University of Alaska Southeast

The University of Alaska Southeast's main campus sits along the Auke Lake shoreline in Juneau, Alaska's capital city, with the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest serving as its backdrop. Located 12 miles from downtown Juneau, the campus features contemporary Pacific Northwest architecture designed to complement its rainforest setting. Founded in 1972 from the merger of several existing institutions, UAS specializes in marine biology, environmental science, liberal arts, and Alaska Native studies, with particular emphasis on programs that leverage its unique coastal location. The university maintains a moderate admissions process and serves as a regional hub for both traditional undergraduate education and distance learning across Southeast Alaska. Students can choose between on-campus housing in apartment-style residences or off-campus living options, while the campus provides direct access to outdoor recreation including hiking, kayaking, and glacier exploration.