Top Engineering Schools in Alaska
1. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) – College of Engineering and Mines
Overview
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is home to the College of Engineering and Mines, which is the leading institution for engineering education in Alaska. UAF’s engineering programs are recognized for their unique focus on Arctic and cold-climate engineering, energy solutions for remote areas, and sustainable environmental practices. Established in 1917, UAF has consistently provided its students with practical learning opportunities, particularly through research centers like the Alaska Center for Energy and Power. Its proximity to the Arctic gives students hands-on experience in addressing some of the most pressing engineering challenges related to climate change, infrastructure, and energy systems.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Not ranked in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024), but highly regarded for Arctic and cold-climate engineering research.
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 500 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 120 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Petroleum, and Computer Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in Arctic Engineering, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Mining Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 76%
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1030–1250
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 153–158
- Verbal: 150–153
Famous Alumni
- Irene Rowan – Advocate for Alaska Native rights, former president of the Alaska Federation of Natives.
- Bernice Joseph – Former Vice Chancellor at UAF and advocate for indigenous education.
- William Hensley – Prominent Alaska Native leader instrumental in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
- Betsy Haines – Senior executive at Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
- David Ramseur – Public policy expert focusing on energy and environmental management in Alaska.
2. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) – College of Engineering
Overview
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) College of Engineering is another key player in engineering education in the state. UAA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate engineering programs that are tailored to meet the needs of Alaska’s industries, including construction, transportation, and the oil and gas sector. UAA is well-regarded for its strong partnerships with local industries, providing students with internships, co-op programs, and opportunities to work on real-world projects. Research at UAA is focused on addressing issues relevant to Alaska, such as cold-region engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable building practices.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Not ranked in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024), but regionally ranked for undergraduate engineering programs.
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 150 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Geomatics Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s degrees in Civil and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a unique Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM).
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 81%
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1050–1260
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 150–155
- Verbal: 148–152
Famous Alumni
- John Shively – Former Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, oil industry executive.
- Anna Kerttula – Researcher in Arctic social and environmental sciences.
- John Binkley – Chairman of the Alaska Railroad Corporation, key figure in Alaska’s transportation sector.
- Loren Leman – Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska and civil engineer.
- Ethan Berkowitz – Former Mayor of Anchorage, known for his work in sustainable urban development.
3. Alaska Pacific University (APU) – Department of Environmental Science
Overview
Alaska Pacific University (APU) does not offer traditional engineering degrees but has a focus on environmental science, which intersects with aspects of environmental engineering. The university offers a hands-on, field-based curriculum that focuses on sustainability, renewable energy, and water resource management, all of which are critical to Alaska’s future. APU’s small class sizes and personalized approach to education make it a good choice for students interested in blending scientific and engineering principles to address environmental challenges. APU’s location provides students with access to Alaska’s diverse ecosystems, where they can apply their learning to real-world conservation and sustainability efforts.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Not ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 300 students in the environmental science program.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 50 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, with some crossover into environmental engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s programs focused on environmental policy and sustainable development.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1020–1240
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 148–152
- Verbal: 150–155
Famous Alumni
- Mary Sattler Peltola – U.S. Representative for Alaska’s at-large congressional district.
- Constance Hunting – Environmental activist and conservationist in Alaska.
- Kirk Hoessle – President of Alaska Wildland Adventures and advocate for sustainable tourism.
- Deborah Vo – Policy advisor on environmental sustainability in Alaska.
- Chris Rose – Founder and executive director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP).
4. Ilisagvik College – Engineering Program in Partnership with UAF
Overview
Ilisagvik College, Alaska’s only tribal college, offers a unique program in partnership with UAF’s College of Engineering and Mines. Although Ilisagvik focuses primarily on vocational and community-based education, it provides foundational courses in engineering and technology that prepare students for transfer to four-year programs at UAF. The college emphasizes the cultural and environmental context of the Arctic, offering programs that integrate traditional knowledge with modern engineering practices. Students at Ilisagvik benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a strong connection to Alaska Native culture.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Not ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 200 students (in engineering-related programs).
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Associate degrees in Pre-Engineering and foundational courses that transfer to UAF.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 100% (open enrollment policy).
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: Not applicable (open enrollment).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- GRE: Not applicable (undergraduate programs only).
Famous Alumni
- Rosemary Ahtuangaruak – Environmental activist and advocate for Indigenous health rights in the Arctic.
- Edward Itta – Former Mayor of the North Slope Borough, advocate for sustainable development in Alaska.
- Jill Schaeffer – Expert in sustainable Arctic infrastructure development.
- Charisse Millett – Former Alaska State Representative.
- Luke Hopson – Leader in renewable energy solutions for rural Alaskan communities.