University of Alaska Fairbanks

Step into a world of unparalleled discovery at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the flagship institution of the University of Alaska system. As a public land-, sea-, and space-grant research university, UAF stands at the forefront of understanding the circumpolar North. It holds the prestigious "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" classification, signifying its commitment to groundbreaking scientific inquiry and innovation that extends far beyond the Last Frontier.

UAF's journey began in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, rooted in a federal agricultural experiment station established in 1906. This early foundation set the stage for a deeply research-oriented university. Over the decades, it evolved, first becoming the University of Alaska in 1935, and then solidifying its identity as the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1975, with a clear mission to be the primary research engine for the state. Its initial campus was thoughtfully laid on Troth Yeddha', a ridge overlooking the Chena River valley, becoming a beacon of higher education in the Arctic.

Academically, UAF offers a rich and diverse learning environment. Prospective students will find a unique array of programs, including those within the nation's first College of Indigenous Studies, established in 2024. Beyond its main campus, UAF extends its reach through six rural and urban campuses and a robust UAF eCampus, ensuring access to quality education across Alaska and beyond. With a student body of 6,640 (Fall 2023) and a guiding motto, "Ad summum" (To the top), UAF empowers its students to reach their highest potential while contributing to vital research in a truly distinctive setting.