Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University: Explore. Discover. Lead.
📍 Anchorage, United States 🇺🇸
Quick Facts about Alaska Pacific University
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 578
- Campus: Urban
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Intakes: January, May, August
About Alaska Pacific University
Academics
APU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on experiential learning. Notable programs include Environmental Studies, Outdoor Studies, Business Administration and Management, and Alaska Native Governance. The university utilizes a unique "BLOCK system" where students concentrate on one intensive course per month, facilitating immersive learning. APU emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and offers opportunities for hands-on projects and internships, with many courses available both in-person and online.
International Students
While specific diversity statistics for international students are limited, APU aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates the intersection of Indigenous and global cultures. The university offers personalized mentorship and small class sizes, which can be beneficial for international students adapting to a new academic environment. Non-native English speakers are typically required to provide evidence of English proficiency for admission. APU is also an active member of the University of the Arctic, participating in the north2north mobility program, which allows students to study in different parts of the North.
Campus & Location
APU's campus is situated in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by forests and connected to the city by an extensive trail system. Anchorage offers a unique city life experience with abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking and skiing. The campus facilities include a Nursing Simulation Laboratory, an Aquarium Biology Laboratory, and the Fisheries, Aquatic Science, and Technology Laboratory. All incoming freshmen under 21 are required to live on campus for their first two years.
Career Outcomes
APU graduates have demonstrated strong career outcomes, with the highest median wages in Alaska among university graduates, averaging $54,300 annually. The university emphasizes developing leaders with lifelong learning skills and offers career services to assist students. APU's commitment to student success is also reflected in its high Alaska Native graduation rates. Employers can post job and internship opportunities for APU students through the Handshake platform.
Information for International Students at Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$1475/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Alaska Pacific University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Alaska Pacific University:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 79
- Duolingo minimum: 110
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Application fee: $25
- Application deadline: Fall Priority: May 1, Fall Late: August 1, Spring Priority: November 1, Spring Late: December 1
Programs at Alaska Pacific University (14 programs)
Alaska Pacific University offers 14 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (7)
- Marine Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr · STEM
This program explores the biology of marine organisms and ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on Alaskan marine environments and conservation challenges.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Marine Biologist, Fisheries Scientist, Aquarist, Environmental Educator - Outdoor Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr
Combining academic study with experiential learning in outdoor settings, this program prepares students for careers in outdoor education, recreation, and leadership.
Field: Outdoor Education
Career outcomes: Outdoor Educator, Adventure Guide, Park Manager, Recreation Specialist - Business Administration (BA) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and economics, preparing them for leadership roles in various industries.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Specialist, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur - Environmental Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr · STEM
This program focuses on understanding environmental systems, ecological principles, and conservation practices, preparing students for careers in environmental management and research.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Park Ranger, Environmental Consultant - Alaska Native Governance and Business Management (BA) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr
This program focuses on the unique aspects of Alaska Native governance, business development, and cultural preservation, preparing students for leadership within Alaska Native organizations.
Field: Indigenous Studies
Career outcomes: Tribal Administrator, Native Corporation Manager, Community Developer, Policy Analyst - Marine Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr · STEM
This program explores the biology of marine organisms and ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on Alaskan marine environments and conservation challenges.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Marine Biologist, Fisheries Scientist, Aquarist, Environmental Educator - Outdoor Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $22,000/yr
Combining academic study with experiential learning in outdoor settings, this program prepares students for careers in outdoor education, recreation, and leadership.
Field: Outdoor Education
Career outcomes: Outdoor Educator, Adventure Guide, Park Manager, Recreation Specialist
Master Programs (6)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr
The MBA program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, with an emphasis on sustainable business practices and management in a global context.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Director, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Master of Arts in Counseling (MA) — 36 months · English · $25,000/yr
This program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors, focusing on clinical skills, ethical practice, and diverse client populations.
Field: Counseling
Career outcomes: Licensed Professional Counselor, School Counselor, Addiction Counselor, Family Therapist - Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr · STEM
This graduate program offers in-depth study of environmental issues, research methodologies, and policy development, preparing students for advanced roles in environmental fields.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Environmental Policy Analyst, Consultant - Master of Arts in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MA) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr
This program combines advanced study in outdoor leadership and environmental education, preparing professionals to design and deliver impactful experiential learning programs.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Outdoor Program Director, Environmental Educator, Adventure Therapy Specialist, Park Naturalist - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr
The MBA program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, with an emphasis on sustainable business practices and management in a global context.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Director, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Master of Arts in Counseling (MA) — 36 months · English · $25,000/yr
This program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors, focusing on clinical skills, ethical practice, and diverse client populations.
Field: Counseling
Career outcomes: Licensed Professional Counselor, School Counselor, Addiction Counselor, Family Therapist
PhD Programs (1)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Arctic and Northern Studies (PhD) — 60 months · English · $28,000/yr
This interdisciplinary doctoral program focuses on critical issues facing the Arctic and northern regions, including climate change, indigenous cultures, and resource management.
Field: Arctic Studies
Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, Policy Advisor, International Relations Specialist
Scholarships & Tuition at Alaska Pacific University
✅ Alaska Pacific University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Campus & Facilities at Alaska Pacific University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$1475/month
Key Highlights
- Alaskan-focused, experiential learning
- Unique BLOCK learning system
- Anchorage, Alaska campus
- Indigenous heritage emphasized
- Small class sizes
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Alaska State Department of Education & Early Development (DEED)
Notable Alumni
- Sadie Bjornsen
- Holly Brooks
- Kikkan Randall
- Jewel
- Bryce Edgmon
Frequently Asked Questions about Alaska Pacific University
What is Alaska Pacific University?
Alaska Pacific University is a private non-profit university located in Anchorage, United States. It has approximately 578 students.
What are the admission requirements for Alaska Pacific University?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 110. GPA minimum: 2.5. Application fee: $25. Application deadline: Fall Priority: May 1, Fall Late: August 1, Spring Priority: November 1, Spring Late: December 1.
What language are courses taught in at Alaska Pacific University?
Courses at Alaska Pacific University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does Alaska Pacific University offer?
Alaska Pacific University offers 14 programs: 7 Bachelor's, 6 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.
Does Alaska Pacific University offer scholarships?
Yes, Alaska Pacific University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Alaska Pacific University provide visa support?
Yes, Alaska Pacific University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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