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Alaska flag2025-26Rank #12

Alaska College Cost 2025-26

$9,680 in-state, $27,680 out-of-state.

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26

$9,680
In-state
$38,720
4-year sticker
$27,680
Out-of-state
#12
National rank

Alaska college cost breakdown

In-state tuition

$9,680

Out-of-state

$27,680

2-year in-district

N/A

Estimated COA

$23,580

Alaska's $9,680/yr in-state tuition ranks #12 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).

Four-year sticker cost in Alaska

Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.

In-state tuition (1 year)

Rank #12 nationally

$9,680

4-year sticker (tuition only)

No room/board

$38,720

Estimated COA (1 year)

Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)

$23,580

Out-of-state tuition (1 year)

Premium +$18,000

$27,680

Compare Alaska with another state

Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.

Compare any two states

Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.

States with similar in-state tuition

Nevada

$9,880

South Dakota

$9,390

Nebraska

$9,980

West Virginia

$10,000

New Mexico

$9,270

Mississippi

$10,110

Key takeaways — Alaska college costs

  • Alaska public 4-year in-state tuition averages $9,680/yr—rank #12 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $27,680/yr (rank #18), premium +$18,000.
  • Four-year sticker (tuition only): $38,720 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $23,580/yr × 4 ≈ $94,320.
  • Public 2-year data not available (Alaska and DC report N/A in College Board tables).
  • Alaska is $2,270 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
  • Alaska does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions.
  • Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.

Alaska college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college

Alaska public 4-year institutions charge an average of $9,680 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #12 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $27,680/yr (rank #18), premium +$18,000.

Community college in Alaska: Public 2-year data not available (Alaska and DC report N/A in College Board tables). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.

Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Alaska ≈ $23,580/yr in-state.

Four-year sticker cost in Alaska

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $38,720 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $94,320.

Out-of-state students pay about $110,720 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $72,000 more than in-state over 4 years.

These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.

Alaska 529 plan tax benefits

Alaska does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.

529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).

Link your 529 savings goal to Alaska tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.

Alaska financial aid and scholarship programs

Alaska may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Alaska higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Alaska residents attending in-state public institutions.

Who this Alaska guide helps

  • Families comparing Alaska tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
  • High school students in Alaska evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
  • 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Alaska public college costs.
  • Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.

When to use other tools

  • You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
  • You're comparing private college costs in Alaska (this page covers public only).
  • You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
  • You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).

Alaska college cost checklist

  • Note Alaska in-state tuition: $9,680/yr (rank #12).
  • Out-of-state: $27,680/yr (premium +$18,000).
  • Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
  • Check Alaska 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
  • Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
  • Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.

Alaska college cost FAQs

Alaska averages $9,680 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #12 nationally (lowest = #1).

Out-of-state tuition averages $27,680/yr in Alaska (rank #18), a premium of $18,000 above in-state.

Alaska does not report public 2-year in-district data in College Board Table CP-5.

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $38,720 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $23,580/yr × 4 ≈ $94,320.

Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. AK residents should check /529-calculator for Alaska-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.

Alaska may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Alaska higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.

Alaska ranks #12 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.

Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.

Most Alaska public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Alaska driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.

Yes. Most Alaska state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.