University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UNCW

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, AK with University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Carolina Wilmington is larger than University of Alaska Fairbanks based on total student enrollment (18,848 students vs. 6,893 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alaska Fairbanks is located in Fairbanks, AK (Small Suburban setting); University of North Carolina Wilmington is in Wilmington, NC (Midsize City setting).
• University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alaska Fairbanks 11:1; University of North Carolina Wilmington 17:1.

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UNCW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alaska Fairbanks or UNCW? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Alaska Fairbanks than UNCW ($11,278 vs. $18,976).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alaska Fairbanks are 25.8% lower than at University of North Carolina Wilmington ($10,590 vs. $14,268).
• University of Alaska Fairbanks is 20% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCW (about $1,459 more per year; $8,736.00 vs. $7,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at UNCW than at University of Alaska Fairbanks (about $1,832 more per year; $24,152.00 vs. $22,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Alaska Fairbanks than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (87% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Alaska Fairbanks students is 56.2% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina Wilmington students ($10,424 vs. $6,674).

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UNCW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alaska Fairbanks or UNCW? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNCW and University of Alaska Fairbanks.

• University of Alaska Fairbanks reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Carolina Wilmington (1290) is 50 points higher than at University of Alaska Fairbanks (1240).
• Incoming UNCW students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at University of Alaska Fairbanks).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alaska Fairbanks 1110/1360; University of North Carolina Wilmington 1230/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alaska Fairbanks 17/27; University of North Carolina Wilmington 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alaska Fairbanks - Open admission; UNCW - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alaska Fairbanks Jun 15, 2027; UNCW Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNCW students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at University of Alaska Fairbanks (3.4).

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UNCW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alaska Fairbanks and UNCW? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of North Carolina Wilmington's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of Alaska Fairbanks's (31%).
• Graduates from University of North Carolina Wilmington earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,700 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have a $3,525 lower median loan debt than UNCW graduates ($16,975 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNCW graduates ($175 vs. $211).
• More UNCW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alaska Fairbanks students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.