University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UW

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, AK with University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wyoming is larger than University of Alaska Fairbanks based on total student enrollment (10,813 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 Wyoming is in Laramie, WY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wyoming is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alaska Fairbanks 11:1; University of Wyoming 13:1.

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alaska Fairbanks or UW? 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 UW ($11,278 vs. $14,872).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alaska Fairbanks are 22.8% lower than at University of Wyoming ($10,590 vs. $13,710).
• University of Alaska Fairbanks is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW (about $968 more per year; $8,736.00 vs. $7,768.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at UW than at University of Alaska Fairbanks (about $1,858 more per year; $24,178.00 vs. $22,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Wyoming than at University of Alaska Fairbanks (90% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Alaska Fairbanks students is 2.1% larger than aid received by University of Wyoming students ($10,424 vs. $10,212).

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alaska Fairbanks or UW? 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 UW and University of Alaska Fairbanks.

• University of Alaska Fairbanks reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Alaska Fairbanks (1240) is 100 points higher than at UW (1140).
• Incoming UW students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 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 Wyoming 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alaska Fairbanks 17/27; University of Wyoming 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alaska Fairbanks - Open admission; UW - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alaska Fairbanks Jun 15, 2027; UW Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UW students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at University of Alaska Fairbanks (3.4).

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. UW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alaska Fairbanks and UW? 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 Wyoming's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than University of Alaska Fairbanks's (31%).
• Graduates from University of Wyoming earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,400 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have a $1,525 lower median loan debt than UW graduates ($16,975 vs. $18,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UW graduates ($175 vs. $191).
• More UW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alaska Fairbanks students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.