 psychology graduates in 2021
   • 22% graduation rate
   • 8:1 student-faculty ratio (lowest in the state)
   • Average net price: $19,830

Program Diversity and Specializations

Alaska offers 15 undergraduate psychology programs across these three institutions, including:

• General Psychology
• Counseling and Applied Psychology
• Social Work
• Clinical Psychology (at the graduate level)

The state produced 168 bachelor’s graduates, 51 master’s graduates, and 12 doctorate graduates in psychology-related fields.

Admission and Enrollment Trends

On average, Alaska schools admit 77% of applicants to their 4-year institutions, which is slightly higher than the national average of 73%. However, the enrollment rate of 42% is significantly higher than the national average of 26%, suggesting that admitted students in Alaska are more likely to choose to attend.

The average freshman retention rate for Alaska schools is 68%, slightly below the national average of 71%. The overall graduation rate of 35% falls well below the national average of 56%, indicating potential areas for improvement in student support and retention strategies.

Financial Considerations

The average net price for psychology programs in Alaska is $14,008, which is lower than the national average of $17,524. This suggests that psychology education in Alaska may be more affordable compared to other states.

Undergraduate tuition costs range from $7,224 to $20,350 per year, with an average of $11,623. Graduate programs see tuition costs between $10,773 and $11,700 annually, averaging $11,246. These figures highlight the importance of considering financial aid options when choosing a program.

Career Prospects and Faculty

Alaska’s psychology programs offer a range of specializations, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and social work. The state’s emphasis on full-time faculty (59% full-time instructional or research faculty) and low student-to-faculty ratio (11:1 on average) suggests a strong commitment to quality education and mentorship.

While Alaska offers a limited number of psychology programs compared to larger states, the available options provide diverse specializations and relatively affordable education. The University of Alaska Fairbanks stands out as the top-ranked program with the highest graduation rate and lowest net price. However, prospective students should carefully consider factors such as program specialization, graduation rates, and financial aid options when choosing a psychology program in Alaska. The state’s higher-than-average enrollment rate suggests that those who are admitted tend to find these programs appealing, but there is room for improvement in overall graduation rates across all institutions.

Citations: [1] https://psychologyonlinedegrees.org/programs/alaska/

Psychology Programs Offered in Alaska

There are 15 undergraduate psychology programs offered by 3 different 4-year colleges, comprising 2 public and 1 private schools.

Additionally, psychology programs in Alaska produced 168 bachelor’s graduates, 51 master’s graduates and 12 doctorate graduates.

The table below details the programs offered and the total number of graduates in Alaska.

Psychology Graduates	BS	MA	PhD
Clinical Psychology	–	8	–
Counseling and Applied Psychology	11	12	1
Counseling Psychology	11	4	1
General Psychology	99	–	10
Social Work	47	27	–
Total Graduates	168	51	12

Credits Accepted for Alaska Schools

The types of academic credits available to Alaska students are varied and include:

• Dual enrollment
• Credit for life experiences
• Advanced placement (AP) credits

Psychology Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation in Alaska

On average, Alaska schools admitted 77% of students who applied to 4-year institutions. Of those who were offered admission, 42% enrolled.

The average freshman retention rate for Alaska schools is 68%, compared to 71% for all universities nationwide.

The overall graduation rate for 4-year colleges and universities in Alaska is 35%, compared to 56% for all universities nationwide.

The top three schools in Alaska for highest graduation rate are University of Alaska Fairbanks (48%), University of Alaska Anchorage (34%), and Alaska Pacific University (22%).

The top three schools with the highest number of psychology graduates in Alaska are University of Alaska Anchorage (138), University of Alaska Fairbanks (61), and Alaska Pacific University (32).

Region	Alaska	U.S.
Applied	1,779	8,766
Admitted	77%	73%
Enrolled	42%	26%
1st Year Return	68%	71%
Graduation	35%	56%

Student & Faculty Information in Alaska

In the fall of 2021, Alaska schools that offered psychology programs had an average of 59% full-time instructional or research faculty members and 36% part-time instructional faculty members.

The average student-to-faculty ratio for Alaska schools offering psychology programs is 11:1.

The table below shows a comparison of the percentage of full-time instructional and research faculty members and the student-to-faculty ratio between Alaska and the United States as a whole:

Region	Alaska	U.S.
Full-Time Instructional	38%	56%
Full-Time Research	14%	6%
Part-Time Instructional	36%	35%
Student Faculty Ratio	11:1	15:1

Tuition and Student Expenses in Alaska

If you’re an undergraduate psychology student in Alaska, the average tuition you’ll pay depends on the institution you choose. Typically, tuition costs range from $7,224 to $20,350 per year, with an average of $11,623. In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for books and supplies, which can cost between $1,200 and $2,000 annually, with an average of $1,507.

The three most affordable undergraduate psychology schools in Alaska are University of Alaska Fairbanks ($22,486), University of Alaska Anchorage ($29,482), and Alaska Pacific University ($34,260). Meanwhile, the three most expensive institutions are the Alaska Pacific University ($34,260), University of Alaska Anchorage ($29,482), and University of Alaska Fairbanks ($22,486).

As for prospective graduate psychology students, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs varies widely based on the school and program chosen. Graduate tuition costs between $10,773 and $11,700 per year, with an average of $11,246. However, most graduate programs also require additional fees, such as application fees, technology fees, and library fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In-state graduate fees typically range from $410 to $1,693, with an average of $1,159.

The three most affordable graduate psychology schools in Alaska are Alaska Pacific University ($12,110), University of Alaska Anchorage ($12,148), and University of Alaska Fairbanks ($12,958). Meanwhile, the three most expensive graduate programs are University of Alaska Fairbanks ($12,958), University of Alaska Anchorage ($12,148), and Alaska Pacific University ($12,110).

If you’re curious about how Alaska schools stack up against national averages, you can compare average total expenses in the table below. Note that these figures don’t take into account financial aid, grants, loans, or scholarships. If you’re interested in that information, you can find it in the sections below.

Average Expenses for Psychology Schools	Alaska	U.S.
On Campus Room & Board	$10,501	$11,729
On-Campus Living Expenses	$5,112	$3,474
Total Living Expenses	$15,613	$15,203
Tuition for In-State, Undergraduate	$11,623	$21,301
Books and Supplies, Undergraduate	$1,507	$1,254
Total Undergraduate Expenses	$28,743	$37,758
In-State, Graduate Tuition	$11,246	$14,479
In-State, Graduate Fees	$1,159	$1,155
Total Graduate Expenses	$12,405	$15,634

Cost to Attend, Financial Aid, Net Price in Alaska

Average Net Price

In Alaska, the cost to attend a college or university that offers psychology programs is a significant financial investment. The key term to know for college affordability is the net price.

The average net price for a college or university in Alaska that offers psychology programs is $14,008. This figure is calculated based on the most recent data provided by each institution to the US Department of Education.

Net price is determined by adding up the costs of tuition, room and board, living expenses, books, and supplies and then subtracting the average financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, received by federal financial aid recipients.

Financial	Alaska	U.S.
Cost to Attend	$28,743	$37,758
Average Financial Aid	$9,538	$13,984
Percent Receiving Aid	93%	90%
Net Price	$14,008	$17,524

Net Price by Family Income

Depending on the federal, state, or institutional grant aid available, the table below shows the average amount students pay to attend Alaska universities shown by family income bracket.

Students may pay more or less depending on their individual circumstances; however, these are the average costs as tracked by the university and reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Average Net Price by Income	2020-2021	2021-2022
$0 – $30,000	$7,926	$8,422
$30,001 – $48,000	$9,878	$8,341
$48,001 – $75,000	$12,286	$11,614
$75,001 – $110,000	$13,477	$16,114
$110,001 and more	$14,079	$15,474

• Industrial Organizational Psychologists
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Psychology Teachers
• Forensic Psychologists
• School Psychologists
• Health Care Social Workers
• Social Workers
• Substance Abuse Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists