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University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Ad summum (Latin)("To the top")

Wikipedia
1954
Founded
Public university
Type
10,796
Total Students
10,162
Undergrad
634
Graduate
$375M
Endowment
(2021)
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Alaska Anchorage

Discover Alaska's largest university, offering diverse programs amidst a stunning frontier.

Nestled in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) stands as the state's largest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning. Since its humble beginnings in 1954 as Anchorage Community College, UAA has grown into a vibrant public university, serving nearly 11,000 students on its main campus and across four community campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. This open-access university is a gateway to diverse opportunities, drawing students from across the state, the nation, and even internationally, including a significant population of student veterans.

UAA is renowned for its wide array of academic offerings, encompassing over 200 programs from certificate levels to associate, baccalaureate, master's, and even doctoral degrees through its Graduate Division and cooperating universities. The university's academic structure includes five main instructional units on the Anchorage campus: the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Policy, Community and Technical College, College of Engineering, and College of Health. These colleges are committed to providing robust education, with UAA holding accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, ensuring a high standard of academic excellence.

Beyond its academic rigor, UAA offers a unique student experience shaped by its Alaskan location. The campus, spanning 1,702 acres in the University-Medical District, provides a dynamic learning environment just miles from downtown Anchorage. It's a place where traditional and non-traditional students alike can thrive, benefiting from a supportive community and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. UAA truly lives up to its Latin motto, "Ad summum" – "To the top," empowering students to reach their highest potential in a distinctive and inspiring setting.

Key Highlights

  • Alaska's largest institution of higher learning, with over 10,700 students.
  • Administers four community campuses across Southcentral Alaska, expanding educational access.
  • Offers over 200 programs, ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees.
  • Main campus spans 1,702 acres in Anchorage's University-Medical District.
  • Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
  • Home to the state's largest population of student veterans.
  • Proudly carries the Latin motto "Ad summum" ("To the top").

Timeline

1954
Anchorage Community College (ACC) founded
1962
ACC incorporated into the University of Alaska statewide system
1960
University of Alaska, Anchorage Senior College (ASC) established (late 1960s)
1971
First commencement held for ACC and ASC students
1977
ASC became a four-year university and was renamed University of Alaska, Anchorage (UA,A)
1987
ACC and UA,A merged to become the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
🏛️
72 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

11 notable schools within University of Alaska Anchorage

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

💼

College of Business and Public Policy

📚

School of Education

Its Advanced Preparation program successfully renewed CAEP-accreditation in 2021.

🏫

College of Health and Social Welfare

🏥

Medical School

Operates within the multi-state WWAMI partnership.

💉

School of Nursing

🏫

School of Social Work

🏫

Community and Technical College

⚙️

College of Engineering

🏫

University Honors Program

🎓

Graduate School

Administers master's degrees, graduate certificates, and facilitates PhD programs.

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