University of Alaska

What University of Alaska does

The University of Alaska is a public state university system established in 1917 as a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution, constitutionally governed by an 11-member Board of Regents. It comprises three separately accredited universities — University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) — with campuses and extended learning centers serving rural communities across Alaska. The system offers approximately 500 degree, certificate, and endorsement programs from associate through doctoral levels to ~20,500 students, supported by ~140 eLearning programs and the UAOnline student information system. UAF, positioned as America's Arctic University, concentrates systemwide research capacity at $239.7 million in expenditures (UAF alone at $256M in 2025), anchored by the Geophysical Institute, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, and Center ICE.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: tuition and fees (4% increase approved for AY27), state appropriations from the Alaska Legislature ($29M FY27 increment requested for salary increases and student support), federal and private research grants (NSF, USDA, DOE), and economic development activities administered through UAA's Alaska SBDC, including the State SSBCI program and a Tribal SSBCI Consortium with 125 Alaska Native tribes that deployed $168.7M through 176 loans in 2025. The Alaska 529 College Savings Plan, administered through the UA Foundation, contributes licensing fee revenue and supports statewide education savings. Marketing and distribution span UAOnline portal, physical campuses, extended learning centers, the Alaska SBDC network, and partnership channels with industry (Royal Caribbean Port Partners) and tribal entities.

The system is undergoing active operational transformation: deploying Jaggaer Source-to-Pay procurement technology (target Spring 2027), transitioning to AWARDED scholarship management (October 2025), launching Alaska Unlocked in-state tuition for all UAS undergraduates (Fall 2026), and transitioning presidential leadership from Pat Pitney to Matt Cooper (August 2026). The system emerged from a 2019 financial exigency declaration triggered by a 41% state funding cut and continues to balance enrollment recovery against its constitutional mandate as Alaska's sole public higher education provider.

Name

University of Alaska

Legal name

University of Alaska

Website

https://alaska.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The University of Alaska is a constitutionally established public state university system comprising three accredited institutions (UAA, UAF, UAS) serving ~20,500 students across Alaska with associate-to-doctoral programs, $239.7M in annual research expenditures, and statewide workforce and economic development initiatives including SSBCI small business lending.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Land-Grant Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK), Tuition Assistance & Voucher/ESA Program Administration (EDADAHAF), Rural/Regional Community Colleges (EDAHADAK)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Arctic research programs
• Workforce development training
• Online degree programs
• Small business development

Headquarters

HQ city

Fairbanks

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: The university generates revenue through tuition from undergraduate and graduate students across its three universities. A 4% tuition increase was approved for AY27 to manage rising fixed costs and invest in student mental health support and recruitment/retention efforts.
2. State Funding: The University of Alaska receives state appropriations from the Alaska Legislature. The FY27 operating budget request includes $29 million in state funding increment for salary increases and student support initiatives.
3. Research Grants and Contracts: UAF alone had $256 million in research expenditures in 2025, supported by federal agencies including NSF, USDA, and DOE, as well as private foundations and industry partners.
4. Small Business Development Programs: The Alaska SBDC at UAA administers the State SSBCI program and Tribal SSBCI Consortium, which deployed $168.7 million in investment through 176 loans in 2025. These programs generate administrative funding while supporting economic development.
5. Alaska 529 College Savings Plan: UA administers the Alaska 529 education savings plan, providing families with tax-advantaged savings for education expenses. The plan generates administrative fees and promotes higher education savings statewide.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The University of Alaska is a public state university system delivering higher education, research, and workforce development through three accredited universities (UAA, UAF, UAS), offering approximately 500 degree, certificate, and endorsement programs — from associate degrees through doctorates — to roughly 20,500 students across physical campuses, extended learning centers in rural Alaska, and ~140 online programs. Beyond education, the system supports research (~$239.7M systemwide expenditures) and administers Alaska's 529 education savings plan and SSBCI small business capital programs ($168.7M deployed in 2025).

Product overview

The University of Alaska is a unified university system comprising three separately accredited institutions (UAA, UAF, UAS) offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational services from short-course workforce training through doctoral degrees. The core offering is face-to-face and online higher education across ~500 degree, certificate and endorsement programs serving approximately 20,500 students. Supporting infrastructure includes the UAOnline student portal platform, ~140 eLearning programs, the Alaska 529 College Savings Plan for education savings, and specialized programs like the Arctic Leadership Initiative and UAF's Science & Environmental Journalism Department. Research expenditure totals $239.7 million systemwide, with UAF alone accounting for ~$256 million in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Alaska 529: Alaska's official 529 education savings plan administered by the University of Alaska, offering tax-advantaged savings for higher education expenses.
• Systemwide Attainment Framework

Products and services

• University of Alaska System Degree Programs Higher education degree, certificate, and endorsement programs offered across UAA, UAF, and UAS — covering associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and credential pathways — for Alaska residents and out-of-state students.
• Alaska SBDC Small Business Development Programs (State and Tribal SSBCI) State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs administered by the Alaska SBDC at UAA, providing access to capital, advisory services, and loan guarantees for Alaska small businesses — including a Tribal SSBCI Consortium in partnership with 125 Alaska Native tribes and the Alaska Federation of Natives.
• Alaska 529 College Savings Plan Tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan administered by the University of Alaska, enabling Alaska families to save for higher education expenses nationwide.
• Arctic Leadership Initiative (ALI) Board of Regents priority program developing the next generation of Arctic leaders through student cohorts, early career faculty fellowships, UA President's Arctic Professors, engagement awards, and travel funding for international Arctic conferences.
• UAF Science & Environmental Journalism Department A specialized academic department at UAF focusing on science and environmental journalism, leveraging America's Arctic University positioning and ~$256 million in research expenditures to train the next generation of Arctic-focused science writers.
• UAOnline Student Portal Student information system portal providing access to course registration, financial aid, student accounts, time entry, and other academic/administrative services for UA students and employees.
• Jaggaer Source-to-Pay Procurement Platform System-wide procurement technology platform providing sourcing, purchasing, and payment capabilities with real-time analytics, automated workflows, and improved supplier collaboration across the UA system.
• AWARDED Scholarship Management System New system-wide scholarship management platform improving processing efficiency, transparency, and equity across the UA system.
• University of Alaska eLearning Programs Approximately 140 online and hybrid educational programs enabling remote access to UA coursework and degree programs, including fully online degree completion and the Virginia Western articulation pathway.
• Arctic Research and Sponsored Research Programs Sponsored research programs conducted at the UAF Geophysical Institute, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, and across the UA system — delivering circumpolar research in Arctic science, energy, and environmental systems for federal, foundation, and industry sponsors.
• UAS Master of Public Administration Program Graduate professional degree program offered through the University of Alaska Southeast preparing public administration leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,500 students enrolled in 2025 across the UA system
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Juneau School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026UAS partnership with Juneau School District supports hands-on marine science education as part of NOAA's Sea Week programming. UAS student interns pass along passion for ocean life while gaining career experience.
• Goldbelt Heritage FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2026UAS and Goldbelt Heritage launch Indigenous health and healing learning pathway outlining plan for learning that reflects Indigenous Knowledge, values and approaches to wellness through the Integrative Behavioral Health program.
• Sealaska Heritage InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2026Memorandum of agreement with UAS and Institute of American Indian Arts renews shared commitment to Northwest Coast arts education opportunities, expanding access to traditional art forms and cultural programming.
• Institute of American Indian ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2026Memorandum of agreement with UAS and Sealaska Heritage Institute to expand Northwest Coast art education opportunities through collaborative programming and shared resources.
• Royal Caribbean GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Royal Caribbean Group selected 15 local entrepreneurs in Seward, Alaska for its inaugural Port Partners business accelerator program, a 10-week course taught at AVTEC. Participants receive mentorship and earn three college credits from the University of Alaska system, with top performer eligible for $20,000 in seed funding upon graduation. Aligned with Royal Caribbean's SEA the Future community initiative.
• JaggaercoreTechnology or Integration · 9 January 2026Jaggaer selected as UA's partner for Source-to-Pay (S2P) procurement technology upgrade. The modern platform will provide sourcing, purchasing, and payment capabilities with real-time analytics, automated workflows, and improved supplier collaboration. Full implementation expected by Spring 2027.
• Huron Consulting ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 9 January 2026Huron Consulting Services supports implementation of the Jaggaer Source-to-Pay platform across the UA system, providing change management and technical expertise for the procurement technology transformation.
• Goldbelt Heritage FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Memorandum of understanding establishes a carving work site for a 28-foot yaakw (dugout canoe) on UAS Juneau Campus, fostering collaboration and increasing access to cultural activities. Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price leads the project with apprentices and student carvers. Programming includes field trips for K-12 students.
• Virginia Western Community CollegecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2025Articulation agreement guarantees Virginia Western students will be accepted into UAS Bachelor of Business Administration program with all credits retained. Degree can be completed entirely online, and starting Fall 2026, Virginia students will qualify for in-state tuition under Alaska Unlocked.
• Alaska SBDC NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Alaska SBDC at UAA administers the State SSBCI program and Tribal SSBCI Consortium, which delivered record results in 2025 with $168.7 million in investment through 176 loans to 156 businesses across 50 communities. Programs earned national recognition for impact and reach.
• Alaska Federation of Natives / Alaska Native TribesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025The Alaska SSBCI Tribal Consortium was formed through partnership with 125 Alaska Native tribes and the Alaska Federation of Natives. Deployed $67.3 million in 61 loans to 57 SEDI-owned businesses in its first full year, triple the amount from startup period in 2024.
• Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025AHFC closed a September 2025 deal with the University of Alaska to purchase land for future housing development as part of the Last Frontier Housing Initiative addressing severe housing shortages in remote Alaska communities. Phase II expands to seven additional communities using $22 million in additional resources.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Montana State University: Montana's land-grant research university operating in a similarly low-population, frontier state with comparable research expenditures and rural extension responsibilities. Closely comparable in mission, funding mix, and scale.
• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Hawaii's flagship public research university and the only major research institution in an isolated, non-contiguous state. Shares UA's structural exposure to state appropriations, geographic isolation, and dependence on federal research funding.
• University of Wyoming: The single flagship state research university in a small, resource-dependent state. Comparable in scale, dependence on a single state's appropriations, and land-grant research orientation.
• University of North Dakota: Northern-tier state research university with energy research specialization and a frontier/rural service mission, comparable to UAF's geographic and economic-development positioning.
• Oregon State University: Land-, sea-, and space-grant research university — the only U.S. institution besides UAF sharing all three grant designations. Closest functional peer in research portfolio diversity and federal funding access.
• University of Idaho: Idaho's land-grant research university serving a small, predominantly rural state with comparable research scale and workforce-development responsibilities.
• University of Vermont: Small-state public research university with land-grant status, similar scale of enrollment and research expenditures, and comparable dependence on state appropriations.
• University of Maine: Northern-tier land-grant and sea-grant research university with comparable climate research and rural extension responsibilities, serving a small New England population base.

Broad incumbents

• Michigan Technological University: Public research university in Michigan's Upper Peninsula focused on engineering, environmental sciences, and northern research — broadly comparable in mission and geographic operating context though smaller in enrollment.

Regional players

• llisagvik College: Alaska's only federally recognized tribal college and a local peer in the Alaska higher-education ecosystem, particularly for Alaska Native and rural students served by UA's rural campuses.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ua_system
• Facebookfacebook.com/uasystem
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-alaska-anchorage

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University of Alaska